NFIP Proper Openings: Difference between revisions

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Proper flood openings, also known as flood vents, are structural elements designed to allow floodwaters to flow freely through enclosures, preventing hydrostatic pressure that could otherwise damage or collapse foundation walls. These openings are a key feature in NFIP rating as they reduce flood risk and may qualify for premium discounts.


==== Purpose ====
== Requirements ==
Proper flood openings, also known as flood vents, are structural elements designed to allow floodwaters to flow freely through enclosures, preventing hydrostatic pressure that could otherwise damage or collapse foundation walls. These openings are a key feature in NFIP rating as they reduce flood risk and may qualify for premium discounts.
To meet NFIP standards for proper flood openings, the following conditions must be satisfied. Policies that used [[NFIP Legacy Rating|Legacy rating]] were required to have documentation that proved the size, location, and placement of proper openings. '''''These documents are no longer required.'''''


'''[https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_flood-openings-technical-bulletin_20210607.pdf Find more details in Technical Bulletin 1]'''.
=== Placement ===
A minimum of two openings must be positioned on at least two exterior walls. In some cases, two openings can be accepted on a single exterior wall adjacent to the lowest grade.


== Requirements ==
=== Height ===
To meet NFIP standards for proper flood openings, the following conditions must be satisfied:
The bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the higher of:
* The exterior adjacent grade.
* The interior adjacent grade or floor below the opening.


# '''Placement''':
=== Size ===
#* A minimum of two openings must be positioned on at least two exterior walls.
The total net area of openings must equal or exceed one square inch per square foot of the enclosed area.
#* For partially subgrade floors, two openings are required on a single exterior wall adjacent to the lowest grade.
# '''Height''':
#* The bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the higher of:
#** The exterior adjacent grade.
#** The interior adjacent grade or floor below the opening.
# '''Size''':
#* The total net area of openings must equal or exceed one square inch per square foot of the enclosed area.


== Eligible Foundation Types ==
=== Eligible Foundation Types ===
Buildings with the following foundation types may qualify for the proper flood openings discount:
Buildings with the following foundation types may qualify for the proper flood openings discount:


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== Engineered Openings ==
== Engineered Openings ==
As an alternative to standard flood openings, '''engineered openings''' are certified designs that meet NFIP requirements:
As an alternative to standard flood openings, '''engineered openings''' are certified designs that meet NFIP requirements. One of two types of engineered openings are allowed.
 
=== Certification by a licensed professional (e.g., engineer or architect) ===
Usually for unique creations that do not have an ICC certification. The documentation must show:
* The professional’s license details and signature with an official seal.
* Validation that the openings allow for automatic equalization of hydrostatic pressure.
* Information on tested flood characteristics, such as water rise and fall rates.


* Certification must be provided by a licensed professional (e.g., engineer or architect) and include:
=== International Code Council (ICC) Certified Openings ===
** The professional’s license details and signature with an official seal.
Products evaluated by the ICC are acceptable if accompanied by documentation showing:
** Validation that the openings allow for automatic equalization of hydrostatic pressure.
* Number of openings installed
** Information on tested flood characteristics, such as water rise and fall rates.
* Square footage covered
* '''International Code Council (ICC) Certified Openings''':
* Model number
** Products evaluated by the ICC are acceptable if accompanied by documentation showing:
*** Number of openings installed.
*** Square footage covered.
*** Model number.


== Documentation ==
ICC-ES reports must be included in the policy documents.
Policyholders must ensure accurate and complete documentation, including:
====Manufacturers with ICC-ES Certification====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Site Link
!ICC-ES Link
!Model Numbers
|-
|Smart Vent
|[https://www.smartvent.com/ Link]
|[https://www.smartvent.com/_files/ugd/dfbb94_b8e675ab1f774eb2aac101b99117e574.pdf ESR-2074]
|1540-520, 1540-521, 1540-510, 1540-511, 1540-570, 1540-574, 1540-524, 1540-514
|-
|Flood Flaps
|[https://floodflaps.com/ Link]
|[https://floodflaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ESR-3560-2024-1.pdf ESR-3560]
|FFWF12, FFNF12, FFWF08, FFNF08, FFWF05, FFNF05
|-
|Freedom Flood Vents
|[https://www.freedomfloodvent.com/ Link]
|[https://www.freedomfloodvent.com/_files/ugd/dfbb94_c7225f2dbe2a44cd84585cbcf2d6c9d2.pdf ESR-4332]
|FFV-1608
|-
|Flood Solutions
|[https://floodsolutions.com/ Link]
|[https://floodsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ICC-Report-and-FL-2024-2026.pdf ESR-3760]
|Static Flood Vents
|}


* Details about the number and placement of flood openings.
==NFIP Resources==
* Certification for engineered openings where applicable.
* [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_flood-openings-technical-bulletin_20210607.pdf Technical Bulletin 1: Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures]
* Elevation Certificate (if required) to confirm compliance.
* [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip-technical-bulletin-7-wet-floodproofing-guidance.pdf Technical Bulletin 7: Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations]


Proper flood openings are integral to NFIP compliance, helping reduce structural damage risks while providing potential premium savings
{{nfip}}

Latest revision as of 15:06, 3 December 2024

Policy Guide
Standard Flood Insurance Policy
Applications

Equinox Procedure
Waiting Periods : Occupancy Foundations : Discounts

New Business

Elevation Certificates
Primary Residence
BRCV : Venting : Condos

Renewals

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Billing Changes

Changes

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Mortgagee : Insured
Transfer of Ownership
Coverage Limits

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Request Forms : Signatures
Reasons : Documents

Proper flood openings, also known as flood vents, are structural elements designed to allow floodwaters to flow freely through enclosures, preventing hydrostatic pressure that could otherwise damage or collapse foundation walls. These openings are a key feature in NFIP rating as they reduce flood risk and may qualify for premium discounts.

Requirements

To meet NFIP standards for proper flood openings, the following conditions must be satisfied. Policies that used Legacy rating were required to have documentation that proved the size, location, and placement of proper openings. These documents are no longer required.

Placement

A minimum of two openings must be positioned on at least two exterior walls. In some cases, two openings can be accepted on a single exterior wall adjacent to the lowest grade.

Height

The bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the higher of:

  • The exterior adjacent grade.
  • The interior adjacent grade or floor below the opening.

Size

The total net area of openings must equal or exceed one square inch per square foot of the enclosed area.

Eligible Foundation Types

Buildings with the following foundation types may qualify for the proper flood openings discount:

  • Elevated with enclosure on posts, piles, or piers.
  • Elevated with enclosure on solid foundation walls.
  • Crawlspaces (elevated or non-elevated subgrade).

Engineered Openings

As an alternative to standard flood openings, engineered openings are certified designs that meet NFIP requirements. One of two types of engineered openings are allowed.

Certification by a licensed professional (e.g., engineer or architect)

Usually for unique creations that do not have an ICC certification. The documentation must show:

  • The professional’s license details and signature with an official seal.
  • Validation that the openings allow for automatic equalization of hydrostatic pressure.
  • Information on tested flood characteristics, such as water rise and fall rates.

International Code Council (ICC) Certified Openings

Products evaluated by the ICC are acceptable if accompanied by documentation showing:

  • Number of openings installed
  • Square footage covered
  • Model number

ICC-ES reports must be included in the policy documents.

Manufacturers with ICC-ES Certification

Manufacturer Site Link ICC-ES Link Model Numbers
Smart Vent Link ESR-2074 1540-520, 1540-521, 1540-510, 1540-511, 1540-570, 1540-574, 1540-524, 1540-514
Flood Flaps Link ESR-3560 FFWF12, FFNF12, FFWF08, FFNF08, FFWF05, FFNF05
Freedom Flood Vents Link ESR-4332 FFV-1608
Flood Solutions Link ESR-3760 Static Flood Vents

NFIP Resources

This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources.

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