What are sun tunnels & tubular skylights?
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, 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.
Tenements and flats are common in Scottish towns and cities, where rooflights over stairwells and top-floor flats need the owners' and factor's agreement. Scottish weather is hard on roofs, so we specify rooflights and roof windows with exposure in mind and fit upstands with generous heights.
Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Options we can specify
- Integrated electric light
- Insulated tube sections
- Diffusers in several sizes
- Pitched or flat-roof flashings
- Ventilation adaptor
- Rigid or flexible tubes for awkward lofts
- Optional ventilation or lighting kit on some models
Planning and building rules in Scotland
Planning rules in Scotland differ: rooflights are treated as external alterations under Class 2B, with no permitted development in conservation areas. Listed buildings need listed building consent where the work affects their character.
Scottish energy standards for glazing, including rooflights, use an area-weighted average of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K in extensions, so most modern units comply comfortably. Forming a new opening normally involves structural work, so check with the local authority verifier whether a building warrant is needed.
What do sun tunnels & tubular skylights cost in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Edinburgh and the Lothians, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| 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
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 it get condensation?
Insulating the tube where it passes through a cold loft prevents most condensation.
Rigid or flexible tube?
Rigid tubes carry much more light. Flexible tubes are easier where the loft is cluttered, but lose light faster.
Will I need planning permission in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Scottish householder permitted development (Class 2B, other external alterations) can cover a rooflight that projects no more than 1 metre from the roof, but the right does not apply in conservation areas.
