Louver Vent

Louver Vent

It May Be A Lot Easier Than You Think

Would you like to understand the FEMA flood vent regulations that apply to your home? And reduce your flood insurance premiums by a sizable amount? This document makes the regulations easy to understand, points out the benefits of installing flood vents, and will help you decide what kind of vents to install.

Properly positioned and installed flood vents in your home's foundation walls will not only help you protect your investment, they can help you save money. And, despite what you may have heard, the regulations governing their type and placement are easy to understand.

These regulations were stipulated by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Requirements: the Basics

1 - Openings must be installed in foundation walls so that water can flow, unimpeded, in and out of the crawl space without damaging the walls' integrity. The regulation is easy to remember: one square inch of opening in the foundation wall for every square foot of the area of your house. For example, a 2,000-square-foot crawl space would need 2,000 square inches of opening. The number of flood vents you need to install depends on the size and type of vent you buy. (More on that later.)

2 - Each enclosed area must have a minimum of two openings. If there are multiple enclosed areas within the foundation walls, each area must have at least two openings in its exterior walls.

3 - Flood vents must be below flood level to work. The bottom of each opening must be no more than 1 foot above whichever of these is higher: the interior or exterior grade immediately under the opening.

4 - Any screens, grates, grilles, fixed louvers, or other covers or devices you install must not block or hinder the automatic flow of floodwater into and out of the enclosed area.

Why Are Flood Vents Required?

The purpose of flood vents (also called "flood gates" or "flood ports") is to reduce structural damage from flooding. These permanent openings accomplish this objective by allowing water to pass into or out of a building's exterior foundation walls.

Why is that so important? In a flood situation, if the water pressure inside and outside your home can't equalize rapidly enough, the windows and doors could blow out. In addition, this pressure can compromise the foundation and make your home unsafe to live in. Studies have shown that houses with proper openings survive a flood; homes without such vents collapse.

Who Needs Flood Vents?

According to its website, the NFIP "requires flood vents for residential basements, crawl spaces, garages, and other enclosed structures that are below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) in Special Flood Hazard Areas." BFE is the height of the base flood, usually in feet, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 or other datum as specified.

If your home isn't mortgaged, you aren't required by FEMA/NFIP regulations to have flood insurance or flood vents. However, flood insurance is advisable to protect your investment. And foundation flood vents are still a wise move to ensure that floodwater does not structurally damage your home.

How Cost Savings Add Up

Properly installed and situated flood vents can pay for themselves very quickly. They allow you to save in two ways. The annual reduction on your flood insurance premiums can be considerable. Secondly, should floodwater rise to your home, flood vents can reduce the risk of structural damage, which can be very costly to repair.

Which Type of Flood Vent Should You Install?

There are two types of flood vents on the market: non-engineered and engineered. Engineered vents have been designed in such a way that they provide a more efficient flood relief system, and thus fewer vents will need to be installed.

The opening size of the non-engineered flood vent is calculated by multiplying the width times the height of the opening. The opening size of the engineered flood vent is calculated using a mathematical formula that takes into account certain coefficients, net area and opening shapes. This formula calculation must be certified by a professional engineer. The main difference between the two types of flood vents is that fewer of the engineered flood vents are required to meet NFIP requirements. For example, a non-engineered 8" x 16" vent is rated at 128 square inches while an engineered 8" x 16" is rated at 200 square inches.

Other design and performance criteria for engineered openings are specified by the American Society of Civil Engineers:

1 - Engineered openings are to perform such that the difference between the exterior and interior water levels shall not exceed 1 foot during base flood conditions.

2 - Engineered openings are to be not less than 3 inches in any direction in the plane of the wall. This requirement applies to the hole in the wall, excluding any screen, grate, grille, louvers, or devices that may be placed in or over the opening. The 3-inch opening requirement applies to the hole in the wall; not the space between the grates, grilles or louvers.

In a Nutshell: Numbers to Remember

FEMA's flood insurance requirements boil down to this:

1 - One square inch of opening in a foundation wall per square foot of house.

2 - Vents must be less than 12 inches above the ground.

3 - Two vents per enclosed area, on different exterior walls.

That's it. Make sure you have the appropriate flood vents installed -- or do it yourself -- then call your flood insurance company to get a reduction in your premiums. You'll also enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you're not only compliant, you're safer.

William G. Sykes is an inventor, product designer, member of the International Code Council, engineer and patent attorney. He specializes in crawl space and foundation protection products for flood protection, ventilation and encapsulation (flood vents, air vents, doors and fans). Learn more about crawl space and foundation protection and how to save money on your flood insurance premiums by visiting our website

http://WWW.crawlspacedoors.com

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 1 in Mill Mini Alum Louver 50000 $3.62 1? mill mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 1? opening, mill, 3 louver slats provide .18 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50000 UPC: 715751005371 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 2 in Mill Mini Alum Louver 50001 $7.43 2? mill mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 2? opening, mill, 6 louver slats provide .47 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50001 UPC: 715751005326 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 3 in Mill Mini Alum Louver 50002 $8.49 3? mill mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 3? opening, mill, 11 louver slats provide 1.34 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50002 UPC: 715751005333 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 4 in Mill Mini Alum Louver 50003 $10.96 4? mill mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 4? opening, mill, 16 louver slats provide 2.88 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50003 UPC: 715751901536 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 1 in Wht Mini Alum Louver 50004 $4.66 1? wht mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 1? opening, white, 3 louver slats provide .18 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50004 UPC: 715751005920 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 2 in Wht Mini Alum Louver 50005 $7.45 2? wht mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 2? opening, white, 6 louver slats provide .47 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50005 UPC: 715751005937 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 3 in Wht Mini Alum Louver 50006 $9.88 3? wht mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 3? opening, white, 11 louver slats provide 1.34 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50006 UPC: 715751005944 Keywords: miniature ventilator

Air Vent Inc Air Vent Inc 4 in Wht Mini Alum Louver 50007 $12.52 4? wht mini alum louver The mini louvers are tooled aluminum and die stamped grilled No screening 6-pieces per bag 4? opening, white, 16 louver slats provide 2.88 sq. in. net free area Brand #: Air Vent Inc 50007 UPC: 715751005951 Keywords: miniature ventilator

361W - 6In Louver Vent Hood $15.57 [4640967] UPC: 039899803614 14.25L x 10.75W x 12.25H 0.5 LB 1.09 Cubes

DIS33LBRM 33 Polished Brass Louver Kit For 33ISD Vent Free Gas Fireplace Insert with Millivolt $42.3 Part of what distinguishes your Majestic 33ISD Vent Free Gas Fireplace Insert from its competitors is its ability to accept customization Take advantage of it Use this Majestic 33 Inch Polished Brass Louver Kit to give your hearth a more personalized...

LBX32M Polished Brass Fireplace Louver Kit - For VFS Vent Free 32 in. Gas Fireplace $59.4 Part of what distinguishes your Majestic VFS Vent Free Gas Fireplace from its competitors is its ability to accept customization Take advantage of it Use this Majestic LBX32M Polished Brass Fireplace Louver Kit to give your hearth a more personalized...

LBX24M Polished Brass Fireplace Louver Kit - For VFS Vent Free 24 in. Gas Fireplace $53.1 Part of what distinguishes your Majestic VFS Vent Free Gas Fireplace from its competitors is its ability to accept customization Take advantage of it Use this Majestic LBX24M Polished Brass Fireplace Louver Kit to give your hearth a more personalized...

Louver Clip $26 Louver Clip

480L - 4X5 Lama Flex Louver Vent Kit $23.49 [849452] UPC: 039899480990 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.2 LB 2.71 Cubes

1379W - 4X8 White Louver Vent Kit $24.69 [520906] UPC: 039899813798 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.35 LB 2.71 Cubes

266B - 4X8 Brwn Louver Vent Kit $21.45 [6987564] UPC: 039899002666 12.4L x 12.4W x 29.8H 2 LB 2.65 Cubes

1359W (3100294) - 4X7 Brown Louver Vent Kit $23.18 [3100294] UPC: 039899013594 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.16 LB 2.71 Cubes

1379B - 4X8 Brown Louver Vent Kit $24.62 [520892] UPC: 039899013792 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.35 LB 2.71 Cubes

1359W (5805239) - 4X7 White Louver Vent Kit $23.49 [5805239] UPC: 039899813590 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.16 LB 2.71 Cubes

1369B - 4X5 Brwn Louver Vent Kit $22.29 [7815392] UPC: 039899013693 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1 LB 2.71 Cubes

1369W - 4X5 White Louver Vent Kit $22.29 [9891334] UPC: 039899813699 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1 LB 2.71 Cubes

267W - 4In White Louver Vent Hood $20.12 [6753636] UPC: 039899802679 12.76L x 29.5W x 13.07H 0.41 LB 2.85 Cubes

Louver Holder With Honeycomb Louver $48 Attachment for MR16 lamps. Honeycomb louver used to diffuse light. Louver holder may be used to hold filter glass.

1377W - 4 inch X5' Wht Louver Vent Kit $23.27 [520884] UPC: 039899813774 12.5L x 12.5W x 30H 1.1 LB 2.71 Cubes

Ambient Technologies 33 Inch Polished Brass Louvers For DIS Vent Free Insert $42.3 This Ambient Technologies Polished Brass Louver Set contains 5, 33 Inch louvers for your DIS Vent Free Insert.

FMI V32 Standard White Refractory Brick for 32apos;apos; Louver Face Vent Free $577.98 Colonial Vent Free model features hidden screen pockets AND full length nailing flanges/drywall stops. Fireplace comes standard with stamped steel louvered panels. Model includes a heat deflection hood and convenient prewired dual access electrical Jbox. Universal Vent Free Firebox No Chimney Required. AllInOne Design Louvered Fireboxes (Except 50 ). Less Stock Keeping Required With AllInOne Design. Premium Textured Terracotta Herringbone Refractory Brick Liner (Except 32 ). FullLength NAiling Flanges Provide Straight Secure Installation.

FMI V42H 42apos;apos; Louver Face Vent Free Firebox Warm Red Herringbone Refractory Brick Liner $794.43 Colonial Vent Free model features hidden screen pockets AND full length nailing flanges/drywall stops. Fireplace comes standard with stamped steel louvered panels. Model includes a heat deflection hood and convenient prewired dual access electrical Jbox. 99 Energy Efficient Universal Vent Free Firebox No Chimney Required. includes Heat Deflection Hood Hidden Screen Pockets And Allinone Design Stamped Louvered Panels (Except 50 Firebox Smooth Face only). Quickly Convert From Louvered to Clean Face With Optional Smooth Faced Panel Kits. Premium Textured Terracotta Herringbone Refractory Brick Liner. FullLength Nailing Flanges Provide Straight Secure installation. Warranty: 2 Year Limited. Finish: Warm Red Herringbone Refractory Brick Liner. Framing Dimensions: 481/4 W x 443/8 H x 231/2 D. Firebox Dimensions: 42 FW x 291/2 BW x 24 H x 231/2 D.

FMI BV36L 36apos;apos; Cape Cod Firebox Louver Faced $397.8 The FMI Smooth Faced Cape Cod 36 Inch Vent Free Firebox might be the most important decision you make in heating your home. Every home has different needs but homeowners thinking about installing or improving a gas fireplace often need to think about picking the right firebox for the job. Fireboxes are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. Some are direct vent others are ventfree. Some use naturally refractive materials to help create more radiant heat others provide a more decorative element to the home s decor. Whatever direction you decide to take though make sure that you are buying a quality product like the one pictured here. If this firebox meets the needs of your home or building project then the FMI Smooth Faced Cape Cod 36 Inch Vent Free Firebox is the perfect choice for you. Cape Cod 36 Inch ventfree Firebox. Big box look with oversized opening. Available in Smooth Faced and Louver Faced. Firebox Dimensions:. Front Width: 36 . Back Width: 193/8 . Height: 211/2 . Depth: 211/8 . Framing Dimensions:. Width: 38 . Height: 375/8 . Depth: 22 .

FMI BV42L 42apos;apos; Cape Cod Firebox Louver Faced $508.95 The FMI Louvred Cape Cod 42 Inch Vent Free Firebox might be the most important decision you make in heating your home. Every home has different needs but homeowners thinking about installing or improving a gas fireplace often need to think about picking the right firebox for the job. Fireboxes are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. Some are direct vent others are ventfree. Some use naturally refractive materials to help create more radiant heat others provide a more decorative element to the home s decor. Whatever direction you decide to take though make sure that you are buying a quality product like the one pictured here. If this firebox meets the needs of your home or building project then the FMI Louvred Cape Cod 42 Inch Vent Free Firebox is the perfect choice for you. Cape Cod 42 Inch ventfree Firebox. Big box look with oversized opening. Available in Smooth Faced and Louver Faced. Firebox Dimensions:. Front Width: 42 . Back Width: 381/2 . Height: 213/8 . Depth: 211/8 . Framing Dimensions:. Width: 44 . Height: 3711/16 . Depth: 22 .

Honeycomb Louver $11 Black louver shields lamp and reduces glare. Size's available: MR11, MR16, PAR20, PAR38.

Defenderworx; Window Louver $199.99 Defenderworkx; Window Louver; Black; 2 pc.;

Hood Louver Set $69.99 Hood Louver Set; Brushed; Long; 3 Pc.;

LF40IA Louver Filigree for 40ILDV Iron $48.6 Majestic LF40 Louver Filigree for 40ILDV

LF40BT Louver Filigree for 40ILDV Black $48.6 Majestic LF40 Louver Filigree for 40ILDV