Coastal Flooding: Why Using Foundation Vents Is Important on Long Island & NYC

Coastal flooding can certainly cause plenty of issues with your foundation in Long Island or NYC. With the right foundation vents, you won’t have to worry about coastal flooding as much. Let’s look at what flood vents are and how they can help protect your foundation.

What are flood vents and how are they used?

A flood vent, foundation vent, or flood port, is a permanent opening designed into the wall to allow water to automatically pass in both directions in to or out of the building exterior. These vents are used to help lower the risk of structural damage from flooding. If you’re located in a special flood hazard area, using flood vents is often required by the National Flood Insurance Program.

With the ability to allow water to flow in and out of the foundation or another area, flood vents can help to protect your building. Not only can these vents help to reduce building damage during coastal flooding, but they can also help your building qualify for a reduction in the premium for flood insurance.

In some areas, flood vents are required to help ensure your home or building is well protected. They are used for residential basements, garages, crawl spaces, and other enclosed structures. If your building is below the Base Flood Elevation in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you will be required to have the right foundation vents.

How do foundation vents protect against foundation collapse?

When you have flood vents installed, floodwaters will move in and out of the foundation instead of causing foundation collapse from flooding. The pressure will be reduced and damage to your structure will also be reduced with the right flood vents.

Foundation vents offered by 9 Brothers Building Supply

We offer two of the top flood vent options, which are the SmartVent Pour-in-Place and SmartVent Trim & Sleeve Kits. If you need the right foundation vents to protect from coastal flooding, stop by our Brentwood or Riverhead location today.