Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Southampton: the essentials
We handle smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) across Hampshire, including Southampton. 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.
Across the South East, single-storey kitchen extensions on 1930s semis and post-war detached houses are where most flat rooflights and lanterns go. Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) suit blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
Southampton is the main town we list in Hampshire; we also cover nearby Hythe and Totton.
Choices for your Southampton project
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Service and test plans
- Control panel with battery backup
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
Things we check at survey
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
- 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
Rules and responsibilities in Southampton
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in England the responsible person must keep them maintained under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We supply manufacturer-certified units and arrange installation, commissioning and servicing through specialist smoke-control engineers.
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.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in Southampton
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Southampton, 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
- 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.
- 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.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) near Southampton
Other services in Southampton
Common questions
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 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.
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 Southampton?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
How do I book a survey in Southampton?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
