Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Blackheath: what is involved?
For Blackheath homes and buildings we offer smoke vent rooflights (AOVs): automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
Party walls are a fact of life in London terraces, and rooflights close to a shared wall need detailing that keeps the neighbour's side dry too. Think of smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
From Blackheath to Greenwich, Catford and Eltham, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Specification options
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Service and test plans
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Manual override at the fire service access level
Things we check at survey
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
- Smoke ventilation is designed to the building's fire strategy — we install to that design
Regulations for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Blackheath
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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Blackheath
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Blackheath, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| 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
- Tell us what you have. Send the SE3 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Blackheath, measures and checks structure and access.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Nearby towns
Related work in Blackheath
Questions about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Blackheath
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.
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 work alongside my builder in Blackheath?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
How do I book a survey in Blackheath?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
