Flood Venting Codes & Standards
These guides will provide you with all you need to know about flood venting codes and standards. Feel free to download or purchase them, and be sure to refer to your local state uniform code book, as well.
This Technical Bulletin explains the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for flood openings in foundation walls and walls of enclosures below elevated buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) that are designated as Zone A (A, AE, A1-30, AH, and AO) on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The flood opening requirements are intended to equalize hydrostatic forces (loads or pressure caused by standing or slow-moving water) on walls, thus preventing damage to or collapse of the building.
Go to pages 39-40 to see how to properly document engineered openings on the EC.
FEMA Technical Bulletin 1: Requirements for Flood Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures
American Society of Civil Engineers: Flood Resistant Design and Construction (ASCE 24-14)
Prepared by the Flood Resistant Design and Construction Committee of the Codes and Standards Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE Flood Resistant Design and Construction, ASCE/SEI 24-14, provides minimum requirements for design and construction of structures located in flood hazard areas and subject to building code requirements. The standard is adopted by reference in model building codes.
Go to page 10 to view the Engineered Opening and Non-Engineered Opening Requirements.
Notes:
• All flood openings “shall not be less than 3 in. in any direction in the plane of the wall.”
• Any flood opening “shall be classified as partially obstructed if louvers, blades, screens, grilles, faceplates, or other covers or devices are present during the design flood” and use the partially obstructed shape Coefficient of Discharge requirement.
• V-Zones: Flood Openings are now required in Breakaway Walls.
Go to pages 45-46 to view commentary on Engineered Opening and Non-Engineered Opening Requirements.
iCodes
The 2009, 2012, and 2015 International Residential Codes (IRC) and International Building Codes (IBC) establishes the minimum regulations for all dwellings, houses, buildings and structures. Below are selected pages from these code books that pertain to flood opening requirements. *Excerpts of the I-Codes are reprinted with permission of the International Code Council.
Download Related Section of 2015 IRC
Download Related Section of 2015 IBC
Download Related Section of 2012 IRC
Download Related Section of 2012 IBC
Download Related Section of 2009 IRC
Download Related Section of 2009 IBC
Insurance Agents Lowest Floor Guide
The Insurance Agent's Lowest Floor Guide will assist you in determining the lowest floor for flood insurance rating purposes
Resources
See how Chris & Dan Decourcy won their battle against high flood insurance so they could finally own their dream home.
SMART VENT FEATURES & BENEFITS
See how Chris & Dan Decourcy won their battle against high flood insurance so they could finally own their dream home.
WHAT IS FREEDOM FLOOD VENT?
Meet The Wagner's in this Best Practice Story and see how they were able to reduce their flood insurance.
REDUCE FLOOD INSURANCE
FLOOD VENTS SAVE HOMES
See how Flood Vents helped save homes during Hurricane Sandy, surrounding neighborhood homes without compliant flood vents were not so fortunate.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Legislation is continuously changing. Find out what the most recent changes are, and what they mean to you.
NFIP LEGISLATION
Just when this condo association in Hoboken, NJ thought they were under water with their flood insurance premium...watch as the day was saved!
URBAN FLOOD INSURANCE RELIEF
See how Chris & Dan Decourcy won their battle against high flood insurance so they could finally own their dream home.
A FLOOD INSURANCE BATTLE WON
Find out how Flood Zone determinations, NFIP changes, and proper flood venting effect flood insurance policies.
DETERMINE YOUR FLOOD RISK
What is the objective of a flood vent? Flood Vents protect houses and buildings during floods by preventing water pressure buildup that can destroy walls and foundations.
