What are smoke vent rooflights (AOVs)?
Our smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) service in Cumbria covers automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We survey every job before fixing the 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. 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 Cumbria
What you can choose
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Control panel with battery backup
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
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 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.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Cumbria?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Cumbria, 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
- 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
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.
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 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.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Cumbria?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Cumbria, including Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal.
