Frequently asked questions about sun tunnels

A sun tunnel is a daylighting system that carries natural light from a roof or exterior wall into an interior room. The Intura SunTube uses a roof dome, a highly reflective rigid tube and a ceiling diffuser to spread soft daylight through the room.

Yes. Sun tunnel, sun pipe, light tube, light tunnel and tubular skylight are common names for the same type of tubular daylighting system. SunTube is Intura's product name.

The exterior dome collects daylight. A rigid mirror-finish tube then transports the light through the roof or wall, and an EasyClick diffuser distributes it evenly inside. It provides daylight without using electricity.

Yes. A SunTube still collects and transports diffuse daylight when the sky is overcast. The amount of light varies with the weather, season, tube length, number of bends, roof orientation and chosen diameter.

Sun tunnels are well suited to hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, stairwells, utility rooms, home offices, bedrooms and other spaces where a conventional window or rooflight is not practical. They can also be used in commercial buildings such as offices, schools and retail spaces.

As a guide, SunTube25 is suited to smaller rooms of up to about 9 m², SunTube35 to spaces of roughly 13–16 m², and SunTube55 to larger areas of around 25–30 m². Actual daylight levels depend on the building, tube route and local conditions, so ask Intura for project advice when in doubt.

Yes. The flat-roof SunTube has an insulated, double-walled aluminium upstand. It is available with pre-installed bitumen, EPDM or PVC roofing material for a faster and more secure roof installation.

Yes. The pitched-roof SunTube uses an insulated upstand with a Leadax flashing. The best location and detailing depend on the roof covering, pitch and internal tube route.

Yes. The Intura side-wall system carries daylight horizontally through a facade or wall. It is useful for basements, cellars and windowless rooms where roof access is limited or unavailable.

The optional EcoPower insulation element improves the thermal performance of a SunTube. It combines 14 cm of PIR insulation with double or triple glazing and is available for SunTube25, SunTube35 and SunTube55.

Correct product selection, airtight detailing and professional installation are important for limiting heat loss and condensation risk. For energy-efficient, low-energy or Passivhaus-style projects, Intura recommends considering the EcoPower insulation element and asking for project-specific technical advice.

A standard complete set includes the exterior dome, insulated upstand or wall box, one 60 cm mirror tube, an EasyClick ceiling diffuser, and the required installation materials. The exact components vary by roof or wall configuration, so check the chosen product page before ordering.

The rigid tube can be extended up to approximately 6 metres using additional 60 cm mirror-tube sections. A shorter, straighter route normally provides more daylight than a long route with several bends.

Yes. Adjustable elbows of up to 45 degrees can route the mirror tube around structural elements. Keep the route as short and straight as practical because every bend and extra tube section can reduce daylight output.

An experienced installer or competent roofer should normally fit the system. Correct roof detailing, weatherproofing, airtightness and safe working at height are essential. Intura provides installation manuals and can help you find suitable technical support.

Visit the technical support page for installation manuals plus PDF and CAD drawings for flat-roof, pitched-roof and side-wall SunTube systems.

Requirements depend on the property, location and scope of work. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some structural or fire-safety situations can need specific consent. Check with your local planning authority, building control body or project professional before installation.

Yes. Complete kits, extension tubes, elbows and EcoPower insulation elements are available in the Intura UK online shop. Choose the correct diameter, installation type and roof covering before ordering.

Many standard products are shown with UK shipping in 2–3 business days. Availability and delivery times can vary by product, quantity and destination, so check the current product page or order confirmation for the applicable delivery date.

Yes. Intura supports homeowners, roofers, contractors and specifiers with product selection, tube routing and technical documentation. Use the contact form, email justin@intura.co.uk or call +44 1932 731759.