solar tubes

[lilleville]

Hi has anyone used solar tubes - the natural daylight tubes that come from a dome on the roof to lighten up dark rooms? If so which one do you recommend - are there any makes that you would avoid? It only has to come down less than a metre. I want to know if you've had trouble with them, what they're like 10 years down the line - do they get condensation, covered in algae? Any advice would be great, I can't decide what make to go for.

Thanks

 

[ColJack]

not recommended for bedrooms.. trying to put a curtain over it is a pain

 

[lilleville]

Other than that are you happy with it? What make did you use?

 

[jono_h]

I installed two of the Tubzz variety about 3 years ago, and have been pleased with them.
They don't give a daylight effect, more a late evening kind of light, but it is much better than no natural light at all. The Tubzz design uses a flexible tube, which makes installation very easy, but probably doesn't reflect as much light into the room as a solid system.

From what I can see of the domes they are still pretty clean.

 

[noseall]

We have installed a few Velux sun tunnels and they are ok. You do need a certain minimum gap betwixt the rafters though.

 

[ColJack]

is this for a flat or pitched roof?
if it's pitched then the idea of installing a /couple of velux windows and creating a tunnel with timber and plasterboard seems like a better idea..
if you fit the motors to then you can have ventilation as well.. plus they have blinds available..

 

[lilleville]

not possible to fit velux's there due to waste pipe runs. it is a sloped roof though.