What are smoke vent rooflights (AOVs)?
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Dorset means automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. Every quote follows a survey of the roof and the room below.
Western coasts take wind-driven rain, so we pay close attention to upstand height and flashing laps on exposed roofs. Stone cottages, slate roofs and conservation areas are common in the South West, and conservation-profile rooflights keep the roofline quiet.
Towns in Dorset
Specification options in Dorset
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Service and test plans
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
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.
Guide prices
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Dorset, 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
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.
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
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 fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Dorset?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth.
