ODL Tubular Skylight User Manual

Installation Instructions

TUBULAR
SKYLIGHT

CALL US FIRST

Do not return to the store!

For assistance with your Tubular Skylight installation,
or for additional product information, call our
toll-free customer service number:

1-866-635-4968, or visit us online at www.odl.com.

Important

Be sure to first read through and then follow
completely all step-by-step instructions.
This will help to insure proper installation
and functionality. Expect installation to take
from 1 to 3 hours.

3

Section-i

What You Need To Know

REVIEW THIS INFORMATION PRIOR TO BEGINNING INSTALLATION

These instructions have been designed to help install your ODL® Tubular Skylight easily and safely. We’ve included a parts
list, list of tools required, installation instructions for a variety of ceiling types, handy tips, and safety precautions. Please
read these instructions thoroughly before installing your ODL® Tubular Skylight. Pay particular attention to the assembly
diagrams, assembly order, and part names. Identify and organize all parts before assembly. Make a list of the tools and
components you will need for each installation location. Following these instructions carefully will greatly enhance your
ability to install your tubular skylight and enjoy flawless performance for many years.

Caution

The tubular skylight is not designed to hold your
weight or the weight of tools or other objects.
Walking/placing objects on the skylight could cause
personal injury and property damage. A damaged
skylight should be repaired immediately.

For safe installation and use, do not deviate from
these installation instructions.

Warning:

Working on a roof is potentially dangerous but
you can significantly reduce the risk by following
these precautions:

• Never work in wet, windy or cold conditions.
Roofing materials can be slippery when wet;
asphalt shingles are brittle when cold and may
crumble underfoot. Plan your installation for
a calm, dry day.

• Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.

WARNING

POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. After removing

the film lining from the interior of tube shaft,

a reflective inner surface is created. DO NOT
leave tube shaft components unattended or

exposed to direct sunlight prior to full installation.

Exposed surfaces may catch fire or incur heat

damage as a result of focused sunlight until the

tube shaft is fully installed with diffuser in place.

Pre Installation Checklist:

Tube Installation/Location

• Your tubular skylight kit comes with enough
tubing for a 48" installation – if you require
more tubing, you can purchase additional
extension tubes through your retailer.

• For best results always attempt to install the tube
as straight as possible (this would locate the
dome/flashing directly above the ceiling diffuser).

• Make sure that the location you pick on your roof
for your dome/flashing is exposed to direct sunlight
throughout the day. You will not want any trees,
chimneys, etc. to cast a shadow on your tube.

• Before installation, carefully survey the attic area
of your desired location. Make sure your tube can
avoid any wiring, plumbing, roof valleys, ceiling
mounted registers/fans, etc.

For cathedral ceiling, see Section 10.
For long tube shaft installation, see Section 11.
For metal roof installations, see Section 12.
For tile roof installations, see Section 13.
For 14” skylight with 16” on-center rafter spacing
see Section 4.

Building Codes:

• Consult your local building official about local
construction ordinances before starting your installation.

• Consult your community covenants. Some subdivisions may
not allow tubes on the street side of home.

Determining roof pitch:

• “Roof Pitch” is how far the roof drops vertically
for every 12” of horizontal run.

• ODL Tubular Skylights are for roof slopes of 3:12 to 12:12.

Safety information:

• Wear safety glasses and work gloves when
using power tools.

• Use protective work gloves while handling tube
sections to protect hands from sharp edges.

2

Section-ii

Limited Warranty for ODL Tubular Skylights

Visit odl.com/warranty_SKY.htm,

for warranty registration.

To validate your warranty,

please register online within 10 days.

Tell us more...

Rate your new ODL product at odl.com

Effective 02/04

2. The Customer must use reasonable diligence to include
in the written claim all of the following:

a. An adequate description of the claimed defect(s);
b. Identification of Product (size, design, type and model
number).; c. Date of the Customer’s purchase, place of purchase,
and the date of delivery to the Customer.

3. The Consumer must, if requested by ODL, permit ODL
or its representative to inspect the Product either in person
or via appropriate photographs of said Product.

Warranty Coverage

Subject to the conditions, exclusions and limitations herein,
ODL Incorporated (“ODL”) warrants that its Tubular Skylight
Product (“Product”) is free from defects in material and
workmanship that would render the Product unfit for its
normal and recommended use.

THIS LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY APPLIES AND EXTENDS
ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASING THIS
PRODUCT. THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY BEGINS
ON THE DATE OF PURCHASE BY THE CONSUMER.

Exclusions from Coverage

This warranty does not cover:

• Defects or damages arising out of shipment by common
carriers, private transportation or other means of
transportation.

• Defects or damages arising out of improper handling or
cleaning, defective or improper installation (including
installation not in accordance with ODL’s installation
instructions), accident, act of God, intentional human act,
misuse or abuse, or any other circumstances beyond the
control of ODL.

• Products installed in or submitted to high heat, high moisture,
high vibration, or extreme temperature changes.

• Products subjected to stress resulting from (i) localized
application of heat, (ii) movement of building and /or building
components, or (iii) expansion or contraction of framing
members.

• Replacement products beyond the balance of the remaining
warranty period applicable to the original Product or
accessory which is replaced.

• Labor, shipping or other charges incurred or claimed
by the Customer.

• Accessories, flashing or other installation materials
manufactured or sold by persons other than ODL.

Warranty Claim Procedures

If the Customer discovers a defect in the Product or an
accessory which is covered by this warranty, the Customer must
follow this procedure:

1. The Customer must promptly call Customer Service at
1-866-635-4968, or present a written claim to the Customer
Service Manager, ODL Incorporated, 215 East Roosevelt Avenue,
Zeeland, Michigan 49464.

Remedies

After receiving a valid claim, ODL will, at its option, provide
a replacement Product (or part, as appropriate) of like kind
and design.

If ODL elects to provide a replacement Product, the limited
warranty on the replacement will last only for the balance of
the original Product warranty period. If the Customer fails to
provide satisfactory proof of the date of purchase, the date of
manufacture shall be used instead.

ODL’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO
THE ABOVE, AND ODL WILL IN NO EVENT BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR SHIPPING, LABOR, REMOVAL OF ORIGINAL PRODUCT,
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PRODUCT, FINISHING
EXPENSES, OR OTHER CHARGES, COSTS OR CLAIMS
INCURRED BY THE CONSUMER.

Disclaimer of Warranty

NO IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, SHALL APPLY TO THE PRODUCT (OR ANY
REPLACEMENT) BEYOND THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN
WARRANTY. (Some states or provinces do not allow limitations
on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation
may not apply to you.)

Limitation of Remedies

THE REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE THE CONSUMER’S
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
NEGLIGENCE. IN NO CASE SHALL ODL BE LIABLE TO THE
CONSUMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY GENERAL,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
(Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations
or exclusions may not apply to you.)

Unless modified in a later writing signed by both ODL and
Consumer, this warranty is the complete and exclusive warranty
related to the Product, and it supersedes all earlier agreements
and other communications relating to the Product. No employee
of ODL or any other party is authorized to make any warranty in
addition to this warranty. Invalidation of any one or more of the
other provisions of this warranty shall not invalidate or affect one
of the other provisions. This warranty is not transferable.

This warranty gives the Consumer specific legal rights, and the
Consumer may also have other legal rights which may vary from
state to state.

3

5

Section-iii

Tools & Parts Identification

TOOLS

Carpenter Pencil

Claw Hammer

Coat Hanger Wire

Flat Pry Bar

Ladder

Metal Shears

Phillips Screwdriver

Plumb Line

Power Drill

Power Saw

Safety Equipment

Measuring Tape

Non-Curing/Non-Hardening
Roof Sealant (Not provided in kit)

Exterior Silicone
(Not provided in kit)

PARTS

Solar Lens® Dome
(10” Dome shown)

Roof Flashing
(Composite flashing shown)

Adjustable Tubes

Optional Spun Aluminum
Roof Flashing
(Non Formable)

Optional Formable
Aluminum Roof Flashing

Underlayment

(4) dome washers

Other Roofing
Applications

Formable Aluminum Flashing
(All pitched roof types - including
Metal, Tile, and Shingled
Applications)

Secondary Underlayment Flashing
(Required for use w/ Formable
Flashing)

Seamless Aluminum Flashing
(Flat Roof Applications)

Severe Weather Tube
w/ Seamless Aluminum Flashing
(Severe Weather Regions / Dade
County & Texas Gulf Coast
approved)

Ceiling Ring with Flip Tabs

Low-Profile Insulated
Diffuser Lens Assembly

NOTE

Read through the section specific to your roof for
additional parts and tools.

4

(4) 3/4” dome screws

(9) 2” flashing screws

(9) flashing washers

(1) roll of foil tape

(2) hole cutting templates

Section-1

Determine The Desired Position
Of The Tubular Skylight In The Ceiling

TOOLS & PARTS

Carpenter Pencil

Claw Hammer

Coat Hanger Wire

Measuring Tape

Phillips Screwdriver

1

These instructions outline the step-by-step process to install an
ODL Tubular Skylight. Before starting, review all instructions and
become familiar with the parts shown on the previous page.

SPECIAL NOTES

• Always use safe procedures.

• Wear safety glasses when working with tools.

• Check all measurements before cutting or drilling.

• It is helpful to have a second person assist during installation.

Using a stud finder or hammer, find a location

1

between the ceiling joists. Push a screwdriver or nail
through the desired position.

Cut and insert a section of coat hanger wire through
the hole. This will make it easier to identify the hole
location in the attic.

NOTE

Refer to Pre-installation Checklist for tube location tips
in section i.

In the attic, locate the coat hanger wire. Adjust its

2

location, centering the opening for the tube between
the framing members. Check wire visibility in the
ceiling below as well as from the hole that will be cut
in the roof.

2

5

7

Section-2

Locating The Roof Position

TOOLS & PARTS

Carpenter Pencil

Claw Hammer

Ladder

Measuring Tape

Phillips Screwdriver

Plumb Line

Safety Equipment

Straight Tube Installation

1

In the attic, use a plumb line to find a straight
location from the ceiling hole to the roof location.
Center the opening for the tube between the framing
members. Drive a nail up into the roof deck and
through the shingles.

2

Angled Tube Installation

In the attic, if there are obstructions at the roof
location (valleys, wires, pipes, ducts, framing, etc.),
adjust tubes up to a combined 45° angle to find a
path that avoids interference. Center the opening for
the tube between the framing members. Drive a nail
up into the roof deck and through the shingles.

NOTE

Trial-fitting your tubing will help in determining
adjustablilty and need for additional extensions.

Straight Tube Installation Angled Tube Installation

1

2

6

Section-3

Prepare The Components

TOOLS & PARTS

Adjustable Tubes

Hole Cutting Template

Remove protective film from inside all tubes.

1

1

11

WARNING

POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. After removing

the film lining from the interior of tube shaft,

a reflective inner surface is created. DO NOT
leave tube shaft components unattended or

exposed to direct sunlight prior to full installation.

Exposed surfaces may catch fire or incur heat

damage as a result of focused sunlight until the

tube shaft is fully installed with diffuser in place.

CAUTION

From the hardware pack, be sure to use the correct
hole cutting template for the selected tube size.

10” Template

14” Template

TIP

It is recommended that you put all of your tools and
rooftop components in a box or bag for easy transfer
to the roof. See Section 4.

7

9

Section-4a

On The Roof

TOOLS & PARTS

Carpenter Pencil

Ladder

Safety Equipment

Power Drill

Power Saw

Hole Cutting Template

10” Template

1

14” Template

IMPORTANT

For 14” skylight with 16” on-center
rafter spacing, see below.

See Section 12 for metal roof installation.
See Section 13 for tile roof installation.

Select the correct hole cutting template for the tube

1

(10” or 14”).

Locate the protruding nail. Use the correct hole-

2

cutting template to trace the diameter of the outer
template hole.

Use a reciprocating/sabre saw to cut the roof hole.

3

TIP

Drill a hole inside the traced circle to insert saw blade.

IMPORTANT

For 14” skylight with 16” on-center rafter spacing, the
14” template will draw a line that overlaps the rafters.
Be sure to adjust your cutting angle to avoid cutting into
the rafters. (See illustration)

Rafter

Traced Line

2

Cut Line

3

8

Section-4b

On The Roof

TOOLS & PARTS

Caulk Gun

TIP

The vertical seam of the reflective tube should point to
the East or West to avoid irregular light patterns in your
room.

Claw Hammer

Flat Pry Bar

Ladder

Phillips Screwdriver

2” Screws

3/4” Washers

Roofing Sealant

Safety Equipment

Roof Flashing

Top Adjustable Tube

2

Sealant

Use a flat pry bar to carefully break the seals on

1

the shingles upslope above the cuthole. Use a claw
hammer to remove nails on the shingles above the
cut hole.

Generously apply roof sealant around bottom of

2

flashing. Slide top and sides of roof flashing under
top shingles.

IMPORTANT

For short shaft cathedral style installation
see Section 10. Do not install dome yet.

Slide Top Adjustable Tube (pink label) into the flashing

3

to check for proper alignment.

Secure flashing to roof with 2” Flashing Screws and

4

Washers. For aluminum flashing (Both Spun Severe
Weather & Formable. See images on pg. 4), use 9 screws
& washers in an evenly spaced, circular pattern around
the 10” or 14” hole. The circular pattern should be
a 21” diameter for the 10” unit and a 24” diameter
pattern on the 14” unit.
For injection molded flashing, use 8 screws and washers
in the preformed holes for the 10” and 14” unit.
Seal screw heads with roof sealant.
Spun aluminum flashing does not have pre-drilled holes.

Optional Spun Aluminum Roof Flashing

(Non Formable)

3

1

4

2

1

2

4

9

Section-4c

On The Roof

TOOLS & PARTS

Ladder

Phillips Screwdriver

Safety Equipment

3/4” Dome Screws

For angled tube installation, reach and adjust the

1

Adjustable Tube so it points to the wire in the ceiling,
or adjust the angle of the tube and then insert tube
into flashing.

NOTE

Adjust tubes by lightly turning, using one hand on each end.

Dome Washers

Top Adjustable Tube

Solar Dome

Exterior Clear Pure Silicone

TOP

1

Using the 3/4”dome screws and dome washers

2

(dome washers have the rubber backing – rubber
backing should face the dome), mount the dome on
the flashing aligning the “N” (molded into outer edge
of the dome) towards the North.

TIP

Dome screws should be snug but do not over tighten
creating pressure against the dome.

Cover dome screw heads and washers with an

3

exterior silicone .

Align Toward North

Mount Dome

2

10