Is it worth it?

I have a dark landing, which I think would be hugely improved by one of these, but I guess I’m looking at a fair old chunk of cash to fit it.

(For those who don’t know what I’m on about: http://www.velux.co.uk/Private/Products/Sun_Tunnel )

The cost would be in the buying of it in the first place – I would have thought that anyone with a bit of DIY skills (and a long set of ladders) should be able to fit one really easily.

I think they are a great idea.

Gosh who knew they existed?

Ace idea, shouldn’t be too expensive shirley, it’s only a tube..

Cost about £200 for the bits, then you’ve got fitting on top – mainly I would need someone to do the roof tiles, I’d be happy doing the rest.

I have one going from my mouth to my arse.

That’s the first world version of this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14967535

“Rigid sun tunnel” That’s gotta have some mileage

My dad installed a couple in a windowless bedroom at their house. You still need to turn the lights on to use that room most of the time. The pic on that web page strikes me as a bit optimistic, presumably it’s blazing midday sunlight outside. Better than nothing, though, I suppose.

mainly I would need someone to do the roof tiles, I’d be happy doing the rest.

If you aren’t scared of being on the roof I don’t think that bit will be difficult – I assume they have a plastic surround in the same way their windows do – so it should be a simple case of removing the tiles to create the hole, fit the plastic frame and refit some slates to fit around (and just cut a few of the slates).

windowless bedroom at their house

BLACK! BLACK!

We have one in our windowless bathroom and it makes a real difference. As long as there is daylight outside (obviously).
Essentially its just a 12″ dia tumble dryer hose with reflective foil on the inside and a round window on the roof.

“Why do they lock me under the stairs and feed me pins?!”

I’m planning on putting a couple in too
I was looking at these ones
mine are planned for a windowless bathroom and downstairs toilet

I have one on my enclosed landing and its very good. Came as standard on my new build house (6 yrs ago now).

Confused me on my first visit as i was trying to find the switch to turn it off before i realised what it was. Obviously depends on what the weathers like but always adds some additional light as long as it’s light outside. On a clear night with a full moon it can also still provide a little bit of extra lighting.

I’d have another if i moved house.

My eyes are pies and yours are lies!

That looks a really good idea…

I’ve fitted a few of these into peoples property’s ..They are a major improvement. and fairly simple to fit.
I would recommend Solartube as these seem to be the best I’ve fitted.

I’ve always known them as sun pipes. Great idea but installation is key.
I’ve seen a few professional jobs with problems, you don’t want your dark landing to become a swampy one!.

The one in the OPs link looks about the same size as a porthole on a ship so a very rough comparison might be to close your curtains in another room to about 6 inches gap and see how light it is then.

Surely there would be scope for the designers to include a larger collector area and some clever optics to increase the amount of light fed down the tube. I concede that that might cost rather more though.

+1 for Solartube

Thanks for the Solartube links – they look much better.

I like the look of this one!