Add Some Natural Light with a Sun Tunnel
With the warmer and brighter weather approaching, some home-owners might be wishing for a little bit more natural light in their homes. Not only does it mean you don’t have to keep switching the lights on, but natural light is beneficial to your health too.
The construction of some homes and rooms, however, can make it difficult to bring natural light in easily and effectively. Luckily, sun tunnels are the perfect option for those instances.
“A sun tunnel is an efficient way of delivering natural light into an otherwise dark room, when other options aren’t possible,” said Battersea estate agent, Eden Harper. “There are number of options that will help direct as much natural light into your home as possible.”
How Sun Tunnels Work
There are two main types of sun tunnels, a reflective or rigid model. Where possible, it’s likely a rigid model would be installed, as it’s a straight structure designed to let the maximum of light into your home from that point.
In order for this to work, though, your chosen installation team will need good access to a reasonable amount of your roof and ceiling. A clear line between where the light enters and exits the sun tunnel unit is also required for a rigid model.
If these details can’t all be satisfied, you’re left with the reflective model option. This sun tunnel model is ribbed which allows for reflectors to reflect the light around corners or bends. While you will still gain more natural light, that light will likely be weaker when it finally comes into your home.
The reflective models are suited to homes were access to your roof, ceiling and installation area aren’t great or if the design of your home doesn’t give straight passage between the top and bottom of the sun tunnel.
“In an ideal world, most home-owners would install a rigid sun tunnel, however, this isn’t always possible, but the reflective option still provides that natural light craved by so many,” said Denhan Guaranteed Rent, “Home-owners shouldn’t dismiss this home improvement option just because they aren’t able to install a rigid model.”
Position and Installation
Aside from the type of sun tunnel that would suit your home, there are other considerations to take time over, too. First of all, the position of your new addition needs to be selected to gain the most amount of natural light. For this reason, a south facing roof is first choice in all cases. Then, there’s the angle at which the entrance tunnel is placed. Again, this is calculated to ensure the most amount of natural light comes into your home.
Those details and more will be discussed carefully with your selected installer. Installing a sun tunnel might not look like a complicated job, but it’s one that should only be carried out by those with the right qualifications and experience.
Experienced roofers and some glaciers are the typical choices for this type of work. Their knowledge of roof structures is essential when planning and installing your sun tunnel.
“As with all tradesmen, it’s important to take your time and select a highly recommend, experienced professional to undertake any home improvement works on your home,” said Andrew Reeves. “Any roof works have to be performed perfectly to ensure your property is as secure after the installation as it was beforehand.”
