What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) involve?
Across the Highlands and Islands, our smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) work covers automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Short winter days in Scotland make every square metre of overhead glass count, so rooflight sizing matters. Stone villas, cottages and conservation areas across Scotland often call for conservation rooflights in slate roofs.
Towns in the Highlands and Islands
Options we can specify
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Service and test plans
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Control panel with battery backup
- Manual override at the fire service access level
- Glazed units bring daylight to stairwells
Planning and building rules in Scotland
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in Scotland the duty holder must keep them maintained under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. We supply manufacturer-certified units and arrange installation, commissioning and servicing through specialist smoke-control engineers.
For non-domestic buildings in Scotland, the non-domestic Technical Handbook (section 6) sets the energy standards for rooflights; we supply the manufacturer's data for the building warrant. Fragile-roof safety and access are planned before work starts.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in the Highlands and Islands
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in the Highlands and Islands, 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Smoke vents in nearby areas
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.
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 smoke vents need a control panel?
Electric AOVs work with a control panel that links them to detectors, the fire alarm and override switches.
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in the Highlands and Islands?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
