How we approach smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Berkhamsted
Our smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) service in Berkhamsted covers automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Larger gardens in much of the South East mean deeper rear extensions, and deeper rooms need light from above rather than only from the doors. Think of smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
Berkhamsted sits about 7 km from Chesham and 8 km from Hemel Hempstead, and we cover the whole HP4 postcode district and the roads in between.
What you can choose
- Service and test plans
- Control panel with battery backup
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
- Manual override at the fire service access level
What to check first
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
- Smoke ventilation is designed to the building's fire strategy — we install to that design
Rules and responsibilities in Berkhamsted
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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Berkhamsted
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Berkhamsted, 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 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the HP4 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- 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.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Berkhamsted
Common 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.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in Berkhamsted?
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 Berkhamsted?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
