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Explore automatic vents for fire safety in new builds and refurbishment projects. Find trusted brands like Surespan, Brett Martin, and Addlite. Remove smoke swiftly with our reliable products. Surespan offers durable performance, Addlite provides innovative options, and Brett Martin combines functionality and affordability. Choose from flat glass, aluminium or dome lids. Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Enhance fire safety in your buildings with our diverse range.
Building Control just dropped the bombshell. Your project needs automatic smoke vents for compliance. Suddenly, you’re looking at quotes for £5,000+ for systems you don’t understand. The deadline’s looming.
Without approved AOVs, you can’t get sign-off. No certificate means no occupancy. Your entire project grinds to a halt whilst you scramble for solutions that won’t destroy the budget.
Our range of certified smoke vents starts at £1,246.50 – half what others quote. From Brett Martin’s reliable dome options to Addlite’s sleek flat glass systems, we stock Building Regulation-compliant AOVs ready for immediate delivery.
New build or refurb, we’ve got the solution that’ll satisfy inspectors without emptying your account.
Forget everything you think you know about roof windows. Smoke vents are engineering marvels designed for one critical purpose: saving lives in the event of a fire. These automatic opening vent systems spring into action when seconds count.
Our AOV smoke vent products connect directly to your building’s fire alarm system. When smoke is detected, the automatic opening ventilator receives a signal and opens within 60 seconds – no human intervention needed.
The science is simple but effective:
Hot smoke rises naturally through the building
Vents open, creating a chimney effect
Fresh air rushes in at lower levels
Smoke evacuates through the roof opening
Escape routes stay clear and visible
This natural smoke ventilation process keeps stairwells and corridors navigable, buying precious time for evacuation.
Modern smoke control systems don’t work in isolation. Our units integrate with:
Fire alarm panels for automatic activation
Manual override switches for testing and emergency use
Weather sensors preventing rain ingress during normal conditions
Battery backup ensures operation during power cuts
The Addlite flat glass option includes sophisticated heat control systems that prevent premature activation from summer sun whilst maintaining sensitivity to actual fire conditions.
Building regulations demand effective smoke extraction, but our smoke ventilation systems exceed minimum requirements. The offset mechanisms on our Brett Martin range ensure maximum opening angles – critical for smoke evacuation efficiency.
Key performance features:
Opening angles up to 140° for maximum extraction
Aerodynamic design enhancing natural ventilation flow
Dual-purpose functionality – daily ventilation plus emergency operation
Tested to EN12101-2 standards
Different buildings need different solutions. That’s why we stock:
Polycarbonate Dome Vents: Cost-effective for warehouses and industrial units where aesthetics matter less than function. These heat exhaust ventilators are typically installed in grid patterns for optimal coverage.
Flat Glass Systems: Perfect for modern offices or residential blocks where appearance counts. They blend seamlessly with contemporary architecture whilst delivering full smoke vent systems capability.
Access Hatch Combinations: Clever dual-purpose units providing roof access for maintenance, plus emergency smoke ventilation. Ideal where roof space is limited.
Unlike standard rooflights, AOV smoke control involves precise engineering. Springs calibrated to open against wind loads. Mechanisms tested for 10,000 operations. Weatherseals that maintain integrity after years of UV exposure.
Your fire strategy depends on these products performing flawlessly when needed. That’s why we only stock proven brands – Surespan’s robust engineering, Brett Martin’s reliable mechanisms, and Addlite’s innovative designs. No cheap imports that might fail when lives depend on them.
Natural smoke exhaust ventilators might seem like a grudge purchase for compliance. But properly specified, they’re your building’s insurance policy – silent guardians ready to protect occupants if the worst happens.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – smoke vents in homes? Yes, and here’s why more homeowners are choosing to install them voluntarily, beyond any legal requirement.
That gorgeous loft conversion created a beautiful space, but also a potential trap. Heat and smoke rise – making top-floor bedrooms the most dangerous in fires. Installing AOV systems provides clear escape routes when seconds matter.
Modern open-plan homes face similar challenges. Removing walls creates stunning spaces but eliminates traditional barriers that slow fire spread. Smoke vents above stairwells keep these critical escape routes navigable, protecting building occupants throughout the property.
Whilst not typically installed in standard homes, certain situations demand compliance:
Three-storey houses often need smoke ventilation under Approved Document B
Flats with shared stairwells require protected areas kept smoke-free
Home offices/annexes may fall under commercial building codes
HMOs and rental properties face stricter safety requirements
Our CE-marked products satisfy all construction products regulation requirements, ensuring your installation passes inspection.
Forward-thinking homeowners install smoke vents for peace of mind. Consider:
Flat roofs over bedrooms: Perfect location for AOVs that automatically open when needed. Our insulated aluminium options blend seamlessly with modern architecture.
Above kitchen areas: Where most home fires start. Vents provide immediate smoke and heat extraction, potentially containing damage to one area.
Stairwell protection: Your primary function escape route. Keeping stairs clear of smoke saves lives – especially crucial for elderly residents or those with mobility issues.
Here’s what Building Control won’t tell you – smoke vents offer daily benefits:
Summer cooling: Manual override allows natural ventilation
Condensation control: Regular air changes prevent moisture buildup
Safe access: Surespan models double as roof hatches
Light enhancement: Glass options brighten dark stairwells
Modern systems go beyond basic compliance. Link your smoke vent to:
Existing window controls for coordinated ventilation
Smart home systems for remote operation
Heat detectors for localised activation
CO₂ sensors for air quality management
Our industrial buildings experience shows how effective these systems are. Warehouses with properly designed smoke ventilation contain fires to small areas, allowing smoke to escape whilst maintaining visibility at floor level. This same principle protects homes.
The free area calculations might seem complex, but our team handles the technical stuff. We’ll specify the right size and number of vents for reliable operation when needed.
At £1,360-£2,800, smoke vents aren’t cheap. But compare that to:
Smoke damage throughout your property
Increased home insurance premiums
The unthinkable cost of injury
Plus, safety-conscious buyers value these installations. Estate agents report homes with comprehensive fire safety systems sell faster and achieve better prices.
Remember: smoke exhaust ventilators are typically installed in high-rise buildings and commercial spaces because they work. Why shouldn’t your family benefit from the same protection?
Smoke vents automatically open during fires to release smoke and toxic gases through the roof. They keep escape routes clear, improve visibility for evacuation, and help firefighters locate the fire source. Required by building regulations for many commercial buildings, stairwells, and corridors to protect lives.
They’re the same thing. AOV stands for “Automatic Opening Vent” – the technical term for smoke vents. Some people use “smoke vent” for the complete system and “AOV” for the opening mechanism, but in practice, they’re interchangeable terms for the same life-saving equipment.
Annual servicing is mandatory for commercial buildings, and recommended for residential installations. Service includes testing opening mechanisms, checking battery backup, cleaning components, and verifying fire alarm connections. Keep service records – Building Control and insurers often request them.
Open windows at opposite ends, creating cross-ventilation. Hot smoke rises, so open high-level windows first. Never use standard extract fans during fires – they can spread flames. For bedrooms or internal rooms, install proper smoke vents that automatically activate when needed. Manual ventilation only works for minor cooking smoke.
Yes, exactly. A smoke vent IS an AOV (Automatic Opening Vent). The terms are completely interchangeable. Whether called smoke vents, AOVs, or automatic smoke ventilators, they all describe the same product – roof vents that open automatically during fires to extract smoke.
Yes, smoke vents can improve air quality and reduce humidity when not in use during a fire emergency. The primary function of smoke vent systems is to improve fire safety by removing smoke, heat, and toxic gases from a building, but daily ventilation is a valuable bonus feature.
An AOV Smoke Vent is an Automatic Opening Ventilator that provides at least 1.0m² of free area when open. This measurement refers to the actual opening size, not the frame dimensions – crucial for compliance calculations.
Several options suit different buildings. Louvre vents provide a discharge of smoke and fumes through motorised blades along the length of the frame and can be made with insulated aluminium, polycarbonate, and glazed panels. Metal smoke vents are known for their robustness and fire-resistance, making them a common choice in commercial and industrial buildings.
Aluminium smoke vents can be powder-coated in a variety of RAL colours to suit building requirements. Glass smoke vents are ideal for applications where natural daylight is important, as they allow light into the building even when closed. Polycarbonate smoke vents allow light to penetrate while also providing effective smoke control.
Smoke vents are often mandatory under national building codes and fire safety regulations. Specifically, smoke vents must comply with Approved Document B (Fire Safety) regulations in the UK. Always check your local requirements.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure smoke vents operate correctly during emergencies. Annual professional servicing is typically required for compliance, including mechanism testing and battery checks.
The installer is responsible for ensuring that smoke vent installations meet local fire safety regulations. Always use certified installers familiar with both the products and compliance requirements.
Our team is always here to help. Whether you have questions about our products or would like to request a quote, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can.
Our team is always here to help. Whether you have questions about our products or would like to request a quote, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can.
