How, What, Why

Why is SMART VENT so smart?

How it Works

The SMART VENT door is latched closed until flood water enters. Rising flood water lifts the internal floats, which unlatch and open the door.

Illustration showing how SMART VENTS work.

Air vents are not flood vents. They will clog with flood debris and have never been tested in flood scenarios.

Illustration of a clogged airvent.

What is a Flood Vent?

Flood Vents protect houses and buildings in floodplains by preventing water pressure buildup that can destroy walls and foundations.

When Flood Vents Are Required?

The NFIP Regulations and Building Codes require that any residential building constructed in Flood Zone Type A have the lowest floor, including basements, elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

Enclosed areas (enclosures) are permitted under elevated buildings provided that they meet certain use restrictions and construction requirements such as the installation of flood vents to allow for the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.

This wet floodproofing technique is required for residential buildings. Commercial buildings have the option to wet floodproof, which can be more cost-effective compared to dry floodproofing.

SMART VENT Advantage

SMART VENTS are the most advanced flood protection on the market.

Preserve the aesthetic beauty of a building by using fewer vents. One opening gives five times the protection. SMART VENTS bring buildings into full flood compliance and have the potential to dramatically reduce NFIP Flood Insurance Premiums.

Simple to install or retrofit into new or existing foundations. Most applications can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Our specifications and CAD drawings make it easy for architects to specify SMART VENTS into their project. Our ICC-ES Certification guarantees approval with Code Officials, Surveyors, Insurance Agents, and everyone else involved.

Check out our FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Want More Information?

Check out our online training courses on McGraw-Hill's Continuing Education Center.

Residential Floodproofing Course
Commercial Floodproofing Course

Still Have a Question?

Contact our Technical Support Office

  • (877) 441-8368
  • .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)