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AOV Smoke Ventilation for Roofs

Roof AOV systems are commonly used to remove smoke and heat from buildings in the event of a fire, helping support safer escape routes and firefighter access. Roof smoke vents are widely used on stairwells, corridors, smoke shafts, and other natural smoke ventilation systems across both residential and commercial buildings.

At Rocburn, we supply a range of roof smoke ventilation solutions including AOV rooflights, roof hatches, and aluminium roof vents suitable for flat and pitched roof applications. Many systems can also provide day to day ventilation and natural daylight whilst maintaining strong thermal performance.

An open roof vent

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Pitched Roof AOV Skylights

Pitched roof skylight AOVs are often used where roof angle or aesthetics would not suit a standard flat roof smoke vent solution. Units are typically available with a range of flashing options to suit different roof tile types, often in dark grey or black external finishes with a white interior.

Whilst primarily intended for pitched roofs between 15–60 degrees, these AOV rooflights can sometimes also be used on near-vertical mansard roofs or installed onto flat roof kerb adaptors. This makes them a versatile and cost-effective option for a wide range of smoke ventilation projects.

Due to their centre pivoting design, many roof smoke vents achieve high geometric vent area figures for their size whilst also providing natural daylight and comfort ventilation.

Installed with wind deflector
An open roof vent

Roof Hatch and Rooflight Smoke Vents

Rooflights and hatches for smoke ventilation are designed to open automatically and release smoke and heat from a building in case of a fire. They are designed to comply with BS EN 12101-2 regulations for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation.

Rooflight AOV smoke vents can also provide natural ventilation and daylight for the building occupants. They are available in different sizes, shapes, and glass options to suit various architectural deasign requirements.

Typically rooflights or roof hatches are suitable for flat roofs up to 15 degrees and should fully open in less than a minute.

Contact Us to find out more about our roof vents.

Aluminium Flat Roof Louvres

Typically used on the roof of smoke shafts, our aluminium flat roof louvres are durable and weather resistant. The use of aluminium reduces weight and alleviates corrosion.

They are supplied with matching wind shields and surrounds to complete the finish.

The actuators and motors are pre-installed and the whole vent is tested in accordance with EN 12101-2 for use in smoke ventilation systems.

For more advice and to discover our full product range get in touch.

Rocburn Flat Roof Louvre RB FRL

Options and Features for Rooflights

Glazing Finishes

Glazing and finishes

We’re able to provide rooflights with glass or polycarbonate glazing. The glazing can be finished differently.

Clear for maximum light transmission, frosted for privacy, or Opal for solar glare and heat gain prevention.

Glazed Flat Roof AOV

Flat Glass or Dome

For commercial environments, a typical dome rooflight is quite suitable. But for domestic/home environments it may be preferred to have a flat glass AOV for a better finish.

Glazing Example

Thermal Performance

Double glazing is typically used for roof hatches with glass. It offers good thermal performance whilst reducing the weight compared to triple glazing.

Our polycarbonate rooflight domes are either double or triple skinned.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some projects use roof smoke vents instead of AOV windows?2026-06-08T13:35:26+01:00

Roof smoke vents are often chosen where there is no suitable external wall opening available or where roof-level smoke extraction provides the most effective solution. Because heat and smoke naturally rise, a roof-mounted vent can be an effective way of ventilating stairwells, smoke shafts and other protected spaces.

Do I need a roof hatch or an AOV rooflight?2026-06-08T13:34:48+01:00

The answer usually comes down to whether roof access is required. AOV rooflights are often selected where the primary objective is smoke ventilation and daylight, while roof hatches are commonly used when maintenance access to the roof is also needed.

How far should a Roof AOV open?2026-02-02T10:05:41+00:00

For single vents the vent will need to have an opening angle of at least 140°. Twin vents that are installed side by side should have each leaf open to at least 90°. This is primarily to reduce damage caused by wind and to ensure adequate airflow.

Can I use an AOV rooflight as an access hatch?2026-02-02T10:06:30+00:00

Yes, we’re able to supply the roof hatch with an offset motor assembly. This will allow you to place a ladder alongside and gain access to the roof when the hatch is open.

What is BS EN12101-2?2023-06-02T16:17:55+01:00

BS EN12101-2 is a European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEVs). The standard covers the design, performance, installation, and maintenance of NSHEVs.

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