Finding the cause is the first step for addressing condensation.  Once the cause has been addressed then there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for condensation.  Listed below are just a few steps that can be done to help minimize the occurrence of condensation.

1.  Always make sure round holes are cut in the roof deck, whether using the self flashing or the curbmounted cap.  Square holes cut in the roof deck will let too much warm moist air into the flashing or curb cavity.

2.  Install a flashing insulator.  The flashing insulator reduces the amount of warmer air from the interior of a building from hitting the cold metal underside of the flashing.  When installing a flashing insulator on a curbmounted unit, set the flashing insulator with a spray adhesive to the roof deck, centering over the round hole in the roof deck.

3. Pushing insulation material into the space between the flashing and the tubing will reduce the volume of warm interior air that can hit the colder metal of the flashing.  Where curbs are used, push insulation into the cur cavity, filling the curb cavity's air space to equalize the temperature.

4.  Seal the penetration where the tubing comes through the roof deck to mitigate warm, moist air from making contact with the flashing.  An expanding foam sealant or insulation are the most common ways of sealing the penetration where the tube comes through the roof deck.

5.  Ensure the dome is not incorrectly sealed onto the flashing.  Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed to allow some air transfer from the interior of the system to the exterior.  This allows moist air to escape, while also enabling any droplets of water, which may have formed on the dome, to escape via weep holes in the dome.

6.  Insulate the tubing in extreme cold climates.  Wrapping the tubing in insulation will help reduce the possibility of condensation.  Be sure to insulate the entire tube run from the roof deck to the ceiling plane leaving no gaps in the insulation.

7. When penetrating the ceiling, if a vapor barrier was present, ensure that the vapor barrier is maintained and sealed off once the Solatube Daylighting System has been installed.

For further details on how to address condensation, please contact your Solatube International representative.