Sun Tunnel Installation Cost

How Much is a Sun Tunnel Installation?

The cost of installing a sun tunnel on average is between £520 and £710, with the higher end being for a rigid tunnel on a flat roof rather than a pitched roof.

A sun tunnel is an innovative yet cost-effective way of allowing and promoting natural light in your home. Designed especially for those areas of the house that can’t reap the benefits of natural sunlight.

Now a sun tunnel may not have been something you've ever thought of before, that’s why we aim to give you as much information as possible in this guide.

Getting enough natural sunlight in your home can be a tricky task, especially for those of us with smaller homes and windows, or who live in a property where sun opportunities are scarce. Yet, natural light in your home will bring a host of benefits with it, including being good for your health and well-being, as well as potentially saving you money on your energy bills.

With a sun tunnel you can begin channelling natural sunlight through a tube from your roof down to your ceiling, using reflective materials, and a diffuser at the end to help disperse the light covering as much of the room as possible.

So, how much does a sun tunnel cost to install?

We've created a detailed price guide to help you calculate how much a sunlight tunnel (or sun tube) will cost you to fit - including labour, material fees and any additional charges.

Installing a sunlight tunnel will cost you around £550 on average.

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Sun Tunnel Installation Prices

The following table displays the cost of installing a sun tunnel, comparing three different variations - all of which can be completed within a day's work. This includes materials and labour fees, although prices may vary depending on your location and the extent of work required.

By comparison, the below showcases the average material costs only for installing a sun tunnel.

Things to Consider When Installing a Sun Tunnel

You will also need to be aware that there are a few different styles and variations of sun tunnels to choose from. First of all, is the type of tunnel you want, or will need – you have the choice of a rigid or flexible tunnel.

• A rigid sun tunnel is a straight tube running from the roof straight through the loft and down to the ceiling. Because the light travels in a single motion, you will gain the most light to your room with this option.
• A flexible tunnel will be used to navigate or angle around objects in your loft space in order to reach the ceiling from the roof. Because of the angling of the tunnel, this reduces the amount of light that enters the room.

Installing a flexible sun tunnel is best for shorter distances, so as to reduce the number of angles and to keep as much of the natural light as possible.

You may also need to decide on the type of panel for the outer roof you want, you can choose from either a dome panel or a flat panel. A dome panel will be much more effective at capturing the light, as light actually refracts once it hits a clear dome, meaning much more natural light will be dispersed into the room.

A flat panel is probably a bit more aesthetically pleasing, depending on your tastes, however, a flat surface will reflect the light rather than capture it. Meaning you won’t get the full benefit.

The diameter of the tube will also be important for light distribution, consider 10 inches for smaller rooms or hallways and up 14 inches for larger rooms such as a living room or kitchen.

For this job, we would recommend hiring a specialist, more specifically a roofer or someone with relevant experience in roofing. This isn’t a job we would recommend for even experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Your hired specialist must be knowledgeable and experienced in fitting fixtures to roofing, especially when sealing up the fixture to ensure there are no signs for potential leakage in the future.

Ensure you get the right person for the job at the right cost, enter your details on myjobquote and receive quotes from three tradesmen in your local area.

Benefits of a Sun Tunnel Installation

Sun tunnels are an efficient and affordable way to bring natural light into your home—especially useful for darker interior spaces. Here are the key benefits:

• Improves Natural Light - Sun tunnels channel sunlight from your roof to areas that don't normally receive it—ideal for hallways, bathrooms, or lofts.
• Less Artificial Light Needed - No need to turn manual lighting on as much during the day, which in return will help reduce your energy bills.
• Health & Well-being - Exposure to natural light is known to improve mood and overall wellness.
• Flexible Design - Sun tunnels can be tailored to fit around obstructions such as loft spaces in order to provide maximum brightness.
• Subtle Appearance - By installing a sun tunnel you can still maintain the overall look of your home’s exterior.

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Sun Tunnel vs Skylight

Sun tunnels and Velux window skylights are pretty much designed to do the same thing - introduce natural light into your home. However, installing a sun tunnel is less expensive than a skylight, requiring a lower budget for materials and labour fees.

Sun Tunnel

Pros

• ✔ More affordable option compared to a skylight.
• ✔ Ideal for small spaces, such as bathrooms and hallways.
• ✔ Quicker and less-invasive installation process.
• ✔ Energy efficient due to minimal heat loss.

Cons

• ✖ Doesn't provide any outside view.
• ✖ No ventilation for airflow.

Skylight

Pros

• ✔ Ideal for larger areas, creating more light.
• ✔ Provides ventilation when opened.

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than a sun tunnel.
• ✖ Can potentially require structural work.
• ✖ Requires cleaning and general maintenance.

Planning Permission and Building Regulation for Sun Tunnels

In the majority of cases installing a sun tunnel doesn't require planning permission, in particular if you own the property and the work is being carried out on a residential roof.

However, this may not be the case if your home is in a conservation area, a listed building, or has specific restrictions in place. In which case, it is always best to check with your local planning authority first, and if you do need to formally apply then this can cost between £206 and £528.

As for building regulations, there are certain rules and requirements your sun tunnel installation must adhere to. These are in place to help ensure the sun tunnel is properly sealed to prevent leaks, insulated to avoid heat loss and will pass any safety checks.

Hiring an experienced professional is recommended to make sure any procedures and regulations are followed correctly.

Can You Install a Sun Tunnel Yourself?

Unfortunately, this job is not something we would recommend taking on yourself as a DIY project. Unless you have the appropriate roofing experience, taking on this job will likely leave you with more costs than you had originally planned.

The part of the job that includes removing or replacing roof tiles, attaching the panel and sealing it up, is a tricky task even for most experienced roofing experts. As well as the potential damage to the roofing, leading to expensive roof repair costs if the panel is not sealed properly, this will cause leaks and lead to water damage all the way through to your ceiling.

Of course, there is also the safety aspect of working on a roof, if you don’t have the appropriate equipment and experience then you should not tackle this job. If you aren’t comfortable working at heights, then this job definitely isn’t for you.

Checklist: Finding a Sun Tunnel Installer Near You

Consider these key points before installing a sun tunnel in your home:

• Which is the right type of tunnel for your home? Sun tunnels come in both flexible and rigid tubes. Make sure you choose the option that best fits your home’s layout and roof design.
• What type of sun tunnel captures the most light? Choosing the right design is largely down to the materials used and the tunnels shape. For example a dome panel captures more sunlight than a flat panel, which can reflect some of the light away.
• Will a sun tunnel reduce my energy costs? Installing a sun tunnel can decrease your reliance on electrical lighting and usage, helping to lower your energy bills.
• Does your tradesman have experience with roofing and sealing panels? Ensure the person you hire has sufficient roofing experience, especially when it comes to properly sealing panels to prevent leaks.
• Do they have evidence of their previous work? Ask to see a portfolio, or alternatively check their website and MyJobQuote profile for photos and reviews, as well as asking friends and family for recommendations.
• Do they have public liability insurance? As well as providing a guarantee once they've completed the work, any reputable tradesmen is likely to at least have public liability insurance to protect against injury and accidental injury (although this isn't a legal requirement).
• Don't forget to request more than one quote? By using MyJobQuote you can request at least three quotes, so you can compare prices. Each one should contain a breakdown of the work to be supplied.
• Are there any hidden extra cost? Once you've received a quote, check the likes of waste removal is already included, as well as other additional costs such as scaffolding and that there's a contingency plan in the event of any delays.

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