Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham: what is involved?
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham? 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.
Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens. Typical uses for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) include communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
Thatcham is around 21 km from Reading, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Berkshire, including the RG18 district.
Specification options
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- 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
Regulations for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in England the responsible person must keep them maintained under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We supply manufacturer-certified units and arrange installation, commissioning and servicing through specialist smoke-control engineers.
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. 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 Thatcham
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Thatcham address.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) near Thatcham
Other services in Thatcham
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham: questions
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
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 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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Thatcham?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Thatcham and across Berkshire. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
