Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Durham: the essentials
Our smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) service in Durham covers automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We survey every job before fixing the price.
North East terraces and colliery-town housing often have rear offshoots where a rooflight brightens a narrow kitchen. Stone villages inland in the North East can have conservation areas where low-profile rooflights are preferred.
Towns in Durham
Specification options in Durham
- Control panel with battery backup
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Service and test plans
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Manual override at the fire service access level
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 Durham, 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.
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.
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.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in Durham?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
