Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Christchurch: what is involved?
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Christchurch means automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We cover the BH23 district and the rest of Dorset, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Holiday lets and second homes across the South West often want roof windows with blinds and remote opening for when the house is empty. Think of smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
Neighbouring towns include Bournemouth (7 km) and New Milton (8 km). We offer a survey date when we reply to your enquiry.
What you can choose
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Control panel with battery backup
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Service and test plans
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
Before you order: points to check
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
- 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
Building control and safety duties in Christchurch
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 Christchurch?
Guide prices for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Christchurch 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 |
How the job runs
- 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.
- 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.
Nearby towns
Related work in Christchurch
Common questions
How often should AOVs be tested?
Industry guidance recommends regular functional checks and at least annual servicing. Your fire risk assessment sets the regime.
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.
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) in Christchurch?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Christchurch and across Dorset. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Christchurch?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
