How we approach smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Derby
Our smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) service in Derby covers automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Bungalows are common across parts of the Midlands, and sun tunnels or roof windows are a quick way to brighten internal hallways. In Derby, as anywhere, smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) are the usual choice for blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
We cover all of Derby and the DE1 district, and nearby Belper and Ilkeston.
Choices for your Derby project
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Control panel with battery backup
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
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
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
Rules and responsibilities in Derby
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. Fire classification of rooflight materials near boundaries is checked at specification.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Derby?
Guide prices for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Derby 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- 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.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Derby
Common questions
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 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 I need to be at home for the survey in Derby?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Can you work alongside my builder in Derby?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
