What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Runcorn involve?
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Runcorn? 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.
The North West gets more rain than most of England, so upstand height, membrane detailing and rain sensors on opening units are not optional extras. Think of smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
We work across Cheshire, including Runcorn, and in neighbouring towns such as Widnes and Halewood. Access, parking and how the glass reaches the roof are all checked at the survey.
Specification options
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Service and test plans
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Manual override at the fire service access level
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
What to check first
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
- 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
Rules and responsibilities in Runcorn
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. Fire classification of rooflight materials near boundaries is checked at specification.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Runcorn
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 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the WA7 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Runcorn
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Runcorn: questions
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.
How do I book a survey in Runcorn?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Runcorn?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
