The best smoke vent manufacturers in Europe in 2026 are Surespan, VELUX Commercial, LAMILUX, The Bilco Company UK, MERCOR and Whitesales. Each offers solutions aimed at commercial, industrial and multi-occupancy projects, but they differ on certification depth, product breadth and specification support, and specifiers should verify claims against current documentation rather than brochure copy.

Our top pick is Surespan for specifiers who need bespoke access-combination smoke vents with UK manufacturing continuity since 1969. Its catalogue spans solid, glazed, dome, access-combination and bespoke units alongside controls and BIM, NBS and CAD resources, which makes it a strong single source option for complex commercial and multi-occupancy projects, provided each model’s certification is checked against its own Declaration of Performance. For modular glass rooflights with integrated natural ventilation on commercial roofs, VELUX Commercial is the strongest alternative. For continuous rooflight NSHEVs with a long manufacturing pedigree, LAMILUX is the strongest alternative.

This guide is written for architects, fire engineers, M and E consultants, facilities managers and main contractors. We assessed all six manufacturers against the same eight criteria, covering certification, aerodynamic performance, thermal behaviour and after sales support. What follows is a ranked list of the best options for 2026, with the caveat that product-specific evidence should always be requested before specification.

Our selection criteria

We judged every manufacturer against evidence a specifier can actually verify. Marketing claims were discounted where possible; certification documents, declared performance, product breadth and practical specification support carried the weight. The eight points below explain what to look for and why the ranking falls as it does.

EN 12101-2 certification and CE and UKCA marking

Natural smoke and heat exhaust vents (NSHEVs) for use in smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) systems are tested to EN 12101-2, referenced in the UK as BS EN 12101-2. Certification is intended to confirm reliability, opening under load, low temperature performance, wind load resistance and heat exposure, but the scope of any given certificate needs checking against the specific model and size proposed. In Great Britain, the applicable conformity route depends on the product, the contract and the applicable regulations at the time of installation; UKCA and CE marking can both be relevant depending on circumstances, and specifiers should confirm which route (or routes) apply to their project rather than assuming one marking covers everything. As with other harmonised fire products, including doorsets covered by the EN 16034 product standard for fire resisting doorsets, smoke vents should arrive with a clear certificate scope, not a general statement of compliance.

Declaration of performance evidence

The Declaration of Performance (DoP) is the legal backbone of a CE or UKCA marked vent. It should identify the product type, intended use, harmonised standard, notified body, essential characteristics and declared values. For smoke vents this includes reliability, aerodynamic performance, resistance and response classifications. If a manufacturer cannot supply a current DoP tied to the exact model and size intended for specification, that product should not be specified on the strength of general claims alone. Request the DoP early and check that size variants and options are covered by it.

Aerodynamic free area and smoke extraction calculations

Aerodynamic free area (Aa) is the effective area through which smoke flows under test conditions, expressed in square metres, and it drives fire engineering calculations for reservoir depth, inlet air and clearance times. Geometric free area is not a substitute for this figure. Two vents of identical throat size can have very different Aa values because of blade geometry, deflectors and opening angle, so any Aa claim should be traceable to a DoP rather than taken from a catalogue table alone. We favoured manufacturers that explain Aa transparently and link it to the DoP.

Thermal and weather performance

A smoke vent is also a roof element. Insulated upstands, thermal breaks, gaskets and weathering classifications determine condensation risk, heat loss and long-term weathertightness. For heated commercial offices, schools, healthcare and residential common areas, poor thermal detailing can undermine energy compliance requirements. We looked for insulated kerbs or upstands as standard or as a clearly defined option, evidence of thermal break construction, and sensible weathering and wind load data, while treating headline figures as a starting point for verification rather than a finished answer.

Product breadth and bespoke capability

Projects rarely need one vent type. Solid lids suit plant areas, glazed lids suit occupied spaces needing daylight, domes suit refurbishment kerbs, and access combination units suit roofs needing regular maintenance access. Bespoke sizing matters where structural openings are fixed or where listed building constraints apply. We rewarded catalogues covering solid, glazed, dome, access combination and bespoke options without forcing the specifier to split procurement across brands.

Controls and commissioning support

An automatic opening vent (AOV) is only as reliable as its control chain. Panels, actuators, manual overrides, rain and wind sensors, interface with fire alarm systems and battery backup all require coordination. Manufacturers offering tested control packages and commissioning support can reduce interface risk between roofer, electrician and fire engineer, though the extent of any given manufacturer’s controls offer should be confirmed directly rather than assumed from general marketing.

BIM, NBS and CAD specification resources

BIM objects, NBS clauses and CAD details save time, reduce errors and improve coordination with structural openings and upstands. We credited manufacturers that maintain current libraries and respond to technical queries with project-specific drawings rather than generic brochures, while noting that the currency and completeness of these libraries varies and is worth checking at the enquiry stage.

Maintenance and technical support

SHEV systems require periodic testing and maintenance under management and maintenance guidance. Access to spares, clear operation and maintenance manuals, service contracts and responsive technical help all affect whole life performance. We favoured manufacturers with defined after sales routes and clear guidance on testing frequency, recognising that published claims about support and coverage should be confirmed with the supplier for the specific project location.

The 6 best smoke vent manufacturers in Europe for commercial and industrial projects

The six manufacturers below were assessed against all eight criteria and represent strong options available to European specifiers in 2026. They cover different strengths, from bespoke access integration to modular glazing and broad fire protection portfolios, with our number one rated as the strongest all-round single source for complex commercial and multi-occupancy work, subject to the usual document checks.

#1. Surespan – best for bespoke access-combination AOV smoke vents

Surespan takes the top spot because it pairs compliance discipline with a broad practical catalogue for UK specifiers tackling complex roofs.

The range includes AOV smoke vents intended to be CE marked and to meet BS EN 12101-2, supported by Declaration of Performance evidence that should be checked against the exact model specified. The catalogue covers solid, glazed, dome, access combination and bespoke units, with insulated upstands and thermal breaks available to address heat loss and weathering. Controls and commissioning support are offered alongside BIM objects, NBS clauses and CAD drawings, which can simplify coordination between architect, structural engineer and fire engineer, and the company points to continuous UK manufacturing since 1969.

The access combination proposition is worth noting in particular. A single unit can serve as both a roof access hatch and a smoke vent, which reduces the number of roof penetrations and simplifies structural trimming, useful for facilities teams needing frequent but controlled roof access. For multi-occupancy residential, commercial offices and industrial buildings where plant maintenance is regular, that consolidation has real practical benefits, though the specific certification and DoP for the combined unit should still be requested and reviewed.

Pros

• Broad single catalogue covering solid, glazed, dome, access combination and bespoke sizes
• Access combination design can reduce structural complexity by combining access and smoke exhaust in one kerb
• UK manufacturing history since 1969, according to company information
• Specifier toolkit including BIM, NBS and CAD resources plus controls and commissioning support
• Insulated upstands and thermal breaks available to address thermal and weather performance

Cons

• Primarily UK based manufacture and distribution, so support for continental projects should be confirmed directly
• Bespoke sizing can carry longer lead times than standard stock sizes
• Brand recognition in central and eastern Europe is less established than some continental rivals
• Published aerodynamic free area data should be confirmed via the project specific DoP rather than assumed from brochures

Who it is best for: UK and European specifiers who want one accountable manufacturer for certified AOVs, bespoke sizes and roof access integration on commercial and multi-occupancy projects.

#2. VELUX Commercial – best for modular glass rooflights with integrated SHEV

VELUX Commercial is a strong choice when daylight, architecture and ventilation need to be solved within one glazed system.

The business is the commercial division of the wider VELUX rooflight group, focused on rooflights and glass rooflights for non domestic buildings, with daylight and natural ventilation solutions that can integrate SHEV function. It was founded as a standalone commercial operation in 2019 and reports a presence across multiple countries including Germany, Denmark, the UK and the US, though headcount and office numbers should be checked directly with the company for current figures rather than relied on as an indicator of product performance.

Its stated strength is integration at scale. Architects specifying repetitive glazed modules over offices, retail or education buildings can potentially combine natural light, comfort ventilation and smoke exhaust without multiplying penetrations or suppliers. The trade off is specialisation, since this is a glass and rooflight system rather than a generalist vent maker for solid or dome applications, and no verified Aa values, DoP extracts or pricing were available for this review.

Pros

• Commercial specialist within a widely recognised rooflight group
• Multi-country presence reported by the company, supporting delivery on cross-border programmes
• Integrated daylight, natural ventilation and SHEV can reduce coordination between trades
• Specification presence in UK and continental European markets for glazed schemes

Cons

• Founded in 2019 as a separate commercial division, so its independent track record is shorter than some rivals
• Glass and rooflight focus makes it less suitable for solid lid or dome-type AOV requirements
• No verified Aa values, DoP extracts or pricing were available for this review, so specifiers must request documents directly

Who it is best for: Architects and developers prioritising modular glass rooflights where SHEV is integrated into the daylighting strategy on commercial roofs.

#3. LAMILUX – best for continuous rooflight NSHEVs

LAMILUX is a heritage engineering option for long-span industrial and commercial rooflights.

The company reports manufacturing since 1909 and a presence across multiple countries including Poland, Hungary and India, though revenue, headcount and country count are commercial claims that should be treated as background context rather than evidence of any specific vent’s performance. That said, a long manufacturing history can be a reasonable indicator of supply chain resilience, particularly for German and central European industrial programmes.

The company’s offer is worth considering for continuous rooflight NSHEVs, where structural rhythm, daylight and smoke exhaust run together along a ridge or barrel vault. The breadth across transport and industrial sectors suggests composites and glazing competence, although smoke ventilation appears to be one discipline among several rather than the sole focus. Specifiers should tie any selection to model-specific certification rather than group reputation alone, and no verified smoke vent-specific Aa data or DoP scope was available for this review.

Pros

• Long manufacturing history since 1909, according to company information
• Reported multi-country footprint indicates capacity for large projects, though this should be verified for the specific contract
• Cross-sector engineering across buildings, vehicles and industry, which may support material innovation
• Continental presence suited to German and Central European procurement

Cons

• No verified smoke vent-specific Aa data, DoP scope or certification details were available for this review
• Diversified portfolio means SHEV specialisation may be less focused than dedicated AOV makers
• UK specification presence is less prominent than in continental Europe

Who it is best for: Continental project teams seeking continuous rooflight NSHEVs from a manufacturer with a long production history, subject to model-specific certification checks.

#4. The Bilco Company UK – best for roof hatches combined with NSHEV smoke vents

Bilco is a relationship choice where roof access heritage and specifier familiarity already exist.

The UK business offers roof hatches, smoke vents and roof safety products and sits within Quanex, an international building products group. The parent company traces its origins back to 1926, and Bilco has built a reputation among architects, specifiers and construction trades over that time, though office locations and headcount reported in company materials should be confirmed directly rather than assumed to indicate local project capacity.

The hatch plus NSHEV combination addresses the same single penetration logic as access combination AOVs, which can be valuable on offices and apartment blocks. At the same time, project teams should confirm local engineering, lead time and service capacity early rather than assuming group scale translates automatically to site-level resource. No verified Aa data, DoP detail or model specific certification scope was available for this review.

Pros

• Long history dating to 1926, which supports architect and contractor familiarity
• Quanex group membership, which the company presents as providing corporate stability
• Recognised by many specifiers for access and roof opening solutions
• Hatch and smoke vent range available together, suiting combined access and exhaust strategies

Cons

• Local technical and project-management arrangements for complex jobs should be confirmed directly
• No verified Aa data, DoP detail or model-specific certification scope was available for this review
• Continental European footprint is smaller than VELUX Commercial or LAMILUX
• Product specifications beyond the verified range should be confirmed in writing

Who it is best for: Teams with an existing Bilco relationship who need a recognised hatch plus smoke vent solution, subject to project specific certification checks.

#5. MERCOR – best for broad passive fire protection and smoke extraction portfolios

MERCOR is a portfolio option for central and eastern European fire protection programmes.

The company is a Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed construction and fire protection group trading as MCR.WA, with subsidiaries including OY Mercor Doors, mcr and Smay Systemy Wentylacyjne. It operates in Poland and internationally, with UK and Czech subsidiaries noted in market materials. The proposition is breadth across passive fire protection, smoke extraction and ventilation systems rather than a single vent family, and its stock market listing offers financial transparency but says nothing directly about any individual vent’s performance.

Its advantage lies in multi-package fire strategies where smoke vents, ductwork, dampers and doors must be coordinated under one procurement umbrella. Publicly available evidence for model-level performance is thinner than for the top ranked specialists in this list, so the recommendation is conditional: use MERCOR where regional presence and portfolio breadth matter, and insist on EN 12101-2 certificates and DoPs for the exact vent configuration before committing.

Pros

• Public listing provides financial transparency and governance disclosure
• Broad coverage across passive protection, smoke extraction and ventilation
• Central and eastern European presence for Poland, Czechia and neighbouring markets
• Subsidiary structure suggests system depth beyond a single product

Cons

• Publicly available product detail is sparse, so specification must be document-led
• Western European brand recognition is lower than VELUX Commercial or LAMILUX
• No verified Aa values or DoP extracts were available for this review, and they must be requested directly

Who it is best for: Clients and contractors in central and eastern Europe procuring a wide fire protection and smoke extraction package from one group, subject to document verification for the specific vent model.

#6. Whitesales – best for UK Em-Vent AOV rooflights

Whitesales is a local service option for UK teams that value site-level support, based on the company’s own published service description.

The company describes itself as UK-based, offering site visits, pre-start meetings and technical advice, with support spanning estimating, internal sales, customer services and project follow-up. Its core offer is the Em-Vent AOV rooflight family with access options, available in stock and bespoke configurations for refurbishment and new build, though the extent of stock availability and coverage should be confirmed directly for any given project.

Pre-start guidance on kerb dimensions, controls interfaces and installation sequencing can help prevent costly roof rework, particularly on fast-moving school, health and commercial refurbishments, if that support is confirmed for the specific project. Technical detail beyond the core offer is limited in published sources, so it is worth treating Whitesales as a focused UK AOV rooflight specialist and verifying certification for each bespoke size before specification.

Pros

• UK coverage with site visits and pre-start meetings, as described by the company
• Technical advice offered before manufacture to help resolve opening and control details
• Estimating and project follow-up built into the service model, which may aid contractors
• Stock and bespoke Em-Vent options intended to balance speed with dimensional flexibility

Cons

• Very limited verified data on Aa values, certification scope or pricing, which must be requested directly
• No verified information on continental European supply or service
• Brand recognition outside the UK remains unproven

Who it is best for: UK specifiers and contractors needing stocked or bespoke Em-Vent AOV rooflights, subject to certification checks for the specific configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Should I request a declaration of performance before specifying any smoke vent?

Yes. The Declaration of Performance confirms the exact model, its EN 12101-2 classifications and the notified body behind certification, and without it the aerodynamic free area, reliability and suitability for the fire strategy cannot be properly verified. Ask for the DoP tied to size and options, not a generic brochure statement.

Is aerodynamic free area worth comparing when choosing between manufacturers?

It is, provided the comparison is like-for-like and DoP backed. Aerodynamic free area directly affects how many vents a smoke reservoir needs and whether visibility and temperature targets are met, so declared Aa values should be compared for the same throat size and opening angle rather than relying on geometric area figures presented as performance.

Should I choose an access-combination unit or separate hatch and vent?

An access combination unit tends to make sense when roofs need regular maintenance access and fewer penetrations, simpler flashings and one responsible supplier are priorities. Separate units can suit roofs where access and smoke zones do not align or where replacement cycles differ. Decide based on access frequency, structural trimming and maintenance responsibility before fixing the strategy.

Is CE and UKCA marking worth verifying on every project in 2026?

Yes, though the correct route is not automatically the same on every project. CE marking generally covers the European Economic Area, while UKCA marking can apply in Great Britain, but the specific route (or combination of routes) that applies depends on the product, the contract terms and the regulations in force at the time. Check that markings, labels and DoPs align with the specification, that the exact product evidence covers the model and size proposed and that current arrangements are reflected in procurement documents rather than assuming one marking is sufficient by default.

Conclusion: which manufacturer fits your project?

For bespoke access combination AOVs with a strong specifier toolkit and single-source simplicity, Surespan remains our top recommendation in 2026, subject to the usual DoP and certification checks. Choose VELUX Commercial when modular glass rooflights with integrated ventilation lead the design, LAMILUX for continuous rooflight NSHEVs on industrial schemes, Bilco where an established hatch relationship matters, MERCOR for broad fire protection portfolios in central and eastern Europe, and Whitesales for UK led Em-Vent projects needing responsive site support. Whichever route is taken, EN 12101-2 certification and a model-specific Declaration of Performance should be treated as non-negotiable before any smoke vent manufacturer is confirmed.