⭐ 4.9/5 · 143 Google Reviews — Both Velux roof windows and sun tunnels (light tubes) bring natural light through a roof. The right choice depends on the purpose — habitable loft conversion or ground-floor room brightening — and the roof access available.
| Factor | Velux Window | Sun Tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Light output | High (direct) | Moderate (diffused) |
| Ventilation | Yes (opening) | No |
| Views | Yes | No |
| Install cost | £450–£750 | £350–£600 |
| Room disruption | Moderate | Low |
| Planning needed | Rarely | Rarely |
| Best use | Loft conversions | Dark internal rooms |
Velux roof windows are the right choice for loft conversions, habitable loft rooms, and any application where ventilation, views or large light output is required. Most Leicester loft conversions use Velux GGL or GGU units — the steep pitch of Victorian and 1930s Leicester properties suits standard Velux units well, and the 1930s semi-detached roof geometry typically accommodates two standard FK or SK series units per slope.
Sun tunnels are appropriate for dark internal rooms where a Velux cannot be installed directly — a bathroom under an un-converted loft, a hallway, or a room that doesn't have direct roof access. They require minimal internal disruption, can be angled to route around obstructions in the loft void, and bring diffused natural light into spaces that would otherwise have no daylight access.
“Two Velux units on our loft conversion. Correct rafter spacing measured, right flashing kit specified, both units perfectly watertight from installation.”
“Sun tunnel in our hallway bathroom. Routes through the loft void at an angle, diffused light in a space that had no natural daylight. Neat finish.”
“Velux re-flash — had been leaking for two years. Previous installer had used wrong flashing kit. Correct kit fitted, problem solved permanently.”
Significantly more. A standard Velux FK08 (55cm x 98cm) provides direct natural light through an opening of approximately 0.54m². A standard sun tunnel (350mm diameter) provides diffused light through a 0.096m² dome — considerably less area and the reflection losses in the tube reduce output further. For habitable rooms, Velux windows are substantially brighter. Sun tunnels are appropriate for spaces where some natural light is better than none.
Neither typically requires planning permission on a standard domestic property in Leicester. Both are permitted development. In conservation areas, roof alterations visible from the street require prior approval — Velux windows on front slopes of conservation area properties in Highfields or Stoneygate may require this check. We assess conservation area implications on every survey.
Yes, with limitations. Sun tunnels are available in rigid and flexible tube versions. Rigid tubes require straight-line access; flexible tubes can be angled up to approximately 30 degrees from vertical. A standard Leicester 2-storey terrace has a loft void of approximately 2.5–3m — the tube needs to travel from the roof to the ceiling below, which is typically achievable with a flexible tube. The further and more angled the route, the less light output.
Standard Velux supply and fit on a Leicester residential property takes approximately 3–6 hours. This includes: removing tiles in the installation zone, structural head and trimmer installation between rafters, unit installation, external flashing kit installation, and tile reinstatement. Internal lining is a separate half-day task if required. We typically complete a single Velux installation in one day.
Standard Velux GGL and GGU units require a minimum pitch of 15 degrees. Most Leicester properties have pitches well above this: Victorian terraces typically 35–45 degrees, 1930s semis typically 30–40 degrees. Low-pitch extensions may require a Velux Integra or a different unit specification. We confirm pitch suitability on the survey measurement.
Velux windows provide better value for habitable loft rooms where ventilation, egress and light output all matter. Sun tunnels provide better value for dark internal rooms where a Velux cannot be installed — they are less expensive and require minimal structural work. The best value depends entirely on the intended purpose.
Both add value by improving natural light and in the case of Velux, enabling loft conversion. A properly installed Velux loft conversion on a Leicester 1930s or Victorian terrace typically adds more value than the installation cost in the current Leicester property market.
Yes. A sun tunnel requires a roof-level dome, a reflective tube through the loft void, and a ceiling-level diffuser. The tube installation in the loft is straightforward and the ceiling diffuser installation requires a single cut in the ceiling of approximately 350mm diameter. Total internal disruption is minimal compared to a Velux installation.
We cover all of Leicester city and the surrounding Leicestershire area. Free surveys with no call-out fee, written condition report within 48 hours of the visit. We have been working across Leicester and Leicestershire since 2003, carrying out repairs, re-roofing, flat roofing, lead work, chimney work and emergency call-outs across all property types and all LE postcodes.
NFRC registered (verifiable at nfrc.co.uk), £5m public liability insurance, 10-year written workmanship guarantee on all re-roofing work. No work starts without your written acceptance of the written itemised quote. Call 0116 319 1348 Monday–Friday 8am–6pm or Saturday 8am–2pm. Emergency line 24/7.
Every job starts with a free on-site survey. The written quote follows within 48 hours and specifies every element: scope of work, materials by manufacturer name, access method, guarantee period and payment terms. There are no verbal quotes, no time-pressure acceptance conditions, and no costs added on site without your prior written agreement. This is the standard we have operated to since 2003 and the standard we will continue to operate to. If you have had a poor experience with a Leicester roofer in the past, we would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate what transparent, professional roofing practice looks like.
Leicester's housing stock presents a wider range of roofing challenges than most UK cities. Within a single postcode you may find Victorian clay plain tile terraces from the 1880s, 1930s concrete interlocking tile semis, post-war estate housing with advancing nail sickness, and 1970s–80s extensions with failed felt flat roofs. The correct approach, materials and specification differ significantly between these property types. A contractor without genuine Leicester local knowledge applies the same solution regardless of the property — the wrong mortar on a Victorian chimney, the wrong tile profile on a period terrace, the wrong flat roof system for the substrate. We have been working specifically across Leicester since 2003 and carry the local knowledge that translates to correct specification on the first visit.
We cover all LE postcodes from central Leicester (LE1) through the city suburbs (LE2, LE3, LE4, LE5) to the outer areas (LE6–LE19 including Oadby, Wigston, Birstall, Blaby, Hinckley, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray and Syston). Survey visits are typically available within 3–7 working days for all postcodes. Emergency call-outs are attended within 1–3 hours for inner Leicester and 2–4 hours for outer areas. We do not sub-contract to unvetted tradespeople — every survey, quote and installation is carried out by our own team.
The process for every Leicester roofing job follows the same four stages. First: free on-site survey covering all relevant roof elements, with loft inspection where access permits. Second: written itemised quote within 48 hours specifying every element of the work including materials by manufacturer name, access method, guarantee period and payment terms. Third: written acceptance from you — no work begins without this. Fourth: the work itself, carried out to the specification in the accepted quote, with any on-site variations reported and agreed in writing before being carried out.
This process protects you and ensures that what is quoted is what is delivered. We have operated this process since 2003 and it is the foundation of the 143 Google reviews that give us a 4.9/5 rating across Leicester.
No call-out fees. No obligation. Written quote within 48 hours. Covering all of Leicester and Leicestershire.
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