What is a Sun Tunnel and A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Home

Table Of Content

• What is a Sun Tunnel?
• What are the types of Sun Tunnels?
  • Rigid Sun Tunnel
  • Flexible Sun Tunnel
• Dome Sun Tunnels or Flat Glass Sun Tunnel
• What size Sun Tunnel do I need?
• How many Sun Tunnels do I need for my room?
• Which brands offer the best Sun Tunnels UK?

Let the daylight in your home be in an easier, more feasible way - choose sun tunnels! Sun tunnels are commonly used when there is a buffer between the room ceiling and the roof above. The Sun tunnel aims to consolidate the light from the roof above and disperse the light through a tube-like structure to radiate the room below. 

What is a Sun Tunnel? 

A sun tunnel, also known as a solar tube or roof light tunnel, is a type of skylight that brings natural light into dark or windowless areas of a home. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to brighten up rooms such as bathrooms, hallways, closets, and other spaces that may not have access to natural light. 
 
Light tunnels capture sunlight through a rooftop dome and channel it through a reflective tube into the room below. The light is diffused by a lens or diffuser, providing a soft and even glow throughout the space. 
 
Sun tunnels offer numerous benefits, including reducing energy costs, enhancing the visual appeal of a home, and promoting a healthier and more productive environment.

What are the types of Sun Tunnels? 

Several roof light tunnels are available in the market, each with unique features and advantages. However, for practical usage, you need to decide which kind of sun tube suits your house, and the most common types of sun tunnels are:

●   Rigid Sun Tunnels

A rigid sun tunnel is a roof light tunnel that uses a straight and rigid tube to capture and channel natural light from the rooftop into the interior of a building. 
 
Rigid sun tunnels are often used where the distance between the roof and the ceiling is greater than six feet, as they maintain a consistent shape and reflectivity over longer distances. They are also a good choice for areas with high levels of direct sunlight, as the smooth internal surfaces allow maximum light transmission over longer distances. 

●   Flexible Sun Tunnels

Flexible sun tunnels can be bent or angled, enabling you to detour around any roof-space infrastructure. These roof light tunnels are often used where the distance between the roof and the ceiling is less than six feet and where space limitations make it difficult to install a rigid sun tunnel. However, flexible sun tunnels transmit less light than rigid ones because the corrugated inner surfaces create small aberrations which can halt light travel.

Dome Sun Tunnels or Flat Glass Sun Tunnel

Some solar tubes have a flat glass panel, while others sit as a dome on the roof.

Dome sun tunnels are roof light tunnels that use a clear acrylic dome on the rooftop to capture and channel natural light into a building. The dome is designed to capture sunlight from all angles and direct it into a reflective tube that extends from the roof to the ceiling of the room below. They are also ideal for homeowners who want to view the sky while benefiting from natural light. 
 
A flat glass sun tunnel uses a low-profile, tempered glass cover on the rooftop to capture natural light and flush it into the building. The glass cover is designed to blend in with the roofline, creating a seamless and modern look. 

What size Sun Tunnel do I need?

Determining the size of the sun tunnel depends on several factors, including the size of the room or area you want to illuminate, the amount of natural light available in your location, and the type of sun tunnel you plan to install. Roof light tunnels generally come in different sizes, ranging from 10 to 22 inches in diameter.

10-inch solar tubes are ideal for stairwells, hallways, and small spaces, such as ensuite baths or home offices, with a maximum square footage of 10m2. One sun tunnel is sufficient for an area of this size to supply natural light.

A sun tunnel with a 14-inch diameter is advisable if your space is between 11 and 22 square metres. This includes bigger living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Numerous sun tunnels can be used to maximise the amount of natural light in larger rooms.

It's always a good idea to consult a professional to determine the appropriate size and type of sun tunnel for your specific needs and ensure proper installation. In addition, they can assess your situation and recommend the best option for optimal natural light for your space.

How many Sun Tunnels do I need for my room?

The number of sun tunnels you need for your room depends on the size of the room and the amount of natural light you want to bring in. Generally, one sun tunnel is enough for a small room, while larger rooms may require multiple solar tubes to illuminate the space adequately.

As a rule of thumb, you can use the following guidelines:
● One sun tube should suffice for a room of 100 square feet.
● Two sun tunnels may be needed for a space between 100-200 square feet.
● Three or more roof light tunnels may be necessary for living areas or rooms of more than 200 square feet.

It's also important to consider the location of the sun tunnels in the room. Placing them strategically in areas with the least natural light, such as hallways or corners, can help maximise their effectiveness. Factors like the direction your room faces and the shade outside can also affect how much light your sun tunnels can bring in.

Which brands offer the best Sun Tunnels UK?

Look no further than Velux Sun Tunnels, the specialist providing extraordinary roof light tunnels best sun tunnels UK. With rigid and flexible solar tubes that feature adjustable diameters and their low-energy light kit option, you can count on them to deliver top-quality results regardless of whether it is applied to flat roofs or those with pitches involved! No need for cables, fixtures or bulky components—solar tubes provides the perfect solution for landlords and tenants looking to reduce their electricity bills without any significant changes to the structure of the building. 
 
If you want to brighten up your living space while keeping prices low, then a roof light tunnel may be the thing. For more information on sun tunnel installation and options, contact our experienced team at JJ Roofing Supplies.