What Is a Sun Tunnel & Is It Right for Your Home?

Any dark space in your home that requires an artificial light source for illumination can benefit from a sun tunnel. Also known as sun tubes or light pipes, they’re a great way for filling your home with natural light. But is a sun tunnel the right solution for you?

How Does a Sun Tunnel Work?

A sun tunnel is a highly-reflective pipe that channels light from your roof through your house and into the dark area below. Sun tunnels are ideal for windowless rooms, passageways, and closets and are suitable for both pitched roofs and flat roofs.

Types of Sun Tunnels

There are two main types of sun tunnels: rigid and flexible. A rigid sun tunnel directs light straight from the roof to a ceiling. It is effective for up to 20 metres. A flexible sun tunnel is ideal if the tube needs to navigate around obstacles. It is effective for up to 6 metres. As the pipe directs light away from its final destination, it does result in slightly less natural light than with a rigid sun tunnel.

You can also choose between a flat glass cover and a rounded dome. A flat cover looks extra attractive, as it sits flush with the roof and can match your windows. However, the flat surface will mean you lose more light to reflection, whereas a dome will refract light and send it into the tunnel. In fact, many homeowners even prefer the appearance of a dome, as it adds character to the roof.

How Many Sun Tunnels Should You Install?

If you want to increase the amount of light entering the room, you may only need one sun tunnel. This is something you may wish to discuss with your installation team, but one sun tunnel can add a tremendous amount of light to a space.

If you decide that your home could benefit from a sun tunnel, the next step is to find a reputable team for a skylight installation. Edmonton homeowners can turn to Weatherproof Roofing for all their sun tunnel installation and roofing needs. Call us today!