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FAQ's
Text Version
Monodraught has been leading the field in the development of renewable energy products for more than 30 years. SunPipes were first introduced into the UK by Monodraught in 1996 and are now used extensively throughout the world. This domestic range of SunPipes has been scientifically
tested by the government's Building Research Establishment and has proved to be the most efficient and effective method in the world for transmitting daylight and sunlight into a building.
- Who are my main points of contact within Monodraught?
- Matt Gregg & Wilf for Technical support 01494 897705
Donna & Lisa for Sales & Order Processing 01494 897704
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- How does a SunPipe work?
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Sunlight is piped down into the desired room by means of silver coated aluminium pipes with a mirrored surface internally. At ceiling level, the diffuser has the ability to distribute the light in every direction, giving an even spread of light throughout the room.
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- Do SunPipes really work?
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SunPipes do indeed work. They are ideal for nearly every application to bring in natural light to where it is needed most. The sunnier it is, the more light you will get depending on the size of the SunPipe you have. However, you will always get natural daylight piped into your home through a SunPipe, even on an overcast day - or even when it is raining!
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- What is a Diamond Dome?
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This is the Patented SunPipe Diamond dome that is specifically designed to maximise the capture of sunlight. The faceted top surface catches sunlight from any angle and the vertical prisms at the base of the Diamond dome capture low level light, ie. first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon. The Diamond dome is manufactured from polycarbonate making it virtually unbreakable and therefore vandal-proof.
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- What is the difference between a flexible SunPipe and the original SunPipe?
- A flexible pipe means you do not have to use any adjustable elbows and it is cheaper than the original SunPipe. That is about the only real advantages! The original SunPipe transmits approximately three times more light than the new flexible SunPipe, although the flexible SunPipe is approximately twice as good as other flexible lightpipes, since it incorporates the Patented Diamond dome, an initial straight length, and the patented SunPipe ceiling diffuser. The traditional SunPipe is the preferred option by practically every householder and simply clips together for maximum light output.
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- What is a Square SunPipe?
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A Square SunPipe fits virtually flush to the roof surface and has the advantage of capturing more light than a standard Diamond SunPipe but its main advantage is to provide a discreet flush fitting application.
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- What is the difference between the Square, Conservation and the Diamond dome in terms of light levels and price?
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The Diamond dome is by far the most cost effective method of installing a SunPipe but in Conservation areas or for listed buildings where a very unobtrusive termination is required, a Square or Conservation SunPipe may be preferable. Although more expensive, they do have the advantage of capturing approximately 20% more light than the Diamond dome. The Conservation rooflight has a central glazing bar.
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- What is the Sola-vent?
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The Sola-vent is one of the latest products from Monodraught that won the 2006 Interbuild 'Best Interior Product of the Show' and beat 60 other entries! The Sola-vent is a solar powered extract ventilation unit designed mainly for bathrooms and incorporates a 15Watt solar panel, a SunPipe, and two spotlights. The Sola-vent also has a solar battery back up that provides up to eight hours use.
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- How does the Sola-vent differ to other ventilation products?
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Being solar driven, the Sola-vent requires no electricity and the PIR feature means that it has fully automatic operation night and day. Apart from the two spotlights, the Sola-vent system is completely energy free and more environmentally friendly.
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- What choice do I have in sizes & ceiling diffusers?
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Two sizes are available, the 230 Sola-vent, incorporating a 230mm diameter SunPipe and an extract fan to provide 15l/s extract. The larger 300 Sola-vent system, incorporates a 300mm diameter SunPipe and has a higher rated fan.Two choices of ceiling fascia are available for the Sola-vent, the popular Sirocco and the Mistral.
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- What is a monovent?
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The Monovent is also ideally suited to providing natural ventilation to bathrooms and similar areas but basically provides trickle ventilation throughout the year. The Monovent works purely on the passive stack Windcatcher principle, using wind power and temperature difference as the driving forces.
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- What is the difference between Sola-vent and Monovent?
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Both systems provide energy free ventilation. However, the Sola-vent system has a fan which is driven by energy
produced by the solar panel, whereas the Monovent does not have a fan and operates by the passive stack principle
alone.
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- What do I get in a basic picthed roof kit?
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- Polycarbonate Diamond top dome
- Condensation seal
- ABS Flashing plate for slate pitched roof
- ABS undercloak roofing felt support
- 610mm connecting pipe with crimped end connecting piece Must be used at roof level (cut to length on site)
- 3 section Adjustable elbow (for steeper roof slopes over 45° you will require 2 x 30° elbows)
- Plain end SunPipe 610mm (580mm fitted) must be used to terminate above ceiling level
- 3mm Plywood backing panel and marking out template
- SunPipe Bell End slides over end of plain end pipe above ceiling level
- Fixing ring to be fitted to ceiling opening
- Ceiling diffuser clear stippled or opal
- push on Diffuser trim in white as standard
- 15 x 15mm self tapping stainless steel screws/washers
- 5 x for fixing the collar to flashing plate
- 4 x for fixing the pipe to the ABS collar
- 5 x for fixing the dome to the ABS collar
- 1 x spare
- 13 x 45mm screws (depending on SunPipe size)
- 5 x for fixing the ceiling diffuser
- 8 x for fixing the flashing plate to roof
- 10 x Black washers
- 5 x for use when fixing the dome
- 8 x for use when fixing the collar to the flashing plate
- 1 x spare
- Silicone Sealant
- Silver Aluminium Tape
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- What alternative components can I choose from?
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- ABS flashing plate and weathering skirt for plain tiled roofs (plus high density foam as above)
- SunPipe 610mm extension lengths with crimped end
- ABS collar for use with lead flashing
- Lead flashing for bold rolled tile roofs
- Square diffuser attachment
- 3 section 45° adjustable for large offsets
- 2 section 30° adjustable elbow used where a small offset is required
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- How long can a SunPipe be?
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A SunPipe can be almost any length that you wish, but loses 6% of light for every metre of SunPipe. For very long SunPipes, a larger diameter should be used. On smaller sizes the total effective recommended maximum length is 8m, and up to 20m on larger sizes of 450mm and 530mm. There is a 12% light reduction for every 45° elbow used.
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- How many elbows can a SunPipe have?
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A SunPipe can contain a number of elbows. However, the more elbows in the system, the more the overall light will diminish. If many elbows are required, it may be necessary to use a larger diameter SunPipe to bring in more light initially.
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- What sort of diffuser can I have (opal or clear)?
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For maximum light output, most people prefer the clear stippled polycarbonate diffuser but as an alternative, a smooth finish opal diffuser can be provided, although it should be noted that there is approximately a 20% reduction in light output when an opal diffuser is used.
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- Can the diffuser be coloured?
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Yes, a soft aqua blue is
available as an alternative and some people like this for a bathroom setting, since it produces a cool light.
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- What type of ceiling trims can I have?
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The standard ceiling trim provided is white but the alternatives are a satin finish stainless steel, polished brass, chrome, or satin chrome effect trim. These are all metallised ABS finishes and are available on Special Order but please allow 5 - 7 days for delivery.
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- What sizes can I get the SunPipe in?
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The 9" (230mm) Diamond Dome SunPipe Will typically light up an area of 6 sq. metres, suitable for Lobbies, Shower rooms and similar smaller areas i.e. an area of 6' x 9' approx. bringing natural light to your rooms to an equivalent light level of up to 200 watts.
- The 12" (300mm) Diamond Dome SunPipe
The most popular size for residential properties, suitable for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Studies, Living Rooms and Landings. To light up to an area of approx 12 sq. metres. i.e. a 12' x 9' area.
- The 18" (450mm) Diamond Dome SunPipe
For Games Rooms, Galleried Halls or anywhere you need a real 'WOW' factor. To light up to an area of approx 22 sq. metres i.e. a 15' x 15' area.
- The 21" (530mm) Diamond Dome SunPipe
Mainly used on Commercial properties. Ideal for Offices, Classrooms and similar areas. The 21" SunPipe provides approx. 3 times as much light as the 12" SunPipe and more than twice as much light as the 18" SunPipe.
- The 30" (750mm) Diamond Dome SunPipe
Being increasingly used on Warehouses, Sports Halls
and Leisure Centres. Recommended for use where
floor-to-ceiling height is more than 5 metres. The area
covered for natural lighting is proportional to the other sizes.
- The 40" (1000mm) Hemispherical Dome SunPipe
Often used as a focal point or feature of a natural lighting arrangement. Used with great effect at the British School Abu Dhabi as the central light feature to the main library.
- The 60" (1500mm) Hemispherical Dome SunPipe
In practical terms, this is just about as large as SunPipes go! Larger bespoke systems can be manufactured but
such systems have to be manufactured in two halves
and have a double joint along the centre. Succesfully
used as part of a SunCatcher arrangement as shown
at Nature's World, Middlesborough.
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- What is a magnetic black-out diffuser?
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This simply clips in place to block out sunlight and is recommended when SunPipes are installed in bedrooms.
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- What is a motorised light shut-off damper?
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This is a separate product manufactured by Monodraught that has an internal motor to turn an internal baffle to completely shut off the light but is normally used for commercial applications.
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- How much does it weigh?
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| Standard Flat Roof Kit | 2.72 Kg | 3.86 Kg | 7.12 Kg | 7.55 Kg |
| Standard Pitched Roof Kit (slate) | 3.22 Kg | 5.44 Kg | 7.77 Kg | 10.08 Kg |
| Standard Pitched Roof Kit (Tiled) | 6.07 Kg | 9.44 Kg | 13.11 Kg | 15.33 Kg |
| Standard 610mm (2') length | 0.58 Kg | 0.82 Kg | 1.21 Kg | 1.39 Kg |
| 300 Adjustable Elbow | 0.13 Kg | 0.25 Kg | 0.48 Kg | 0.62 Kg |
| 450 Adjustable Elbow | 0.21 Kg | 0.44 Kg | 0.82 Kg | 1.15 Kg |
| Bell End Pipe (300mm) | 0.28 Kg | 0.37 Kg | 0.59 Kg | 0.68 Kg |
| lead skirt |
2.90 Kg | 3.91 Kg | 5.24 Kg | 5.24 Kg |
For information regarding other systems, please contact
Monodraught Technical Support 01494 897705
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- What sort of pitched roof applications can I choose from?
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Slate
The ABS flashing plate is just 3mm thickness, the same as artificial slates. and normally takes up the place of two slates. Ideally, the bottom of the flashing should be kept level with the bottom edge of the adjoining slate. For rough, hewn, or stone slates, the weathering skirt should be used as for tiled roofs.
PlainTiled
The ABS flashing and weathering skirt is suitable for a wide range of clay and concrete plain tiled roofs and also any low profile moulded tiles, such as Belgian roof tiles and Marley Ludlow tiles. The weathering skirt is secured to the underside of the ABS flashing and the lead is then dressed to the contours of the tiled surface.
Bold Roll
The Code 4 lead flashing as supplied and is suitable for all bold roll tiles. The tiles should be cut up tight to the SunPipe system and the Code 4 lead flashing is then laid over the tiles and dressed into place. The Code 4 lead flashing is delivered with the two sides rolled up, so these need to be unrolled and then carefully dressed over the roof tile profile.
Thatched
This is one of the most difficult roofs on which to use SunPipes but a flashing can be successfully employed, either with using the
standard ABS flashing normally used for tiled roofs with additional weathering skirts at top and bottom or we can provide a code 4 lead or galvanised deep flashing to bed into the thatch. It is best to send a sketch of your requirements.
Cedar Shingle
A cedar shingle roof or similar should be treated in the same way as a slate roof but perhaps with the addition of a weathering skirt, as shown. The ABS flashing simply takes the place of some of the shingles and should be securely fixed to the battens. It is
recommended that mastic is applied to the edges of the shingles.
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- What type of flashing do I need?
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There are basically three types of flashing
- 1) A slate flashing, where the ABS flashing replaces some of the standard slates.
- 2) A plain roof tile flashing, where a weathering skirt is included as part of the kit.
- 3) A full Code 4 lead flashing for a bold roll or profiled tile roof covering, where the lead work is simply dressed to the profile of the roof tile.
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- How do you make sure it is waterproof?
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The SunPipe flashings incorporate rain stops and upstands to ensure a watertight installation. It is recommended that a thick bead of building mastic is applied to the flashings before the cut tiles are put in place around the flashing and mastic should also be used in B to point up the cut edges of any tiles or slates.
The weathering skirt provided for tiled roofs should be carefully dressed to the roof tiling. A special lead sealant is sent out with each Code 4 lead flashing for the bold roll kit.
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- What sort of flat roof applications can I choose from?
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Built up Felt Roofing
This is the most commonly used form of flat roof covering and the ABS flashing plate is first screw fixed to the roof boarding and then the bitumen felt is then torched on. Provided the blowtorch is not applied to the ABS flashing itself, then this form of installation is quite satisfactory. Alternatively, a galvanised flashing can be used at the same cost.
Sarnafil and other forms of Plastic Roofing
Depending on the roofer's requirements either the standard ABS flashing or galvanised flashing can be supplied. The plastic
coated sheet roofing with welded joints is applied over the roof surface and can either be carried up the sides of the flashing to finish under the collar or can simply be bonded on at the flat flashing level.
Ashphalt or hot applied Bitumen
A galvanised flashing plate will always be needed to withstand the temperature of the hot asphalt. No additional cost is involved but you will need to specify a galvanised flashing plate when ordering. Stone chippings can be applied where required.
Turf Roof
A wide range of galvanised upstands can be provided depending on the depth of earth fill to your roof. You will need to ask
Monodraught's Technical Department for further information in this respect.The standard galvanised flashing for a turf roof is normally 450mm high but 600mm or 750mm high systems can be supplied where necessary.
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- Who can carry out the installation?
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Installation is relatively simple since all the SunPipe components simply clip together with self locking joints to all components. The only tricky bit is cutting the hole through your roof! Full installation guides are provided with every kit. 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.
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- Can I install it myself?
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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
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- Who else can install my SunPipe?
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Monodraught can provide a full installation service for either commercial or domestic applications.
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- Do I need scaffolding?
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Yes! All current Health & Safety Regulations do now require safety scaffolding to be provided for any access to the building more than 1.5m in height. If in doubt, please check with your local Hire Shop.
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- Before installing a SunPipe, is it necessary to remove any roof tiles?
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It is normally necessary to remove between two and four tiles or slates from around the area where the flashing plate is to be fitted.
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- Are any structural alterations required?
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In the majority of cases, no structural alterations will be required, since the SunPipe normally slips between the rafters or joists of your property. However, it is most important that you carefully check the Installation Instructions before undertaking the installation yourself.
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- Can I have a horizontal SunPipe or use SunPipes for a basement?
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Yes. There are special leaflets available for horizontal and basement SunPipe applications but a special drawing would need to be prepared by Monodraught's Design Department. Please bear in mind that horizontal SunPipes are best used on a south facing wall.
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- What side of the house should the SunPipe be fitted?
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For maximum light output, the SunPipe should be on a south facing roof but bear in mind the sun is not always shining, the SunPipe still works extremely well under overcast conditions. So, even if the SunPipe is on the north facing slope, it will still pick up all available ambient light.
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- If you have one dome on the roof, can you have two light sources from it?
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Unfortunately, it is not possible to have two light sources from one dome. This is because the resulting light in each area would probably not be sufficient, as the light cannot be 'split in two' and so you would only get half the light!
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- What about the light output?
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| 9" (230mm dia) | 360lux | 170lux | 65lux |
| 12" (300mm dia) | 760lux | 330lux | 130lux |
| 18" (450mm dia) | 1820lux | 750lux | 300lux |
| 21" (530mm dia) | 2530lux | 1050lux | 430lux |
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- What does "lux" mean?
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"Lux" is a technical term used throughout the lighting industry and is used to measure the amount of light energy in lumens falling on 1sq.m. A "Lumen" is a unit for luminous flux (the flow rate of visible light energy) and is also used to measure light. Typically in a home, you need approximately 250 lux and in an Office or Classroom, you need approximately 450 lux.
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- How does a SunPipe relate to a light bulb?
- A 100 Watt light bulb produces approximately 170 lux.
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- Does any light come through during night?
- Yes! During the night, moonlight and starlight can shine through on a clear night
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- What if I want electric light during night time?
- A small 50 watt low voltage halogen light can be provided to be installed just inside the lower part of the SunPipe, providing light during night-time. The light kit should be positioned approximately 12" (300mm) up from the diffuser.
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- Does the SunPipe require maintenance?
- Due to the shape of the Diamond dome, the SunPipe is self-cleaning, since rainwater washes off any dust or dirt and there are no crevices for dirt to collect. 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.
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- Will the top dome discolour over time?
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The top domes are UV protected and carry a 10 year guarantee. However, after 10 years, it is predicted that there will be a slight clouding of the external surface.
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- Are the SunPipe domes vandal proof?
- The domes are manufactured from 4mm thick polycarbonate and this combined with the unique shape, provides an unbreakable/vandal resistant dome.
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- How long does a SunPipe last?
- The SunPipe is guaranteed for 10 years against any faulty materials or workmanship but has a life expectancy of at least 30 years.
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- How does it prevent condensation?
- The SunPipe top dome and proprietory collar has a 3mm condensation trap and it is important that this 3mm gap is not sealed up with mastic, so as to allow the system to 'breathe' at all times. Condensation will not occur if the SunPipe is properly installed.
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- How does it prevent heat loss?
- The bottom diffuser is sealed to the SunPipe, no air can enter the SunPipe system, creating virtually a column of still air. It is, therefore, similar to a giant double-glazed unit, since it is known that a still column of air is an excellent insulator against heat transfer. The 'U' value of a SunPipe is 1.63 W/m2
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- What about the weather?
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Although the name "SunPipe" suggests that the SunPipe only works under full sun, the remarkable fact is that even when it is cloudy, overcast, or even raining, the light output from the SunPipe is really quite remarkable. The chart below, however, indicates the amount of light that can be expected according to the conditions outside.
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- What size SunPipe do I need for my room?
- A 230mm (9") SunPipe is suitable for small areas, shower rooms and similar, ie. to suit an area of approximately 6ft x 9ft.
A 300mm (12") diameter SunPipe is the most popular of all SunPipe sizes and will light up an average sized room of approximately 3m x 4m (12ft x 9ft).
A 450mm (18") diameter SunPipe will typically serve an area of 5m x 4.5m (ie. 13ft x 15ft) and is ideal where a 'wow' factor of
natural lighting is needed.
The 530mm (21") diameter SunPipe is ideal for galleried halls, indoor swimming pools, and similar larger areas.
The 750mm (30") diameter SunPipe produces approximately twice as much light as the 530mm diameter system, and is therefore ideally suited to buildings of more than 7m in height.
Calculated to produce approximately 1000 lux at floor level, the 750mm Diamond domes are now being considered for complete Supermarket Retail Sales areas, as well as for Warehousing and high bay Stores generally.
These areas are typical recommendations assuming a pitched roof application. For a flat roof, the areas brought to a general daylight level would be slightly larger.
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- Are SunPipes suitable for use in a bedroom?
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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, we recommend the installation of a magnetic black-out diffuser for bedroom applications.
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- Can I run a SunPipe through several floors?
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Ideally, if you want to drop the SunPipe through several floors, you need to find a cupboard that the SunPipe could run down inside or otherwise, the SunPipe needs to be cased in as it goes through the room or floor above. As such, whereas a SunPipe can drop down to a lower floor, it usually means that it is not feasible to try to light up an internal hall or similar to a two storey house, since the SunPipe has to drop down through the floor above. Very often, there is insufficient space available on the landing or corridor above. SunPipes are ideal, therefore, for single storey homes and for first floor areas.
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- Do I need planning permission?
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In general terms, it is not necessary to apply for Planning Permission for installation of a SunPipe, particularly on the smaller
sizes, since a SunPipe of 230mm or 300mm diameter is no different to a flue pipe or chimney flue. However, if the property is Listed or situated in a conservation area, then specific permission must be sought from the local Listed Buildings Officer, since it is unlawful to alter any roof profile or covering without prior permission. Here the Square or Conservation SunPipe may be more applicable.
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- What about Building Regulations?
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There are no specific Building Regulations that apply to SunPipes, provided no structural alterations are made to the property. Most Building Control Officers are very much in favour of SunPipes and will always give you advice and guidance. With regard to bathroom ventilation,however, there are specific Regulations to meet but specific information can always be obtained from Monodraught's Technical Department.
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- What do I do if I need to return our SunPipe?
- As long as the SunPipe is in a reusable condition, it may be returned. It should be returned in the original packaging and there is no set time for return of the system.
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- Is there a re-stocking fee for returning our SunPipe?
- There is a re-stocking fee of 15% of the value of the goods when returned provided they are in a re-saleable condition.
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- How quickly can our SunPipe system be delivered?
- SunPipes will normally be delivered within 3 to 5 working days from order (An overnight delivery is available at a charge of £25 if
orders are placed before 2pm) However, we will always endeavour to deliver within 48 hours, whenever possible.
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- How long is delivery on SunPipes/Sola-vent/Monovents?
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Delivery times are as follows:-
| SunPipes | 3 - 5 days |
| Square & Conservation SunPipes | 10 - 14 days |
| Monovents | 10 - 14 days |
| Sola-vents | 14 - 21 days |
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