Can you use a solar tube (or sun tunnel) on a flat roof?

I am frequently asked if a Solatube sun tunnel can be installed in a flat roof, and the simple answer is, ‘of course you can’.

More light for less money!

In fact, the shorter the tube run the more light is delivered inside and this is because for each bounce that lights makes as it is reflected down a tube, it uses up a little bit of its energy, (which in this case is light).  Therefore, the more bounces, the less light you get and conversely, the fewer bounces (as you get in a shorter tube run through a flat roof), the more light is delivered in to the room below.  You can read more about how long or short sun tunnel tube lengths can be here.

The other rather nice thing about this bit of physics is that it means you actually get MORE light for LESS money, and it’s not often you get more for less these days!

Now, I’m also very aware that flat roofs still get a ‘bad press’ even these days, despite modern flat roofs actually being extremely effective and reliable.  The reason for this I believe, is that if you go back several decades to pre 1980’s, flat roofs probably were a constant source of headache to home owners because the building materials, quality of work and regulations were far poorer than they are today.

Modern flat roofs are extremely good

When you consider that flat roofs have been used on the continent and around the world for many years without problems, it should come as no surprise that the adoption of more sophisticated building materials and methods, along with more stringent building regulations in recent years means that your flat roof should not be a source of concern.  Even the quality of good old roofing felt has improved, and combined with other options such as fibre glass and single ply (rubberised) membrane, you should have nothing to worry about.

The right Solatube installed correctly

So when you come to install a Solatube sun pipe through your precious flat roof, we can ensure that the right flashing and method is employed to provide a water and weatherproof fitting.  And this is probably the most important point – any Solatube installation is only as good as the quality of the installation work itself.  An inexperienced builder or handyman can still make a mess of the best quality components and materials if they don’t know what they are doing.  But working in conjunction with your roofer or builder we can ensure that an appropriate Solatube roof flashing is used that will work with your particular type of flat roof covering, be it felt, fibre glass, single ply membrane or zinc, lead or metal sheet.

A Solatube is better than a skylight

And when you compare installing a Solatube in a flat roof with other options such as sky lights, you’ll start to understand why skylights are not such a good choice.  For a start you need a much bigger skylight to get the same amount of light as you do through a much smaller Solatube.  That means bigger holes in your roof, which means more structural work and costs, but also a much bigger chance of leaks and heat loss.  And unfortunately, skylights remain notorious for leaks.

If you are interested in bringing natural light into your home, why not contact us at Solatube Southwest; 07989 976 010) to find out whether a Solatube sun pipe can help you. Typically, a fully installed system might cost anywhere between £900 – £1,200; that’s supplied, professionally installed and includes the VAT.