Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Whitehaven: the essentials
We handle smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Cumbria, including Whitehaven. In short: automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
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 communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
Whitehaven sits about 11 km from Workington and 30 km from Keswick, and we cover the whole CA28 postcode district and the roads in between.
Options we can specify in Whitehaven
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Service and test plans
- Control panel with battery backup
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Servicing and testing available
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
What to check first
- 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
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
Rules and responsibilities in Whitehaven
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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Whitehaven?
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Whitehaven, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- 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.
- 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.
Nearby towns
Related work in Whitehaven
Questions about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Whitehaven
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 smoke vents need a control panel?
Electric AOVs work with a control panel that links them to detectors, the fire alarm and override switches.
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.
How do I book a survey in Whitehaven?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Can you work alongside my builder in Whitehaven?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
