A Guide to Sun Tunnels
A guide to Sun Tunnels
There is not much science behind the design of a Sun Tunnel Rooflight. Glazing installed in to the roof area, with a highly reflective tube or tunnel that sends sunlight through to the room below – simple! But there are a few options available on the market and choosing the right product for you will make all the difference to achieving your final goal.
Sun Tunnels are also referred to as Sun Tubes, Solar Tubes, Light Tunnels, Solar Pipes and Tubular Skylights.
Sun Tunnels are a perfect option for providing natural light into corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, small rooms and cupboards, under pitched or flat roofs, where installation of a roof window or flat roof rooflight is not possible.
Sun Tunnels are also a cheaper alternative to Roof Windows or Flat Roof Skylights which is why they are becoming a more and more popular choice of Skylight to install.
So there a few options available but nothing majorly different between manufacturers, so you shouldnt get a headache when choosing the right Sun Tunnel for you. Lets run over the options.
Rigid or Flexible Sun Tunnel?
Probably the most common question asked. Should I get a Flexible Tube or Rigid Tube Sun Tunnel? Now typically a Rigid Tube does give better light transmittance, but this doesnt mean you should write-off a Flexi Tube just yet.
Rigid Sun Tubes
The more expensive option of the two tubes but they do offer a direct path to the room below and usually give off more light compared to a flexi tube.
What distance does your Tube need to travel? If you have a long distance to travel from the Glazing to the Room (Over 2 meters) I would suggest a rigid tube to get the maximum daylight. But note that most Flexi Tube Kits come with a 2 – 3 Meter Tube so this is still an option. If you have a lot of bends in the tube then a Flexi Tube will be easier when it comes to installation; and cheaper!
Rigid Tubes can be purchased with additional Elbows and Straight Pipe sections if needed.
Flexi Tube
Perfect for shorter distances, especially on Flat Roofs where you may not need any more than a meter of tube! In this sort of scenario you wouldnt see a huge difference between the two tubes so a Flexi Tube is the obvious choice, being the cheaper of the two.
What size Sun Tunnel do I need for my room?
Most Sun Tube Kits are available in sizes from 250mm Diameter to 550mm Diameter. This gives you a good range to choose from depending on the size of the room you are trying to brighten.
250mm Sun Tube – Perfect for room sizes up to 10m2. (Hallways, Small Bathrooms)
350 – 450mm Sun Tubes – Perfect for rooms 10 to 15m2. Larger Hallways, Stairwells and Bathrooms.
550mm Sun Tube – Ideal for rooms 15 – 22m2. Kitchens, Bedrooms, Living Rooms.
We always reccomend installing the largest size you can in to any room, it may mean that if you have a very large room you will need multiple Tunnels to get the best result.
Can a Sun Tunnel work on my roof?
Yes! Is the answer in short. Sun Tunnels have been designed to work on Flat Roofs as well as Pitched Roofs. We have put these in to two categories on our website.
Flat Roof Kits usually consist of a Dome Glazing and don’t usually require a flashing kit. They would require the flashing of the waterproofing you are using on the flat roof, to be lapped up the timber upstand (Or PVC Upstand if the kit offers this) Flat Roof kits will work with EPDM, Felt, GRP and all Single Ply Membranes on the market.
Pitched Roof Kits usually come with a choice of flashing kits to suit the Tile or Slate you are using. This includes Plain Tiles, Plain Slates, High Profile Tiles and even Corrugated Roofs.
Both kits usually come in the same range of sizes and both options will offer the Flexible or Rigid Tube system.
Glazing options
Typically you will find that Flat Roof Kits come with a Domed Polycarbonate Glazing, to ensure rainwater runs off the Glazing.
Pitched Roof Kits do also offer this type of glazing, but at The Skylight Company we have chosen a range of contemporary and minimal glazing options.
Our kits for Pitched Roofs will offer a flush, flat glass glazing. As this options is a lot less visible, we feel this gives the best aesthetical finish. This also allows you to blend the glazing in with existing windows and blend in with your roof material.
Our Flat Roof Kits come with a clear polycarbonate glazing, which gives maximum daylight entry.
Currently we offer kits from FAKRO, VELUX and our own Sun Tunnels. All of which are usually availble in a matter of days. Each kit has slightly different visuals but the principle of each kit is the same.
If you are still unsure of anything then do not hesitate to call our team today.
Comments (84)
Still unsure about the sun tunnel for our living room, we wonder how it would look on the inside on the ceiling . Could you describe or is there something we could look at ? Best Regards
Hi Charles,
Internal shot of the Em-Tube:
I have a roomthat is 12 x 12 and was wondering if 4 14 Inch tubes would be enough to bring light into the room.
Hello Barry – Yes, absolutely!
I am interested in receiving information. I live in Glasgow in a conservation area B Listed top floor attic flat.
Hi Kate,
Please feel free to call us on 01773 441952 and we will be more than happy to help.
Our pitched roof sun tubes are suitable for conservation areas.
I have a small pitched roof that l estimate a sun tunnel of approximately 700mm is required.
Are the supplied sun tunnels easily cut to the required length.
Hello David,
The Flexible tube sun tunnels can be cut with a stanley knife and are relaitively easy to install. The rigid tube sun tunnels are supplied in set lengths, usually around 600mm each piece but can still be cut to size.
550mm is the largest diameter we currently have to offer.
If you need anything else please do let me know.
I live in a ground floor maisonette with no roof access and am doing building work soon. I will have an ensuite with no window that I’d like to get natural light. Would it be feasible to install one of these on an external wall (rather than on the roof) and then pipe the light horizontally to the ensuite, which would only be about 2.5m away?
Hi Richard,
It’s not something I know has been done, the only issue I see you facing is flashing the external end of the tube.
I will consult manufacturing and see if they have any further information.
But feel free to contact our sales team on 01773 441952
Hello ,
I am looking at options to lighten up a space of a flat roof extension but the roof in total from ceiling to external covering is only going to be between 250 and 270mm thick depending on chosen insulation thickness.
Can a flexi tube be cut down that much and still offer good light ?
I would be looking at a 350mm flat roof kit as that would fit nicely between my 400mm centred joists.
Regards,
David
Hi David,
Yes absolutely the Flexi tube can be trimmed to size to suit your requirements 🙂
Can you remove the top of a curved sun tunnel to vacuum the tube?
Can you remove the top from a curved sun tunnel to vacuum clean the tube?
This is all down to the manufacturers design. Most of the time yes you can remove the Glazing, but some designs may not allow this to be done.
Usually you can remove the internal diffuser also.
Hi, Clearly the purpose is to get more light into the room, but is it possible to get covers/blinds for the inside of a tunnel fitted to say a bedroom, so that the room can be darkened when needed?
Hello Paul,
Currently none of the suppliers offer a blind for the Sun Tubes I am afraid.
Hello
Can the sun tunnel terminate into an wall at 90 degrees ?
Would the rigid or flexi be best for this-?
Thanks
Hi,
Is there a sun tunnel out there that also adds ventilaiton as well as sunlight? Our bathroom sits under the loft in our house, has no windows but does have extractor fan. Some natural light and fresh air would be great…
Hello Tom,
I would give sales a call and they can check with the different manufacturers of the Sun Tubes. I believe certain types like the VELUX Sun Sube has the option for a Ventilation Outlet Kit.
Hello. Just wondering if you could advise. For max light transmittance into an upstairs hallway would it be best to have a solid tube on North side roof (around 1.5m), or a a flexible tube from South side roof (about 3.5m)? Many thanks. Andy
Andrew,
That’s a tough one! Is it a pitched roof? South facing Rigid Tube I believe would be the best option. Some Tubes offer the option to have a Lightbulb to be fitted also just in case you need that extra light on certain days.
Our post code is BN236AF no.35. Can you send any brochure and prices and anyone local who could fit one for us ?. We have a pitched roof bungalow and need to bring light through loft void and into lounge 8m x6 m. Hope you can help. Many thanks Malcolm.
Regards
Ray Cummings
Hi Ray,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help! Or pop us an email 🙂
Hi
Please could you answer my below enquiries
1. Do we have a provision to close/cover the sun tunnel from inside to stop the light when not needed as I need to install one in my bedroom
2. Is it possible to fix the top on the roof and tunnel it through an outside wall for an inside room
3. How many tunnels I would need in a room of 3.2x 2.7 m and how big the tunnels needs to be
Hello Renosh,
Currently we dont offer a blind for the sun tubes.
I would advise speaking to your builder in regards to the fitting.
And 1 x 550mm Tunnel should be more than enoough for that size room.
🙂
Hello,
Living in Medway and can’t find anyone to fit a suntunnel. It is not a complex job.
Please can you advise any person or company to do the job.
Hi we have an extension on our kitchen, which is our dinning room.. we have natural light in there via a window and patio doors.. (this has a flat roof)
we would like to get more light into the kitchen area. Can light tubes be installed at an angle so the right in directed into the kitchen from the flat roof?
thank you
Hello Debra,
Yes, absolutely. You can use either Flexi Tube or Rigid Tube kits.
Is it possible to run a tunnel from a loft to the ground floor, taking up some of the space on the first floor for the tube to come through?
In theory yes. You can run the tube for as long as you wish but the longer the tube the less light transmission you will recieve typically.
Is the use of a sun tunnel subject to heat loss and are they susceptible to condensation especially in the winter?
Is there a list of recommended builders experienced with fitting sun tunnels ?
Hi Danny,
Where are you based?
If you pop us an email we can send ove the manuals and brochures that will have all the information you need 🙂
Hi – is it possible to connect a flexi tube sun tunnel with a rigid tube sun tunnel?
Thanks!
Replacing the tube or connecting Flexi Tube to Rigid Tube?
It can be done but you may need some extra materials.
Hi. Can a sun tunnel be angled back on itself (a bit like the top half of an ‘S’ without the bottom line)? It is being installed in a pitched roof with a valley that restricts roof location.
Regards,
Hello Malcom,
Yes this can be done with the Flexi option 🙂
Can you send me a list of builders who fit sun tunnels/funnel for a pitch roof in the Teesside area. Thank you.
Hi Malcolm,
Give sales an email on Sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk and we should be able to assist.
Many thanks.
Will a light tube work roof through to ground floor and do sizes vary?
In theory you can run the tube anywhere, Flexi tubes are restricted to length but Rigid can be made to any length.
Do you install as well as supply?
Sorry we do not install.
Hi I would like a quote to have two sun tunnels fitted please
Hi Tracy,
We dont do installations but if you give us a call we may have a contractor we can recommend for you.
Good afternoon. I have a 14′ x 11′ dining room which is quite dark as we have no natural light Can you advise me on what size light tube it will need . I have a tiled pitched roof. Do you fit the light tubes
Hi Keith,
Give sales an email on Sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk and we should be able to assist.
Many thanks.
Is there a maximum Length and a minimum Bend radius?
We have an inner hall 3mx3m and 3m high. (property is 3 stories high)
We can fit a dome on a flat roof and do a straight vertical run down through 2 stories to the ceiling on the ground floor. (approx 6m). That puts light into the corner of the inner hallway. Ideally we want to then turn 90 degrees and go a further 1.5m to the centre of the hall where the internal lens would be sited. The hall has a false ceiling around 0.3 to 0.4m deep.
Is this feasible?
Hi Steve,
Give sales an email on Sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk and we should be able to assist.
Many thanks.
Hi,
I’m interested in getting a light tunnel and was hoping you’d be able to provide a quote? I live in Newbury do you cover this area?
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Please give us a call and we should be able to assist 🙂
Looking at installing a couple of lights. Would you go for a 3 meter south facing or 1.5 meter north facing. Do you supply to Republic of Ireland. Thanks Danny
Hi Danny,
Give us a call and one of the team will be able to assist 🙂
Hi there, Is it possible buy TWO sets, but JOIN the tubes coming from both sides of my pitched roof (East & West) -to make ONE -that terminates in the ceiling ? Thank you
I do not believe any of the manufacturers offer a Y piece im afraid.
Give our sales team a call just in case though!
Hello, please can you tell me if I would have much reduced light in sun tunnel if I had to put two bends (or curves) in the flexi tunnel
Hi Kaye,
Pop our sales team an email or give us a call and we should be able to help!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
hi,
Looking to run a sun pipe down to ground floor. I am able to hide pipe in boxing in first floor on edge of room but looking to be able run sun pipe at 90degrees within floor joist 170mm for a while to get me into the middle of the room below.
Do you have any piping / ducting which would fit inside the 170mm floor void square or round which would allow another 90degree out to the ceiling.? Is Solid pipe better that Flexi with regard to losses? Would this just be all Flexi pipe in this scenario?
Also with regard outlets on the ceiling, do you have different options of size shape etc.
Hi Jason,
Pop our sales team an email or give us a call and we should be able to help!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
Hi, it is possible to reduce the external reflection from a sun tunnel which may ‘blind’ neighbours on bright days? Thank you.
Hey Sarah! Give our sales team a call or email and they will be happy to help!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
David, hi
I have a two story mid-terraced 19th centuary house with a pitched roof and three large skylight windows. Would I be able light my ground floor lounge with a sun tunnel?
Is it possible to have a sun tube fitted between internal plasterboard walls? I have a bright sunny utility room with a large window on the ground floor South facing side of my house. Our kitchen is in the adjoining room on the north side of the house. The sun tube would need to be just below ceiling height just above the fitted wall cupboards.
Hey Julie! Give our sales team a call or email and they will be happy to help!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
Hi there – I’m considering installing a sun tunnel into the living room. The TV is placed on the wall opposite where the sun tunnel would be placed. I’m concerned about glare/ reflection off the TV during the day. Do you know anything about this? Is it the same as say having a light on or is it more diffused than that? The distance from the TV to the sun tunnel is about 3 meters.
Hey Vania! Give our sales team a call or email and they will be happy to help!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
I am creating a landing hallway to reach a new 2-storey extension. My upstairs landing/hallways have no windows currently. The only natural light that is brought in to the space is from bedrooms/bathroom with doors left open.
The corridor will be 1m wide by 4.5m long, 2.4m high. We’ve planned for 3x 14″ flexi sun tunnels with one at each end and one in the middle.
Is this overkill?
Hey Gideon! Give our sales team a call or email and they will be happy to help!
But we don’t think this is overkill, you can never have too much natural daylight!
sales@theskylightcompany.co.uk
01773 441952
Hi I need day light in to my bathroom the roof is pitched but my next door nabors house is higher than mine so his gable end over shadows my roof and unfortunately we’re I need the tunnel is close to his gable end wall would the tunnel still work it would have to be the rigged one as I need it 3.5 meters long regs Paul
I am refurbishing an old Victorian property which has a cast iron skylight located over the stairwell, the size of window approx’ 570 x 370 with a roof thickness of approx. 210mm.
My roofing contractor has suggested replacing the window with a light tunnel / tube. Would this be possible with the sizes provided, the roofing contractor being concerned whether the roof thickness is suitable believing a greater roof thickening may be required for a tube or tunnel?.
Hi do you make a square skylight with the internal light square not round
Hi Trevor,
We offer a large range of square and rectangular options. But if you need something with the light tunnel, then it would be circular only.
Hi
Ive just Had a Pegola fitted to the back of my house , this has made the kitchen area Dark. Would it be possible to install a light tunnel from the side wall then in roof of kitchen ? Or would it have to come from roof?
Hi Jackie,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help!
What do you call the thing that attaches to the internal room ceiling?
Ceiling Ring Diffuser.
Hi,
We have a corridor approx. 3.5′ x 9′ followed by very dark corridor end approx 9′ x 9′.
How many 14″ Sun Tunnels do I need to cover both areas? Would 1x 14″ Sun Tunnel in the centre of the 9’x9′ area, light up both areas?
Hi Volkan,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help!
Good morning, I have a hallway which is 1m x 4m with no natural light and a kitchen which is 3m x 3m that has some natural light but requires artifical lighting on most days can you advise me on what size and quantity of sun tunnels would be best , the length of the tunnels would be between 1 and 2 metres mounted on a west facing roof. Many thanks , David.
Hi David,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help!
Would it be possible to install a sun tunnel in attic rooms where the distance between the top of the roof and ceiling is no more than the depth of the rafter, slates and plasterboard?
The roof is slated and the pitch is about 35 degrees.
Hi Chris,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help!
Hi, we have a 4m X 4m approx room with no windows or external walls. It would be possible to add a sun tunnel or two from a pitched roof (North East facing) with only approx 600-700mm tube required. Ideally we’d like to minimize the size of the internal end size. Would you think 1 or 2 tunnels would be required…the room does not need to be super bright. Also what tunnel would you recommend.
Many thanks
Hi Ed,
If you give our sales team a call on 01773 441952 – They will be happy to help!