What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Bow involve?
We handle smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Greater London, including Bow. In short: automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces with narrow side returns are typical of much of London, and a glass roof or long flat rooflight is the usual way to keep the back rooms bright once the return is built over. Typical uses for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) include communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
From Bow to Stratford, Hackney and Leytonstone, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Choices for your Bow project
- Control panel with battery backup
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Servicing and testing available
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
Before you order: points to check
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
Rules and responsibilities in Bow
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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Bow
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- 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.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Bow
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Bow: 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 I need to be at home for the survey in Bow?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Can you work alongside my builder in Bow?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
