Sun tunnels & tubular skylights in Orpington: what is involved?
We handle sun tunnels & tubular skylights across Greater London, including Orpington. 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.
Mansard and loft conversions are common across London, and roof windows are often set out alongside dormers on the rear slope. Sun tunnels & tubular skylights suit windowless hallways, landings and bathrooms.
Jobs in Orpington 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.
Specification options
- Diffusers in several sizes
- Integrated electric light
- Rigid (brighter) or flexible tubes
- Pitched or flat-roof flashings
- Insulated tube sections
- Small ceiling opening, quick fit
- Low maintenance
What to check first
- Gives light, not a view
- Light output falls with tube length and bends
Do you need permission in Orpington?
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.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. 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.
Sun tunnels & tubular skylights prices in Orpington
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Orpington, 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 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the BR6 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Orpington
Questions about sun tunnels & tubular skylights in Orpington
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.
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.
Will I need planning permission in Orpington?
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge.
Is the survey in Orpington free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
