What do sun tunnels & tubular skylights involve?
Across Cambridgeshire, our sun tunnels & tubular skylights work covers light pipes that bring daylight to halls and bathrooms with no window. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Many homes in the East have low-pitched roofs on later extensions, which are better served by flat rooflights than pitched roof windows. In the East of England, bungalows and chalet bungalows with large flat-roofed extensions are common, and they often suit a long run of rooflights.
Towns in Cambridgeshire
Options we can specify
- Diffusers in several sizes
- Rigid (brighter) or flexible tubes
- Pitched or flat-roof flashings
- Ventilation adaptor
- Insulated tube sections
- Optional ventilation or lighting kit on some models
- Low maintenance
Planning and building rules in England
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
Guide prices
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Cambridgeshire, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Sun tunnels in nearby areas
Common questions
Will it get condensation?
Insulating the tube where it passes through a cold loft prevents most condensation.
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.
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.
Can it work at night?
Some models include a light fitting in the diffuser.
Will I need planning permission in Cambridgeshire?
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line.
