What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) involve?
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cheshire means automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. Every quote follows a survey of the roof and the room below.
Rear kitchen extensions on North West semis often have small domes from decades ago that leak or have yellowed. Stone and brick terraces are typical across the North West, and roof windows in rear slopes are a common way to light attic rooms.
Towns in Cheshire
What you can choose
- Control panel with battery backup
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Service and test plans
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
Planning and building rules in England
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. Fragile-roof safety and access are planned before work starts.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in Cheshire
Guide prices for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cheshire are the same as anywhere we work — what changes the price is the job: access, structure, scaffold and finishing.
| 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
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Smoke vents in nearby areas
Common questions
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.
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.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in Cheshire?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
