Sunpipes and similar

[xanderma]

You know the thing - a dome or window on the roof with a pipe which reflects the light down to a kind of porthole in the ceiling below. They're used to bring natural light to spaces with no windows, such as landings etc.

Has anyone had experience of them, are they as good as they seem?

[ianess]

I've only ever heard vague stories of such a thing, using fibre-optic cables or similar. I would love to bring more light into my hallway without knocking holes into my gable end so await replies to your question with interest.

[Matheous]

http://www.sunpipe.co.uk/

Try the above address and click on 'stockists for your nearest supplier....

[Clanad]

I've installed one in an interior bath room. Firstly, they are very easily installed. They just consist of a roof "collector" that goes through the exterior roof and then the edges are sealed. (Yes, one has to cut a hole about 10 inches in diameter). Then a treated and highly reflective flexible tube, again, about 10 inches in diameter, is fixed to the collector and fitted through a hole in the desired ceiling. It can be bent, gently, to reach the exact place you want. A rim and receptacle is fitted to the interior ceiling and the "lens" is then fitted. It works very well and even on cloudy days supplies quite a bit of light. They are not inexpensive though. Here,t hey run about $250 for the kit. I'd recommend one and am thinking of installing another one in a different room... Best of luck!

[xanderma]

Thanks for your replies. I've got details of stockists, and a builder lined up to install (Mr X doesn't do heights!!), but just wanted to hear from anyone with first-hand experience - which I now have!

Thanks again.