Do I need building regulations approval to install a sun pipe or sun tunnel?

Sun pipes, light tubes or sun tunnels are simply reflective tubes which can introduce natural light to a dark corner of your home.

They consist of a dome, cap or small rooflight and a reflective tube that is taken down through the building in a duct, to terminate with a diffuser in the room which distributes the light where you need it.

They don't provide ventilation so can't be used on their own if you are forming a windowless room.

You'll generally only need a building regulations application if:

• It's close to a party wall.
• It passes between two separate fire compartments and therefore form a risk for a fire spreading.
• It would mean that a rafter or joist needs to be moved. This would be classed as a structural alteration.

Further information

Will I need planning permission to install a sun pipe or sun tunnel?