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Last updated: 16 May 2024
Sun tunnel installation cost guide
Sun tunnels are great way to turn a dark, windowless room in a light and airy space. Find out the benefits and how much to budget.
Small, dark rooms not only look unappealing, but they also impact mood and health. Sunlight is essential to keeping us feeling well and giving us energy, so why not install a sun tunnel to brighten up a dingy, cold room?
Keep reading for everything you need to know about sun tunnels, including costs, benefits and great tips.
What is a sun tunnel?
Not to be confused with skylights (a window in the roof of a home), sun tunnels are generally comprised of a domed or flat panel on your roof, attached to a reflective tube leading down into your downstairs ceiling. Sunlight flows through this tube to a diffuser at the lower end, allowing light to filter throughout the room.
What sun tunnel options are there?
Flexible tunnels
Rigid tunnels
Flat roof panels
Domed roof panels
Opening roof panels
Fixed roof panels
What are other names for sun tunnels?
Sky tunnels
Light tunnels
Sun tubes
How much does sun tunnel installation cost?
| Sun tunnel costs | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sun tunnel installation cost | £250 - £675 | £475 |
| Pitched roof sun tunnel supply cost | £650 - £860 | £755 |
| Flat roof sun tunnel supply cost | £750 - £950 | £860 |
| Last updated: September 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Installing a sun tunnel is a wise decision for dark or windowless areas of your home, and they will eventually pay for themselves thanks to no longer needing artificial light in those rooms.
On average, sun tunnels cost £325 and sun tunnel installation costs £400, with a total cost of £725.
Velux sun tunnel installation cost
A great, high-quality brand, Velux sun tunnels are very popular and are available with rigid or flexible tube options.
The average Velux sun tunnel installation cost is £700 including labour.
Factors affecting sun tunnel costs
The cost for a sun tunnel is impacted by a range of factors:
Type of tunnel and roof panel: You can choose from rigid or flexible tunnels and domed or flat roof panels. Each option will have a different cost
Tube diameter: Small rooms or stairways can benefit from a 10-inch diameter tube, whilst larger rooms will need a wider tube. The greater the tube diameter, the higher the cost
Length of the tunnel: Longer tunnels will be charged at a higher price than their shorter counterparts so whether the tunnel runs from the roof to the second or first floor will affect the sun tunnel cost
Ease of access: Flexible tubes are great for homes where sun tunnels do not run in a straight line from roof to ceiling. The tubes can then be fitted around obstacles in your loft. Frustratingly, these options do not let in as much light as rigid tubes and due to their difficult installation can be more costly
Location: Where you live in the country will affect the cost of your sun tunnel installation. In general, the higher the living costs in your area, the higher the cost of hiring a professional will be
Sun tunnel cost calculator
The total cost of sun tunnel installation will depend on the combination of all of these different factors. The type of roof you have, the ease of access, and the type and length of the tunnel will be the factors that have the most impact on the final cost.
As an example, a Velux 14" flat roof sun tunnel with a flexible tube may cost £320 plus VAT, whereas a Fakro 14"flat roof sun tunnel with a 2m rigid tube may cost £490 pls VAT.
Benefits of a sun tunnel
You may be wondering, are sun tunnels worth it? The benefits of sun tunnels are limitless, ranging from personal wellbeing to saving you money. In fact, sun tunnels can:
Improve physical and mental health: Our bodies turn sunlight into vitamin D, an essential vitamin for health, plus bright, sunny rooms help to increase serotonin and lift our spirits
Create a fantastic focal point: Sun tunnels are becoming more popular but are still rare enough to wow your guests
Add value to your home: Potential buyers will be drawn to light, open rooms over dark, dingy spaces
Make your home feel bigger: Light creates the illusion of space and you can count on a sun tunnel to give a constant supply of sunlight during the daytime
Channel natural light into dull or dark rooms: Terraced houses or small rooms with no windows can always benefit from an injection of light
Reduce energy costs: All the natural sunlight filtered into your home eliminates the need for artificial light, saving you money on energy bills
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Can I install a sun tunnel myself?
It is always important to consider your skill level and physical ability when choosing to take on a DIY job. In general, sun tunnel installation is not designed to be attempted by anyone without experience and training for the following reasons:
It is very dangerous to work on a roof due to the danger of falling or dropping heavy materials
You will likely need specialist equipment which may include scaffolding
Your sun tunnel must be properly sealed to prevent leaks and draughts from coming through your roof
This installation is not a simple, easy job. It involves removing roof tiles, attaching a panel, carefully installing the tunnel and more
We would always recommend hiring a professional.
Sun tunnel quotes
To find a local, reputable, tradesperson in your area and get a personalised sun tunnel installation quote use our free search feature. Just type in your postcode to see a list of tradespeople who you can contact. We always recommend getting 3 quotes to give you a good comparison of both service and price.
You can also use our request a quote feature. Simply post details of your project and we'll get 3 tradespeople to send you a quotation.
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FAQs
Do I need planning permission to install a sun tunnel?
Typically, the answer is no, but as with any project, it is always best to research and check. A reputable tradesperson should be able to give you more advice.
How long do sun tunnels last?
The reflective tubing in your roof space should last up to 20 years, and the rigid tubing in your roof space should last indefinitely. Depending on the brand and type of roof panel you choose, these may come with a product warranty. Velux, for example, offers a 10-year warranty.
Do solar tubes add value to a home?
It could do, it's worth speaking to an estate agent for their opinion.
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