Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Cowes: the essentials
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cowes? The short answer: automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens. Think of smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
Jobs in Cowes are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
What you can choose
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Service and test plans
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Control panel with battery backup
- Manual override at the fire service access level
- Servicing and testing available
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
Building control and safety duties in Cowes
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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Cowes?
Guide prices for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cowes are the same as anywhere we work — what changes the price is the job: access, structure, scaffold and finishing.
| 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 PO31 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- 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.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) near Cowes
Other services in Cowes
Common questions
How often should AOVs be tested?
Industry guidance recommends regular functional checks and at least annual servicing. Your fire risk assessment sets the regime.
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.
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.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cowes?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cowes and across the Isle of Wight. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Cowes?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
