The following requirements for installation apply regardless of whether engineered openings or non-engineered openings are used to satisfy the NFIP requirements. You’ll find the technical information in the FAQs, but simply put, FEMA/NFIP requirements for flood vents include:
- A minimum of one square inch of net open area for each square foot of enclosed area for non-engineered openings OR A minimum of ONE engineered inch for each square foot of enclosed area for an engineered opening.
- A minimum of two vents per enclosed area, and each must be on at least two different sides of the exterior walls.
- The bottom of the flood vent opening must not be higher than 12 inches above the adjacent grade.
- The top of the opening must be below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
- The opening in the wall must be at least 3” in diameter. This requirement refers to the hole in the wall and not the flood vent. See FEMA TECHNICAL BULLETIN –2020 page 31.
Flood Vent Installation Instructions
- FS Model: FS-1608 / FS-1616
- FS Model: FS-1412 (For framed openings with studs 16” on center)
- FS-HEX Model: FS-1608-HEX
