What is a Sun Tunnel? An Introduction to Natural Light Solutions
Posted by Lawrie Fraser on 7th November 2023
If you're looking for a way to bring natural light into your home, then a sun tunnel may be the perfect solution for you. A sun tunnel, also known as a solar tube or light tunnel, is a type of skylight that channels sunlight from your roof down a highly reflective tube and into a room below. This allows natural light to enter areas of your home where it hasn't been possible before.
Sun tunnels are a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to brighten up rooms such as bathrooms, hallways, closets, and other spaces that may not have access to natural light. They are also a perfect option for providing natural light into corridors, stairwells, small rooms and cupboards, under pitched or flat roofs, where installation of a roof window or flat roof rooflight is not possible. With a sun tunnel, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without having to install a traditional skylight, which can be more expensive and time-consuming to install.
What is a Sun Tunnel
If you're looking for a way to bring more natural light into your home, a sun tunnel might be the perfect solution. A sun tunnel, also known as a solar tube or light tunnel, is a tubular skylight that captures sunlight from the roof and delivers it to the interior of your home.
Sun tunnels are a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to brighten up dark or windowless areas of your home. They're particularly useful in spaces like bathrooms, closets, and hallways, where traditional skylights might not be an option.
There are two main types of sun tunnels: rigid and flexible. Rigid sun tunnels are made from a hard material like metal or plastic and are best for longer distances. Flexible sun tunnels, on the other hand, are made from a more pliable material and are better for shorter distances or when you need to navigate around obstacles in your roof space.
Installing a sun tunnel is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few hours. It involves cutting a hole in your roof, installing the tunnel, and then adding a diffuser to the interior of your home to disperse the light.
Overall, sun tunnels are a great way to bring more natural light into your home without breaking the bank. They're easy to install, energy-efficient, and can make a big difference in the look and feel of your living space.
Components of a Sun Tunnel
When it comes to understanding what a sun tunnel is, it's important to know its components. Here are the three main parts of a sun tunnel:
Window
The window is the part of the sun tunnel that sits on the roof and captures sunlight. It is usually made of glazing or a polycarbonate dome (flat roof sun tunnels) and is designed to be weather-resistant and durable. The window/dome is responsible for directing sunlight into the tube and protecting the tube from the elements.
Tube
The tube is the long, reflective channel that runs from the dome to the diffuser. It is usually made of aluminium or stainless steel and is highly reflective to ensure maximum light transmission. The tube can be rigid or flexible, depending on the installation requirements. Rigid tubes are more efficient at transmitting light, while flexible tubes are better for shorter distances and for navigating around obstructions in the roof space.
Diffuser
The diffuser is the part of the sun tunnel that distributes light into the room below. It is usually made of frosted glass or acrylic and is designed to evenly distribute light throughout the room. The diffuser can be square or round, and its size depends on the size of the room and the amount of light required.
Overall, a sun tunnel is a simple yet effective way to bring
natural light into your home. By understanding its components, you can choose
the right sun tunnel for your needs and enjoy the benefits of natural light all
year round.
Installation of a Sun Tunnel
If you are considering installing a sun tunnel in your home, there are a few things you need to know about the installation process. In this section, we'll cover everything you need to know about installing a sun tunnel, including site selection and the installation process.
Site Selection
Before you begin the installation process, you need to select the right location for your sun tunnel. The ideal location for a sun tunnel is a room that doesn't get enough natural light. Bathrooms, hallways, and closets are all great places to install a sun tunnel.
When selecting a site, you need to consider the following factors:
- Roof pitch: Sun tunnels can be installed on both flat and pitched roofs. However, the installation process differs depending on the roof pitch.
- Obstructions: Make sure there are no obstructions, such as vents or pipes, in the area where you want to install the sun tunnel.
- Distance: The distance between the roof and the ceiling will determine the length of the sun tunnel.
Installation Process
Once you have selected the site for your sun tunnel, it's time to begin the installation process. Here's what you need to do:
- Cut a hole in your roof: The first step in the installation process is to cut a hole in your roof. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the sun tunnel you are installing.
- Fit the tube: Once you have cut the hole, you need to fit the tube down into the hole. The tube should be long enough to reach from the roof to the ceiling.
- Install the dome: Next, you need to install an acrylic dome on the roof side of the tube. The dome will protect the tube from the elements.
- Install the diffuser: Finally, you need to install a light diffuser at the ceiling end of the tube. The diffuser will distribute the light evenly throughout the room.
The installation process is relatively straightforward, but it's important to hire a professional to do the job. A professional installer will have the experience and expertise to ensure that your sun tunnel is installed correctly and safely.
Benefits of a Sun Tunnel
If you're considering adding natural light to your home, a sun tunnel can be an excellent option. Here are some of the benefits of installing a sun tunnel:
- Cost-effective: Sun tunnels are a cost-effective way to add natural light to your home. They are less expensive than skylights and don't require any structural changes to your roof.
- Energy-efficient: Sun tunnels can help reduce your energy bills by providing natural light during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
- Improves mood and productivity: Natural light has been shown to improve mood and productivity. Installing a sun tunnel can help create a brighter and more inviting space.
- Easy to install: Sun tunnels are easy to install and can be done in a few hours by a professional installer.
- Flexible design options: Sun tunnels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your home's design.
- No maintenance required: Unlike skylights, sun tunnels don't require any maintenance. Once installed, they will continue to provide natural light without any additional upkeep.
Overall, a sun tunnel is an excellent way to add natural light to your home without breaking the bank. With its energy-efficient and mood-boosting benefits, a sun tunnel is a smart investment for any homeowner.
Potential Drawbacks of a Sun Tunnel
While sun tunnels are a great way to bring natural light into your home, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before installing one.
Installation
Firstly, although the installation process is simpler than for a traditional skylight, it's not a DIY project for everyone. You'll need a professional installer to correctly cut a hole in your roof and install the tube. This can add to the overall cost of the project.
Size
Secondly, sun tunnels are limited in size. They typically range from 10 to 22 inches in diameter, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms. If you have a large space that needs more natural light, you may need to install multiple sun tunnels or consider alternative solutions.
Direction
Thirdly, sun tunnels are designed to capture light from a specific direction. If your home is not oriented towards the sun, or if the sun is obstructed by trees or other buildings, your sun tunnel may not be as effective as you hoped.
Maintenance
Finally, sun tunnels require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. The tube can become dirty or clogged over time, which can reduce the amount of light that enters your home. You'll need to clean the tube periodically to keep it clear.
Overall, while there are some potential drawbacks to consider, sun tunnels can be a great cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for bringing natural light into dark areas of your home.