Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Whitstable: what is involved?
For Whitstable homes and buildings we offer smoke vent rooflights (AOVs): automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
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 communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
From Whitstable to Herne Bay, Canterbury and Faversham, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Options we can specify in Whitstable
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Service and test plans
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Control panel with battery backup
- Also usable for day-to-day ventilation
- Manual override at the fire service access level
Before you order: points to check
- 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
- The product should be certified to BS EN 12101-2 as a natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator
Regulations for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Whitstable
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. Fire classification of rooflight materials near boundaries is checked at specification.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Whitstable
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 |
How the job runs
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Whitstable, measures and checks structure and access.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Nearby towns
Related work in Whitstable
Common questions
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
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.
How do I book a survey in Whitstable?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Whitstable?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Whitstable and across Kent. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
