How we approach smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Chelmsford
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Chelmsford means automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We cover the CM1 district and the rest of Essex, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Many homes in the East have low-pitched roofs on later extensions, which are better served by flat rooflights than pitched roof windows. Typical uses for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) include communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
From Chelmsford to Billericay, Witham and Maldon, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Specification options
- Service and test plans
- 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
Before you order: points to check
- Smoke ventilation is designed to the building's fire strategy — we install to that design
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
Rules and responsibilities in Chelmsford
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.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Chelmsford?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Chelmsford, 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
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Chelmsford address.
- 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
More we do in Chelmsford
Common questions
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.
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 a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Chelmsford?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Chelmsford and across Essex. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
How do I book a survey in Chelmsford?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
