Solatube is 10 times brighter than a flexible daylight tunnel

Rigid vs. Flexible Daylighting Tunnels

We often get questions about the differences between sunlighting skylight systems that use flexible tunnels and those that use the rigid tubes found in Solatube tubular skylights. Are flexible daylight tunnels easier to install? How efficient are they at transferring light from the rooftop to the room below? Are they cheaper to purchase?

Solatube is 10 times brighter than a flexible daylight tunnel

While flexible daylighting tunnels are generally inexpensive to buy, you might wonder if they actually save you money. Independent tests show that it takes 10 flexible sun light tunnel systems to match the light output of just one Solatube rigid tunnel.

What is the difference between flexible and rigid daylight tunnels?

 

This comparison was confirmed when the Building Research Establishment tested our Solatube system against the flexible tunnel system of a well-known roof light manufacturer. Contact us for a copy of the independent report.

Ease of Installation

Every Solatube system includes two 0-30 degree angles as standard to simplify installation (0-90 degree angles are also available). This means you don’t have to compromise on quality and performance for perceived ease of installation.

Can sun tunnels bend

Efficiency

A single Solatube rigid daylight tunnel provides over 10 times more sun light of a similarly sized flexible daylight tunnel. The superior performance is largely due to the tube material. Our rigid tubing uses Spectralight Infinity, which is 99.7% reflective and transfers sun light evenly and efficiently down the tunnel to the room below. This material, unique to Solatube, loses only 0.3% of the light at each bounce. In contrast, flexible daylight tunnels have a concertinaed foil lining that reflects sunlight in the tunnel, in all directions, including upwards, resulting in poor light output.

Do sun tunnels really work?

 

Quality and Performance

Although flexible sunlight tunnels might seem easier and cheaper, they can’t match the quality, light output, and efficiency of rigid daylight tunnel systems. In continental Europe, flexible skylight tunnels are avoided due to their poor performance and quality. In the UK, while professionals rarely specify them, some homeowners and builders might be drawn to them due to their availability and low cost at builder’s merchants.

If you want a high-quality, efficient tubular daylight tunnel that delivers abundant daylight into your home, make sure you (or your builder) avoid flexible sunlight tunnel systems.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other aspect of a Solatube, then please feel free to get in touch info@solatubescotland.co.uk .

 

Throughout the whole of Scotland, Solatube Scotland is the recognised distributor and installer of Solatube tubular skylights, or sun pipes.

 

If you are interested in bringing natural light into your home, why not contact us at info@solatubescotland.co.uk; 07778 283 427 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.

 

We service these postal codes and surrounding areas: AB,DD, DG, EH, FK, G, HS, IV, KA, KW, KY, ML, PA, PH, TD, ZE

 

We service all towns and cities in Scotland, including the surrounding areas: Aberdeen, Ayr, Aviemore, Cumbernauld, Dumfries, Dundee, Dunbar, Edinburgh, Elgin, Eyemouth, Falkirk, Fort William, Galashiels, Glasgow, Greenock, Inverness, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Lanark, Livingston, Moffat, North Berwick, Oban, Paisley, Peebles, Perth, Peterhead, Selkirk, St. Andrews, Stirling