Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff: what is involved?
Thinking about smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff? 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.
Wales sees a lot of wind-driven rain, particularly in the west, so upstand height and flashing laps matter more than anywhere. In Cardiff, as anywhere, smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) are the usual choice for blocks of flats and commercial buildings with a smoke strategy.
We cover all of Cardiff and the CF10 district, and nearby Penarth and Dinas Powys.
Specification options
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Rain and wind sensors for daily vent use
- Control panel with battery backup
- Service and test plans
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Servicing and testing available
- Opens automatically on alarm signal
Things we check at survey
- 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
- Replacing a vent with a non-equivalent product can affect the fire strategy
Regulations for smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff
Smoke vents are life-safety equipment: in Wales the responsible person must keep them maintained under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as it applies in Wales). We install to the building's fire strategy and the manufacturer's certification.
For non-domestic buildings in Wales, Approved Document L sets limiting U-values for rooflights and roof ventilators; we supply the manufacturer's data for the building control submission. Fire classification of rooflight materials near boundaries is checked at specification.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Cardiff
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Cardiff, 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Cardiff address.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) near Cardiff
Related work in Cardiff
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff: questions
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.
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.
Can a smoke vent be used for normal ventilation?
Many dual-purpose units also open for daily ventilation, closing automatically in rain.
Do you fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff?
Yes. We survey and fit smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Cardiff and across South Glamorgan. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Can you work alongside my builder in Cardiff?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
