Installation

Light pipes, sun pipes, sun tubes and solar tubes in the south west

Call us now on 01460 61824 or 07989 976 010

Low energy and LED lighting

Replacing old and costly lamps, tubes and bulbs is a relatively simple solution that brings very large savings. 

Common Sense Lighting can undertake a simple survey to determine existing lighting and then present a costed solution, showing financial and Co2 savings and payback period. 

We then look to retro-fit new lamps and tubes in to existing fittings, which simplifies the whole process and minimises cost and waste.

 

Solatube - Where will it fit?

The dome, tube and diffuser should be fitted between existing joists and is designed to fit easily on roofs from flat to almost any pitch (the steepness of the roof angle). 

Ideally, the diffuser should be installed in a straight line for optimum light transmission.  However, this is frequently not possible due to obstructions and roof configuration.  This can be overcome by simply twisting the unique adjustable angle adaptors. 

 

 

Straight installation

Offset installation achieved using the Solatube adjustable angle adaptors

In extreme cases a 90* bend can be fitted.

 

What you need to know

A Solatube can be fitted in most situations, but you will need to know a few simple things first to place your order.  If you are unsure, just contact us and we will talk you through it.

 


1. Measure the gap between your ceiling joists or rafters


 Joist/rafter gap

 Product selection

 375 - 550mm

Solatube 290DS

 275 - 375mm

Solatube 160DS but consider installing more than 1 unit to provide optimum brightness

Less than 275mm

You may need to ask your builder to cut and re-brace your joists and rafters to accept a Solatube - quite a simple job

More than 550mm

Solatube SolaMaster21, used in commercial applications

In a domestic situation, always aim to fit a Solatube 290DS as it provides more light.  If you only have space for a 160DS, consider fitting 2 or more of them, particularly along a corridor.


 


2. Now measure the height between your ceiling and roof


Do this at the points where the Solatube will be fitted, as per the picture.  You can now calculate how many extension tubes you'll need. 

Extension tubes needed

 Height up to   

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

0.40m | 1'4"   

0.96m | 3'2"  

1.52m | 5'0"

2.08m | 6'10"  

2.64m | 8'8"

3.20m | 10'6"

3.76m | 12'4"

4.32m | 14'2"

           

  


3.  What type of roof tiles or slates do you have

This will determine the correct roof flashing to be included with your delivery. 

The range of flashings cover virtually all UK pitched and flat roof types and are fabricated to ensure leak proof performance and easy installation.

fI you need any advice regarding a suitable flashing for your roof type please do contact us.

Solatube slate/plain tile flashing - suitable for Rosemary-type flat, plain tiles, and slate or slate composite tiles.

 


 

Solatube universal tile flashing -       for a wide range of profiled and flat interlocking roof tiles such as Pantile, Marley Anglia Plus, Marley Mendip, and Redland Grovebury.

 

 

Solatube flat roof flashing -               for flat roofs, including felt, hot rolled, fibreglass, and concrete.