Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Ipswich: what is involved?
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) in Ipswich means automatic smoke ventilators at the head of stairwells and atria. We cover the IP1 district and the rest of Suffolk, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Barn conversions and timber-framed homes across the East often call for conservation rooflights or bespoke glass. In Ipswich, as anywhere, smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) are the usual choice for communal stairwells, corridors and atria.
We cover all of Ipswich and the IP1 district, and nearby Harwich and Felixstowe.
Choices for your Ipswich project
- Break-glass and smoke-detector triggers
- Electric (24 V) or pneumatic actuation
- Control panel with battery backup
- Glazed rooflight or louvred vent
- Service and test plans
- Replacement of failed or obsolete units
- 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
Building control and safety duties in Ipswich
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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
What do smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) cost in Ipswich?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Ipswich, 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the IP1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Smoke vent rooflights (AOVs) near Ipswich
More we do in Ipswich
Common 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.
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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Ipswich?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Ipswich?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
