What do sun tunnels & tubular skylights in Harlow involve?
We handle sun tunnels & tubular skylights across Essex, including Harlow. In short: light pipes that bring daylight to halls and bathrooms with no window. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Flat, open landscape in much of the East means roofs take the wind, so upstand and seal details matter more than the brand of glass. Sun tunnels & tubular skylights suit small internal rooms where a full rooflight will not fit.
Jobs in Harlow are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
What you can choose
- Rigid (brighter) or flexible tubes
- Pitched or flat-roof flashings
- Ventilation adaptor
- Diffusers in several sizes
- Integrated electric light
- Low maintenance
- Small ceiling opening, quick fit
Things we check at survey
- Tube runs need insulation in cold lofts to limit condensation
- Gives light, not a view
Planning and building rules for Harlow
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. 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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Harlow
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Tell us what you have. Send the CM17 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Harlow
Common questions
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.
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.
Is the survey in Harlow free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
Can you work alongside my builder in Harlow?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
