The 30-second version
- Sun Tunnels bring outdoor daylight down through the roof via a reflective tube into a room ceiling — no window, no framing, no drywall shaft needed.
- Two families: domed (TGF flex / TGR rigid / TMF flex / TMR rigid / TCR curb-mount) and flat glass (TLR / TZRQ / TZR / TZRL).
- Fits between existing ceiling joists (no framing modification) and installs in under a day.
- Rigid tube = more reflective (~98% reflectivity), longer install length up to 40'. Flex tube = works around obstacles but slightly less light throughput, max 8'.
- 20-year warranty on the rigid tube; standard product and glass seal warranties on the rest.
Where Sun Tunnels shine (literally)
Sun Tunnels solve a problem regular skylights can't: bringing natural light into interior rooms with no exterior wall. Hallways, closets, laundry rooms, powder rooms, master bathrooms landlocked in the interior of the house — all can go from windowless caves to fresh, daylit spaces with a Sun Tunnel.
The mechanics: a dome or flat glass unit sits on the roof and captures sunlight. A reflective tube (aluminum, ~98% reflectivity on Velux's rigid tunnels) carries that light down through the attic space. A diffuser lens flush with the ceiling below distributes the light evenly across the room.
The result feels like a recessed can light that's always the perfect color temperature — because it's actual sunlight. In a windowless powder room, it changes the space entirely.
Domed vs Flat Glass — which family?
Velux Sun Tunnels come in two visual families that determine what the unit looks like on the roof:
Domed Sun Tunnels (TGF / TGR / TMF / TMR / TCR)
- TGF / TGR Low-Profile Dome: angled dome, ideal for south-, west-, and east-facing roofs. Parallel design blends with roofline.
- TMF / TMR Pitched Dome: raised dome geometry provides consistent light distribution throughout the day. Better on north-facing roofs where sun angles are lower.
- TCR Curb-Mount Dome: one-piece metal counterflashing, ideal for low-slope roofs (0°–60°) and tile or metal roofs.
Flat Glass Sun Tunnels (TLR / TZRQ / TZR / TZRL)
- TLR Low-Profile Glass: low-profile design for a sleek roof appearance. Perfect where local ordinances or HOAs prohibit domes on roofs.
- TZRQ Pan-Flashed Glass: for shingle roofs. Glass options include tempered fire-resistant diamond wire or laminated hurricane.
- TZR / TZRL Curb-Mount Glass: TZR for tile or flat roofs; TZRL includes flashing kit for shingle roofs.
Which to pick? In LA, we default to flat-glass models on aesthetic-sensitive homes (HPOZ, Palos Verdes design review, Beverly Hills) where a visible dome would be flagged. Domed units cost slightly less and collect ~10-15% more light in low-sun conditions.
Rigid vs Flex tube
The tube between roof and ceiling comes in two types:
- Rigid tube (TGR / TMR / TCR / TLR / TZRQ / TZR / TZRL): polished aluminum sections joined together. Roughly 98% reflectivity. Max install length up to 40 feet. Comes with 20-year tube warranty.
- Flex tube (TGF / TMF): insulated flexible tube that can bend around HVAC ducts, plumbing stacks, and structural obstacles. Max install length 8 feet. Delivers less light throughput than rigid.
Choose rigid when the attic space above the target room is clear straight up. It's far brighter and comes with the 20-year warranty.
Choose flex only when your target ceiling location has obstacles directly above (HVAC, ductwork, blocking) that require the tube to bend around them.
Sizes: 010, 014, 022
Velux Sun Tunnels come in three ceiling diameters:
- 010: 11.25" ceiling opening (rigid only, TGR/TMR). Compact — good for very small rooms and where framing space is tight.
- 014: 15.25" ceiling opening. The standard for most residential installs — good for a typical 6'×8' bathroom or 5'×5' closet.
- 022: 22.75" ceiling opening (rigid only, TGR/TMR). Delivers noticeably more daylight — spec for large hallways, small kitchens, or larger master bathrooms.
Roof pitch requirements
Different Sun Tunnel models have different pitch requirements:
- Most domed models: 14°–60° (3:12 to 20:12)
- TCR curb-mount: 0°–60° — works on flat and low-slope roofs
- TLR / TZR / TZRL: 10°–60° or 0°–60° depending on model
Optional accessories worth considering
- Velux Solar Night Light: a small solar panel inside the rigid tube collects sunlight during the day and powers a soft LED glow at night. Ideal for hallway and landing installations that need low-light navigation.
- Electric Light Kit: a UL-listed LED bolts into the tube for full-brightness electric backup when needed. Wired to a wall switch downstream.
- Energy Kit: improves insulation performance of the tunnel assembly. Reduces heat transfer.
- Daylight Controller: a motorized shutter blocks the tunnel when you want the room fully dark (bedroom or nursery Sun Tunnel use).
- Diffuser options: Frosted (standard), Micro Fresnel, Triple Wave, Brushed Metal, Prismatic, or Neutral Light. All easily swappable.
LA-installed cost ranges (2026)
- Rigid tube, 14" (TGR/TMR 014): $1,000–$2,200 installed for a straight run under 15'
- Rigid tube, 22" (TGR/TMR 022): $1,400–$2,800 installed
- Flat-glass, 14" (TLR/TZR 014): $1,400–$2,600 installed
- Complex install (long tube run 20'+, tile roof, or flex tube around obstacles): $2,200–$4,000 installed
- Solar Night Light accessory: +$150–$250
- Electric Light Kit + wiring: +$300–$650
Most Sun Tunnel installs complete in a single day. No drywall repair beyond patching around the ceiling ring.
Best rooms in an LA home for Sun Tunnels
- Interior hallways with no window
- Walk-in closets and pantries
- Powder rooms and interior bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Stairwells (safety + aesthetic)
- Kitchen islands with an interior "island of ceiling"
- Home offices without external windows
Get a free Velux quote for your LA home
Halo Build Co is a Velux-authorized dealer serving the Greater Los Angeles area. Every quote includes site inspection, skylight sizing recommendations, cutout and flashing details, and total installed cost — no hidden fees. Text, call, or fill out the form.