Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Reading: the essentials
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Reading? 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.
Period cottages and conservation-area streets are common in the South East, so slim conservation rooflights are often the right choice. In Reading, as anywhere, smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) are the usual choice for blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
We cover all of Reading and the RG1 district, and nearby Earley and Henley-on-Thames.
Options we can specify in Reading
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Service and test plans
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Control panel with battery backup
- Manual override at the fire service access level
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
What to check first
- 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
Rules and responsibilities in Reading
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in England the responsible person must keep them maintained under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We install to the building's fire strategy and the manufacturer's certification.
For buildings other than dwellings, Approved Document L Volume 2 sets limiting U-values of 2.2 W/m²K for rooflights and 3.0 W/m²K for roof ventilators, including smoke vents. Fire classification of rooflight materials near boundaries is checked at specification.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in Reading
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Reading, 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 |
How the job runs
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Nearby towns
Related work in Reading
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Reading: questions
How often should AOVs be tested?
Industry guidance recommends regular functional checks and at least annual servicing. Your fire risk assessment sets the regime.
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.
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.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Reading?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Reading and across Berkshire. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Reading?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
