The Mega Guide to Sun Tunnels
If you’re looking to increase the level of natural daylight in your home, then you’ve undoubtedly considered fitting a roof window. However, installing a roof window isn’t always possible and, when it is, can be a serious undertaking. This is due to roof windows only being suitable on roof spaces with a minimum pitch of 15 and you having to consider the appropriate flashing kit for your application.
Sun tunnels are an increasingly popular alternative. Unlike roof windows, they cause minimal disruption during installation and sit discretely on the outside of your roof. All the while sun tunnels flood your home or office with a comparable level of light as roof windows. This is achieved through the use of a unique light-diffusing glass and a highly reflective tube.
Choosing the Right Sun Tunnel for You
Sun tunnels are available in both rigid and flexible varieties. Whilst both fill your home with a similar level of natural daylight, they are purposely designed for different applications. Therefore, before purchasing your sun tunnel you must consider which of these are best suited for your project.
Rigid Sun Tunnels
Rigid sun tunnels feature a straight tube that directs light wherever you need it. These tunnels can’t be easily bent or angled, therefore making them ideal for empty roof spaces. Rigid sun tunnels provide the greatest level of light transmission due to them offering a single uninterrupted channel of light.
Flexible Sun Tunnels
Flexible sun tunnels can be easily bent or angled, allowing you to divert around any infrastructure located in your roof space. Due to light bouncing off the reflective sides of the tube as it bends, a flexible sun tunnel provides less light transmission than a rigid alternative.
Selecting the Size of Your Sun Tunnel
Sun tunnels are available in various sizes, with each being designed for different applications. The majority of manufacturers offer them with a diameter of either 10 or 14 inches. Knowing which diameter is most suitable for your project will ensure that you achieve the ideal level of natural daylight in your bedroom, bathroom, hallway or living room.
A sun tunnel with a 10-inch diameter is ideal for hallways, stairwells and other walkways. You may also use a 10-inch sun tunnel within small rooms, such as ensuite bathrooms or home offices that are no greater than 10m2 in size. A single sun tunnel will typically provide enough natural daylight for a room of this size.
If you’re looking to fit a sun tunnel in a room between 11m2and 22m2, then you are best suited to use one with a 14-inch diameter. This includes larger bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms. In larger rooms you will typically use multiple sun tunnels to maximise the amount of natural daylight.
Choice of Sun Tunnel Brands
There are various sun tunnel manufacturers. Whilst each of these craft similar products, there are a handful of brands that are widely recognised for designing high quality and innovative solutions for those looking to fill their home or office with light.
VELUX offer both rigid and flexible sun tunnels for both pitched and flat roof projects. This makes them the ideal choice for virtually any project. You simply need to choose the diameter you require and any accessories you may want, such as their low-energy light kit.
Have More Questions About Sun Tunnels?
With years of experience in roofing, our team have a wealth of knowledge to help you with your upcoming project. Simply speak to our team online or by telephone and they’ll help you pick the ideal sun tunnel for your project, whether it be for a small hallway or large bedroom.