Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) for Didcot: the essentials
For Didcot 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.
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. Typical uses for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) include blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
Jobs in Didcot 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
- Control panel with battery backup
- Service and test plans
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
- Servicing and testing available
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
- Smoke ventilation is designed to the building's fire strategy — we install to that design
Rules and responsibilities in Didcot
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in England the responsible person must keep them maintained under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We install to the building's fire strategy and the manufacturer's certification.
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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) prices in Didcot
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 |
What happens next
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- 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.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
Related work in Didcot
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.
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.
How do I book a survey in Didcot?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Can you work alongside my builder in Didcot?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
