Rooflights / AOVs / Windows

Rooflights, AOVs & Roof Windows – Natural Daylighting,Ventilation & Smoke Control

Inbuild UK Ltd supplies a wide range of rooflights, AOVs (Automatic Opening Vents), and roof windows, providing solutions for natural daylighting, ventilation, and smoke control across residential, commercial, education, healthcare, retail, and industrial projects. Our range includes fixed, opening, modular, and fully certified AOV systems from trusted brands such as Coxdome, Fakro, Dakea, and Brett Martin. Designed and tested to meet UK Building Regulations and European standards, these products improve building energy performance, enhance occupant wellbeing, and support full compliance with fire safety and ventilation requirements.

Each unit is designed and certified in line with UK Building Regulations and European standards, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency, ventilation, and fire safety requirements.
Whether enhancing wellbeing through increased natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling, or providing certified smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (AOV/NSHEV), Inbuild’s rooflights and roof windows support both functional performance and regulatory compliance.

By offering a wide choice of glazing options, actuator systems, and frame finishes, we ensure specifiers and contractors can select the most suitable product for each project — delivering long-term value, improved building performance, and a safer, healthier indoor environment.

Rooflights, AOVs, and roof windows are essential building components that provide natural light, controlled ventilation, and life-safety performance. Inbuild UK Ltd supplies a comprehensive range of units for new-build and retrofit projects across the UK, with solutions suited to commercial, residential, healthcare, education, retail, and industrial environments. Products from leading manufacturers such as Coxdome, Fakro, Dakea, and Brett Martin are included in our portfolio, ensuring high performance and full certification.

Daylighting & Energy Performance

Roof windows and rooflights from Fakro, Dakea, and Brett Martin deliver excellent visible light transmission, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cutting energy costs. Multi-glazing and thermal break options are available to meet Part L of the Building Regulations. Natural daylight also supports
health and wellbeing in workplaces, schools, and homes.

Ventilation & Comfort

Our range of rooflights, roof windows, and AOVs includes both manual and actuator-driven opening units. These products improve air quality, support passive cooling
strategies, and can integrate with building management systems (BMS). For example, Coxdome and Brett Martin units can be configured with chain actuators to deliver natural ventilation in daily use.

Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilation (AOVs / NSHEVs)

Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are life-safety products designed to clear smoke in the event of fire. Importantly, AOVs must always be supplied as a completely tested unit — the window and actuator tested together to BS EN 12101-2. Inbuild only supplies certified AOVs from leading manufacturers, giving specifiers confidence that compliance and performance requirements are met. These units serve a dual role: ventilation in everyday conditions and smoke clearance during emergencies.

Design & Aesthetics

With options ranging from Coxdome modular rooflights to Fakro pitched roof windows, Dakea cost-effective ranges, and Brett Martin flat rooflights, Inbuild offers solutions for modern and traditional projects alike. Choices in frame colour, glazing specification, and kerb detail allow integration into both contemporary and heritage buildings.

Standards & Compliance

All Inbuild products are supplied in accordance with BS EN 12101-2 (for AOVs),
BS 9999 and Approved Document B (fire safety), Approved Document F (ventilation), and Approved Document L (energy performance). All systems are CE and UKCA marked for conformity. By selecting Inbuild rooflights, AOVs, and roof windows, contractors and specifiers ensure both performance and regulatory compliance.

Our product range includes fixed, opening, and modular rooflights, as well as pitched and flat roof windows, available in a variety of sizes, finishes, and glazing options. Brands such as Coxdome, Fakro, Dakea, and Brett Martin are part of our portfolio. Each offers specific advantages: for example, Coxdome is known for its large-span modular rooflights; Fakro for high-performance pitched roof windows; Dakea for durable, cost-effective combinations; and Brett Martin for a wide flat-roof glazing range with strong sealing and daylight properties.

Daylighting & Energy Performance

Roof windows and rooflights from Fakro (e.g., Fakro “FTW” pitched roof windows) and Brett Martin’s flat rooflight modules deliver high visible transmittance, meaning more natural light indoors and less reliance on electric lighting. Our glazing options include low-e coatings, argon filling, and
enhanced thermal breaks that help meet or exceed the requirements of Approved
Document L (Conservation of Fuel & Power).

For example, Brett Martin’s double-glazed units with thermal spacer bars help reduce U-values, while Fakro’s top-hung windows allow for minimal obstruction of daylight. Coxdome’s modular rooflight systems also feature multi-bar or barless designs that optimize daylight spread. Dakea’s units often
balance cost and performance, offering glazing options that meet thermal standards without unnecessary premium.

Natural daylight also contributes to occupant wellbeing — improved mood, productivity, and fewer complaints of glare or poor lighting. In retrofit settings, replacing old roof windows with Fakro or Dakea units can deliver substantial energy savings by improving insulation and reducing heat loss.

Ventilation & Comfort

Ventilation is a key benefit of many roof window and rooflight systems. Fakro, Dakea, Brett Martin, and Coxdome all offer opening models: manually operated, chain-actuated, or electrically actuated. Inbuild supplies a
selection of chain actuators compatible with these types. For instance:

• Fakro’s roof windows with pre-wired actuator options;
• Dakea’s opening vent windows that can be fitted with chain actuators;
• Brett Martin’s flat rooflights with opening kerbs or internals; and Coxdome’s modular units adapted for ventilation controls.

These systems support passive cooling strategies — opening in the morning and evening to cool buildings, reducing need for mechanical cooling —and improving indoor air quality by allowing fresh air in. Where integrated with a Building Management System (BMS), automated control of these rooflights or vents (including weather/diffuser sensors) brings comfort and energy
savings. Key considerations are actuator stroke length, wind load resistance, and sealed performance when closed.

Smoke & Heat ExhaustVentilation (SHEV) / AOV

Certain rooflights and roof windows must be specified as NSHEVs (Natural Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilators) or AOVs (Automatic Opening Vents). Here, it's critical that the entire window/vent assembly —including the glazing, frame type, and actuator — has been tested together as a complete unit.

For example, an AOV roof window from Fakro or Dakea that is supplied with a chain or linear actuator must be part of the factory-certified test; you can’t assume a standard roof window plus a random actuator will meet AOV performance. The test evidence must show the vent unit under BS EN 12101-2 (or applicable standard) together with that actuator, in the same orientation, wind load, temp conditions, etc.

Brands like Fakro or Brett Martin often provide full AOV-compatible units. Inbuild ensures any product supplied as an AOV/smoke vent includes full certification. This ensures that in fire scenarios the vent will open properly under smoke detection, aiding safe escape and reducing smoke spread.

Design & Aesthetics

Beyond technical performance, Inbuild offers products from these trusted manufacturers that match architectural demands. For example:

• Coxdome’s large barless or minimal-bar modular rooflights can provide clean lines
  for contemporary industrial or commercial spaces.
• Fakro’s roof windows with natural wood interior finishes or white-painted sash
  options suit traditional or modern interiors.
• Brett Martin offers slim sightlines and flush glazing glass options in flat rooflights which can be used for rooftop terraces, office extensions, or glass walkways.
• Dakea provides options for budget-sensitive projects while maintaining good aesthetics and durability.

Configurations in frame colour, glazing type, vent orientation, and kerb detail can all help match building style. Attention to detail on installations (flashing kits, sealing, finishing) is essential so products from these brands also include accessory options to help with integration.

Standards & Compliance

Inbuild UK Ltd products are supplied in accordance with:

• BS EN 12101-2 – Natural Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEVs) / AOVs.
• BS 9999 & Approved Document B – Fire safety requirements in building design, occupancy and escape.
• Approved Document F – Ventilation requirements (fresh air,extraction, passive ventilation).
• Approved Document L – Energy performance (thermal efficiency, glazing U-values, solar gain).
• CE & UKCA Marking – Ensuring conformity for UK and (where applicable) EU markets.

By selecting Inbuild rooflights and roof windows from brands such as Coxdome, Fakro, Dakea, or Brett Martin, specifiers and contractors ensure performance goals are met, regulatory obligations covered, and long-term value delivered.

AOV (Automatic Opening Vent):

natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator with a defined aerodynamic free area of ventilation (Aa), or smoke control damper, activated automatically from a detector or fire alarm system, for the purpose of permitting smoke and heat to be ventilated from a building or allowing inlet air into a building.

Smoke Vent:

A smoke vent is a passive or active product specifically designed to remove smoke from a building. It can be a fixed opening or a device that opens on eceipt of a fire signal.

Key Difference:

While both products aim to support smoke ventilation, AOVs are typically automated and part of a roader fire safety system, whereas smoke vents can be either passive  or active.

AOVs are not always a legal requirement, but their installation depends on the building’s design, use, and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners must ensure adequate means of escape and smoke control in case of fire. AOVs may be required in certain buildings (e.g., high-rise residential buildings, commercial properties, or buildings with complex layouts) to meet these standards.

Always consult a fire safety expert or local authority to determine if AOVs are necessary for your building.

AOV stands for Automatic Opening Vent. These products are designed to improve ventilation and support smoke ventilation during a fire, helping to protect occupants and assist firefighters.

AOVs are commonly used in stairwells, corridors, and atriums to create smoke-free escape routes. They are often initiated by the fire alarm systems, ensuring they operate automatically when a fire is detected.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Section 14, specifies the need for adequate smoke control measures. GOV.UK - Fire Safety Order

The primary British Standard for smoke  control is BS 7346: Parts 8, which covers the design, installation, and maintenance of smoke control systems.

Compliance with this standards ensures that smoke control systems are effective in protecting lives and property during a fire.

Smoke ventilation is typically required in:

High-rise residential buildings: To prevent smoke buildup in stairwells and escape routes.

Commercial buildings:
Such as offices, shopping centres, and warehouses, where large open spaces can trap smoke.

Industrial facilities:
To manage smoke and heat in case of fire.

Underground car parks:
To extract smoke and improve visibility for evacuation and firefighting.

The requirement for smoke vents is determined by building regulations, fire risk assessments, and compliance with standards like BS 9991 (Fire Safety in Residential Buildings) and BS 9999 (Fire Safety in Buildings).