What are sun tunnels & tubular skylights?
A sun tunnel is a tubular skylight: a small dome on the roof collects daylight, a highly reflective tube carries it through the loft, and a diffuser in the ceiling spreads it into the room below.
They are ideal where a full rooflight is impractical — internal hallways, landings, bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes — because the tube can run around obstructions in the loft space.
Installation is quick and the ceiling opening is small, so they are one of the lowest-cost ways to add natural light.
- Typical tube sizes
- About 250–550 mm diameter
- Tube
- Rigid reflective or flexible
- Roof
- Pitched or flat
- Finish
- Round or square diffuser
- Fitting time
- Half a day to a day
- Typical lead time
- 1–2 weeks from order
Why choose sun tunnels & tubular skylights?
- Daylight where no window is possible
- Small ceiling opening, quick fit
- Rigid or flexible tubes for awkward lofts
- Works on pitched and flat roofs
- Low maintenance
- Optional ventilation or lighting kit on some models
What options are there?
- Rigid (brighter) or flexible tubes
- Pitched or flat-roof flashings
- Diffusers in several sizes
- Ventilation adaptor
- Integrated electric light
- Insulated tube sections
What should you check before you order?
- Light output falls with tube length and bends
- Gives light, not a view
- Tube runs need insulation in cold lofts to limit condensation
- Not a substitute for a habitable-room window
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do sun tunnels & tubular skylights cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large rigid tunnel, long run | £1,675 – £2,275 | £1,395 – £1,895 |
| Standard rigid tunnel Typical | £1,315 – £1,795 | £1,095 – £1,495 |
| Compact flexible tunnel | £1,075 – £1,435 | £895 – £1,195 |
Guide prices per tunnel, supplied and fitted. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Sun tunnels & tubular skylights: common questions
How much light does a sun tunnel give?
A good rigid tunnel on a bright day lights a hallway well. Output depends on tube diameter, length and the number of bends.
Rigid or flexible tube?
Rigid tubes carry much more light. Flexible tubes are easier where the loft is cluttered, but lose light faster.
Do sun tunnels need planning permission?
Usually not on a house, provided the dome does not project too far and the property is not listed. Check if you live in a conservation area or a flat.
Can it go through a flat roof?
Yes, with a flat-roof flashing and upstand.
Will it get condensation?
Insulating the tube where it passes through a cold loft prevents most condensation.
Can it work at night?
Some models include a light fitting in the diffuser.
