Solatube Flat Roof tubular skylight
I am frequently asked if a Solatube tubular skylight can be installed on 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 the sun pipe deliveres inside. This is because for each bounce that light 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 Solatube tubular skylight tube lengths can be here http://ow.ly/aFOe50Gb0DT
The other rather nice thing about this bit of physics is that it means you actually get MORE light from your sun pipe skylight 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 tubular skylight installed correctly
So when you come to install a Solatube sun pipe skyligfht in a 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 tubular skylight installation is only as good as the quality of the installation work itself. Working in conjunction with your roofer or builder we can ensure that an appropriate Solatube sun pipe 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 tubular skylight is better than a traditional skylight
And when you compare installing a Solatube tubular skylight in a flat roof with other options such as traditional skylights, you’ll start to understand why traditional 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 tubular skylight. 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, traditional skylights remain notorious for leaks.
So, if you’re thinking of installing a skylight in your flat roof, then it’s almost certainly worth thinking twice and install a Solatube sun pipe skylight that won’t leak!
Throughout the whole of Scotland, Solatube Scotland is the recognised distributor and installer of Solatube tubular skylights, or light 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.