What are smoke vent rooflights (AOVs)?
A smoke vent rooflight is an automatic opening vent (AOV) at roof level that opens on a signal from the fire alarm or a smoke detector, letting smoke and heat escape from a stairwell, corridor or atrium so escape routes stay usable.
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment. The unit, actuator and control panel work as a system, and the system must be designed, installed, commissioned and then maintained.
We supply and install manufacturer-certified smoke ventilators and arrange commissioning and servicing. Certification belongs to the manufacturer's tested product, and we provide its details with every quote.
- Products
- Glazed rooflight vents, louvred vents
- Standard
- Certified to BS EN 12101-2 by the manufacturer
- Actuation
- 24 V electric or pneumatic
- Controls
- Panel, detectors, break-glass, override
- Service
- Periodic testing and maintenance
- Typical lead time
- 3–6 weeks from order
Why choose smoke vent rooflights (AOVs)?
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Manual override at the fire service access level
- Servicing and testing available
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
What options are there?
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Control panel with battery backup
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Service and test plans
What should you check before you order?
- Smoke ventilation is designed to the building's fire strategy — we install to that design
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
- Whoever holds the building's fire-safety duties (the responsible person, the duty holder in Scotland or the appropriate person in Northern Ireland) must keep systems maintained and tested
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large glazed AOV with actuators | £4,795 – £7,795 | £3,995 – £6,495 |
| Standard glazed AOV Typical | £3,595 – £4,795 | £2,995 – £3,995 |
| Replacement vent onto existing upstand | £2,995 – £3,595 | £2,495 – £2,995 |
Guide prices per vent, supplied and fitted (control panel and commissioning priced separately). Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs): common questions
Who is responsible for maintaining smoke vents?
The responsible person (or duty holder in Scotland, appropriate person in Northern Ireland) for the building must keep fire safety systems maintained. We can arrange servicing and keep records.
How often should AOVs be tested?
Industry guidance recommends regular functional checks and at least annual servicing. Your fire risk assessment sets the regime.
Can you replace an old smoke vent?
Yes, with an equivalent certified unit that matches the original design area and performance, so the fire strategy is not compromised.
Do smoke vents need a control panel?
Electric AOVs work with a control panel that links them to detectors, the fire alarm and override switches.
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
Do you design the smoke strategy?
No — the strategy comes from the building's fire engineer or designer. We supply, install, commission and service to it.
