SUNPIPE

Q. How long can a SunPipe be?
A. A SunPipe can be almost any length that you wish, but loses
10% of light for every metre of SunPipe. For very long SunPipes,
a larger diameter can be used. There is a 16% light reduction for
every bend. On smaller sizes a total effective maximum length is
8m, and up to 20m on larger sizes.

Q. What size SunPipe do I need?
A. Taking into account the losses set out above, for an average
size room of 3m by 3m (10 feet by 10 feet), you would need a
300mm (12 inch) SunPipe.
A 203mm (9 inch) SunPipe would light a room roughly half that
size and is therefore suitable for shower rooms and similar. A
chart is available click here to view.

Q. What about corridors and larger rooms?
A. In general terms for corridors, we recommend 300mm
diameter SunPipes at 3 metre intervals. For wider corridors
(more than 2 metres wide) 450mm diameter SunPipes at 4m
intervals. For larger rooms, in general terms use 450mm
diameter SunPipes at 4 metre spacing, 530mm diameter
SunPipes at 5 metre spacings and 600mm SunPipes at 6 metre
spacings.

Q. What if I want light during night-time?
A. A small 50 watt low voltage halogen light can be installed just
inside the lower part of the SunPipe, providing light during nighttime.
Click here to download Light kit instructions

Q. Does light come through during night?
A. Yes! During the night, moonlight and star light can give a
room more light than being outside.

Q. Are SunPipes suitable for use in a bedroom?
A. Yes, but do bear in mind that in summer months, due to the
efficiency of the SunPipe, your bedroom will be flooded with
natural daylight first thing in the morning.
For this reason, installations in bedrooms or hospital wards can
have either a black-out diffuser applied or a motorised light shut
off damper

Q. How long does a SunPipe last?
A. The SunPipe is guaranteed for 25 years.

Q. Does the SunPipe require maintenance?
A. Due to the shape of the dome, the SunPipe is self-cleaning.
The ceiling diffuser fits snugly into the base of the ceiling diffuser
to prevent dust or dirt entering the system and as a result the
interior mirror finish surface never requires any maintenance.
Furthermore there are no mechanical or moving parts, there is
nothing to break down or go wrong - as opposed to an openable
window or skylight.

Q. I have a roof made from ---, does this prevent me from
having a SunPipe?
A. A SunPipe can be put through any roof, including thatch,
concrete, steel, corrugated iron, stone, slate, tile, aluminium, and
any angle of roof - from flat all the way to vertical installation.
Installation can be done through any industrial surface such as
Kalzip profile steel sheet roofing, bold asbestos corrugations,
British Steel colour coated pressed steel type - a flashing plate
can be provided in GRP or aluminium. For more help, refer to the
order form for each type of roof covering.

Q. When do I need a lead flashing?
A. For a plain tile you need a lead skirt with your ABS flashing,
but a bold roll tile you need a full Code 4 lead flashing.

Q. Who carries out the installation?
A. Installation is relatively simple since all the SunPipe
components simply clip together with self locking joints to all
components. The only tricky bit is the hole through your roof!
Full installation guides can be found on our download page.
Installation can be carried out by any competent builder and
installation of a standard SunPipe would normally take 3 to 5
hours to install complete with forming the roof opening.

Q. How much does installation cost?
A. Monodraught has a minimum charge of £325.00 for the
installation of one SunPipe system on a pitched/flat roof. For two
or more SunPipes on a pitched roof the cost falls to £275 per
SunPipe system. For two or more SunPipe systems on a flat roof
the cost falls to £220 per system. These prices are subject to
location in country relative to the head office in High Wycombe,
for an exact price phone Monodraught (01494) 897700.
All our SunPipe Advice Centres and Show Rooms either offer an
installation service or advice as to local recommended installers.

Q. Can I install it myself?
A. Any competent DIY person can complete an installation of a
SunPipe. You will need the right tools, and if working on a roof,
safety scaffolding. There are separate instructions for Flat Roof
installation and Pitched Roof installation, click here to visit our
downloads section

Q. Who else can install my SunPipe?
A. Monodraught can provide a full installation service for either
commercial or domestic applications.

Q. How long does my SunPipe take to install?
A. An average SunPipe takes between 3 to 5 hours to install.
Installation instructions are provided with the kit.

Q. How do I avoid obstacles in my roof space?
A. Monodraught can provide either 30° or 45° elbows to offset
the SunPipe route around any obstacles found within your roof
space. Please refer to the light loss statistics above.

Q. How quickly can my SunPipe system be delivered?
A. SunPipes are normally delivered within 2 to 5 working days
(an overnight delivery is available at an additional minimal
charge)

Q. Will the top dome discolour over time?
A. The top domes are UV protected and carry a twenty five year
guarantee. However, after 10 years, it is predicted that there will
be a slight clouding of the external surface.