Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Helensburgh: the essentials
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Helensburgh? The short answer: automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Scottish weather is hard on roofs, so we specify rooflights and roof windows with exposure in mind and fit upstands with generous heights. In Helensburgh, as anywhere, smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) are the usual choice for communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
Helensburgh is the main town we list in Argyll and Bute; we also cover nearby Greenock and Gourock.
Specification options
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Control panel with battery backup
- Service and test plans
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
Before you order: points to check
- 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
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
Rules and responsibilities in Helensburgh
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in Scotland the duty holder must keep them maintained under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. We install to the building's fire strategy and the manufacturer's certification.
For non-domestic buildings in Scotland, the non-domestic Technical Handbook (section 6) sets the energy standards for rooflights; we supply the manufacturer's data for the building warrant. Fragile-roof safety and access are planned before work starts.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in Helensburgh
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Helensburgh, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| 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 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the G84 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Helensburgh
Questions about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Helensburgh
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.
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 work alongside my builder in Helensburgh?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Helensburgh?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
