How to Install a Sun Tube

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to install a sun tube in your home! If you’re tired of that dimly lit space in your home and want a simple solution, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the basics to make the sun tube installation as easy as possible.

Pre-installation Considerations

 Is Your Home Suitable for Sun Tube Installation?

Before installing a sun tube, it’s crucial to assess the suitability of your property. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Roof Structure and Material

Examine the structure and material of your roof. Sun tubes need a clear path from the roof to the ceiling below. Ensure there are no obstacles such as trusses, rafters, or other structural elements. This is important, as they may obstruct the installation process. Additionally, the type of roofing material can impact the ease of installation.

Loft Space

A sun tube extends from the roof through the loft to the ceiling below. Check your loft space to confirm there’s adequate room for the tube’s placement.

Local Building Codes

Research and understand the local building codes and regulations for sun tube installation in your area. Compliance with these regulations is essential for both safety and legality. Consult with a professional if needed to ensure that your installation adheres to all relevant guidelines.

Climate Considerations

Consider your local climate when deciding on a sun tube installation. While sun tubes are designed to capture sunlight, if you live in a region with frequent overcast skies, you may not receive the full benefits. Check your climate conditions to determine if a sun tube is a practical choice for your home.

Determining the Ideal Location for a Sun Tube Installation

Once you’ve established if your home is suitable for a sun tube, the next step is to identify the best location in your home.

Room Functionality

Assess the function of the room where you intend to install the sun tube. Areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways often benefit the most from natural light. Choose a space that lacks natural light or where you’d like to have a brighter atmosphere.

Roof Position

Take into account the position of your roof to determine the area that receives the most sunlight. A sun tube should be installed on a roof slope that faces the sun during peak daylight hours. This ensures the greatest sunlight capture.

Obstructions

Remove obstructions that might cast shadows on the sun tube, such as trees, buildings, or other structures. Clear access to sunlight will improve the performance of the sun tube.

Interior Layout

Consider the interior layout of the room you’d like to install a sun tube in. Furniture, walls, and other elements should be considered to find the best place to install the tube.

What Equipment Do You Need to Install a Sun Tube?

Installing a sun tube involves a specific set of equipment to ensure an effective process.

Sun Tube Kit

Purchase a sun tube kit, which includes the tube, dome, lens, diffuser, and other necessary components. Ensure that the kit is appropriate for your roof type and the size of the room where you plan to install the sun tube.

Instruction Manual

Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions provided with the sun tube kit. Follow the guidelines and recommendations to ensure a successful installation.

Ladder

Depending on the height of your roof, a sturdy ladder is essential for accessing the roof safely. Choose a ladder with the appropriate height and weight capacity for the installation.

Crosshead screwdriver

A crosshead screwdriver is needed to tighten the screws to combine the different parts of the sun tube.

Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements are crucial for a precise installation. Use a tape measure, level, and other measuring tools to ensure that the sun tube components are aligned correctly.

Saw

A saw is necessary for cutting an opening in the roof and ceiling for the sun tube. The type of saw required may vary based on the roofing material and the structure of your home.

Drill and Hole Saw

Use a drill with a hole saw attachment to create openings for the sun tube on the roof and ceiling. The size of the hole saw should match the specifications provided in the sun tube kit.

Sealant and Flashing

High-quality roofing sealant is essential to prevent leaks around the sun tube. Additionally, flashing materials are used to provide a watertight seal between the roof and the sun tube.

Drywall Tools

You’ll need drywall tools such as a keyhole saw, joint compound, and a putty knife to cut and patch the ceiling around the tube.

Protective Gear

Ensure your safety during the installation process by wearing appropriate protective gear. This includes gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask.

Before beginning the installation, it’s advisable to consult with a professional.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Choose a Location for the Ceiling Diffuser

Decide on your sun tube’s location, and draw a circle on the ceiling. Your manual should tell you the circle size, depending on the sun tube you purchased. 

Find a clear space between joists as close to the desired location as possible and unobstructed by pipes, cables or other obstacles. 

Do not cut the ceiling hole until you are sure that the roof flashing will also fit in the desired location and that the top and bottom tube assemblies will align.

Step 2: Mark the Roof Flashing and Diffuser Position

Confirm that the circle you drew earlier on the upper side of the plasterboard ceiling is in the correct location. 

Afterwards, screw a marker screw through the ceiling from above, leaving approximately an inch showing in the roof void.

Step 3: Confirm and Cut the Diffuser Location

Check the marker screw from the room below to confirm the centre of the

diffuser location is correct. 

In the roof void, cut around the marked circle, taking care to hold onto the screw ‘handle’ to prevent the cut-out from falling. 

Step 4: Install the Bottom Tube Assembly

Insert the bottom tube assembly into the ceiling and, if the installation is not vertical, rotate the angle adaptor to point towards the roof flashing location. 

Using a crosshead screwdriver, rotate and tighten two of the twist-lock fastening clamps to temporarily attach the bottom tube assembly to the ceiling.

Step 5: Installing the Roof Flashing

Refer to the roof flashing installation guide that has been supplied with your sun tube.

Step 6: Aligning the Top Tube Assembly

Insert the top tube assembly into the roof flashing from the outside. If necessary, rotate the angle adaptor so that the top tube assembly points towards the bottom tube assembly in the ceiling.

Step 7: Installing the Top Tube Assembly

Remove the top tube assembly from the roof flashing. Tape the angle adaptor joint and tube seams of the top tube assembly with foil tape, smoothing the tape with tape backing material to ensure the tape is well adhered.

Remove the protective lining film from the inside of the tube and insert the top tube assembly into the roof flashing, aligning it again in the direction of the bottom tube assembly. Securely fasten the dome ring of the top tube assembly to the flashing using dome screws.

Step 8: Installing the Roof Dome

Align the four tabs on the dome base with the click locks on the dome ring and press down firmly to click into place. Check to make sure that all four locks are fully engaged.

Step 9: Connecting Top & Bottom Tube Assemblies

For short installations with no extension tubes, tape seams and insert the bottom tube assembly.

Step 10: Assembling Extension Tubes (For Installations with Extension Tubes)

Remove the protective liner from the extension tube(s) before assembly. Weave one end of the tube through a deep notch, and the other end through a shallow notch, ensuring the

tube is also held in the centre notch.

Tape the tube seam with a short piece of foil tape at either end to hold the joints temporarily in position. 

The smaller diameter tube end (deep notch) should always point towards the bottom tube assembly. 

Assemble all the required extension tubes, telescoping them together to provide the total length of tube required. Note the joint overlap indication lines with a 50 mm overlap. At this stage, use small pieces of foil tape to hold the tubes together. 

Check that the assembled tube length is correct by holding the extension tube(s) alongside the top and bottom tube assemblies. Adjust the tube length as necessary. For very long or angled tube lengths, self-tapping screws are provided to fasten the extension tubes together. 

Tape all tube joints and seams securely, smoothing the tape to create a good, firm seal.

Step 11: Applying the Expansion Joint Seal

For short installations with no extension tubes, the expansion joint seal is applied 25 mm from the top edge of the bottom tube assembly. 

For installations using extension tubes, the expansion joint seal is applied 25 mm from the top edge of the uppermost extension tube. 

Step 12: Installing the Bottom Tube Assembly

If any angle adjustment is required to the bottom tube assembly to align it with the top tube assembly this should be done now; use a crosshead screwdriver to loosen the twist-lock fastening clamps. 

Remove the assembly from the ceiling, rotate the angle adaptor if necessary to ensure alignment with the top tube assembly, and reposition it back into the ceiling. 

If extension tubes are being used, please go to Step 13.

Step 13: Installing Extension Tubes (For Installations with Extension Tubes)

Remove the protective film from the inside of the bottom tube assembly and all other tubing if not already done so. 

Tape the seams and re-insert the bottom tube assembly. Lock all twist-lock fastening clamps into the ceiling.

Insert the extension tube with the expansion joint seal up into the top tube assembly. Then insert the other end into the bottom tube assembly. 

Ensure there is a minimum 50 mm overlap at either end. Tape all joints together and use self-tapping screws for additional rigidity if necessary. 

Step 14: Installing the Natural Effects Lens and Diffuser

Insert the Natural Effects Lens straight up into the bottom tube assembly until it sits into the recess at the base of the bottom tube assembly, with the clear plastic tab pointing downwards. Then place the ceiling diffuser/fitting up into the lower edge of the bottom tube assembly, align the male and female lugs, and twist clockwise to secure in place.

How Can We Help? Our Sun Tube Installation Service

When contemplating any DIY project, it is crucial to assess your skill level and physical capability. For many individuals, attempting the self-installation of a sun tube is not a feasible option. Working on a roof without prior experience and specialised equipment can pose significant dangers.

Beyond the potential risks to your health, there are also risks to your home if the sun tube is not installed correctly. Ensuring proper sealing is essential to prevent leaks and drafts. A professional installer can guarantee a flawless installation of the sun tube.

For both safety and efficiency, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional.

Reach Out to Our Friendly Team

Get a sun tube installed into your home with Solatube. We have 100s of satisfied customers for our daylighting and ventilation systems.

Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Daylight Design Consultants for advice, recommendations, and a bespoke quote.

Sub Tube Installation FAQs