Technical Downloads
Flood Protection for Vulnerable Vents
Flood Vents for Automatic, Passive Flood Protection
FloodBreak designs flood vents for building openings above and below grade, plus ground-level vent shafts. Our horizontal and vertical vent systems use the same passive flood protection technology as our standard flood barriers.
During dry weather the vents stay open so air flows as normal. When flooding starts, the buoyant panels close on their own to keep water out. Only the panels touched by water close, and once the floodwater recedes they reopen automatically.
A Permanent, Customizable Flood Solution
These vent systems are built for a long service life with minimal maintenance, and they hold up in harsh, real-world conditions. We custom-size each unit to fit almost any vent opening. Mount them inside duct work, inside vent shafts or on the face of the building.
See how it works or read what FEMA says about passive flood control.
Passive Flood Protection for Wall Vents (FB-HVS)
The FloodBreak horizontal vent system (FB-HVS) is a passive flood vent that gives 24/7 protection for fan plants, air intake and exhaust vents, ducts and window openings.
Fully passive and automatic. No people. No power.
24/7 flood protection for vents, ducts and windows.
No size limits. Units can sit deep underground.
Custom-designed for your project loading and airflow needs.
The FB-HVS activates only when needed. It uses buoyancy, not people or power, to seal openings and stop flood inundation. Only the panels hit by water close, so air keeps flowing everywhere else. When the water recedes, the system reopens on its own.
Wiper seals stop water from getting around the deployed panels. The shelves drain through on their own, so there is no extra drainage to clear.
Installation is simple, and the units deliver flood protection with minimal maintenance for decades.
See the Horizontal Flood Vent in Action
Watch how the FloodBreak passive flood vent deploys and reopens with no human intervention and no power.
Passive Flood Protection For Wall Vents
The FloodBreak horizontal vent system (FB-HVS) is a passive automatic flood mitigation device that provides 24/7 flood protection for vulnerable fan plants, air intake and exhaust vents, ducts, and window openings.
- Fully passive automatic – No People. No Power.
- 24/7 flood protection for vents, ducts, and windows.
- No size limitations; can be placed deep underground.
- Custom-designed to meet project loading and airflow requirements.
FloodBreak horizontal vent system activates only when needed: using buoyancy, not people or power, to seal openings and prevent flood inundation. Only the panels affected by the water will close, allowing air to continue to flow. When the floodwater recedes, the system reopens automatically.
The wiper seals stop the water from going around the deployed panels. The shelves drain through automatically. There is no additional drainage required to clear.
Installation is simple and the devices provide passive flood protection with minimal maintenance for decades.
Seeing is Believing:
Click Here to see how the FloodBreak passive flood vent protection system deploys and reopens without human intervention or power.
Passive Flood Vents for Vertical Shafts (FB-VVS)
The FloodBreak vertical vent system (FB-VVS) gives the same passive, automatic protection as the horizontal system, built for underground vent bays and rooms exposed to flash floods. We first developed it for the MTA New York City Transit to protect subway and underground vent shafts while air flows freely during daily operations.
When flooding starts, water enters the system and lifts the buoyant panels, which seal on all 4 sides to hold the floodwater above ground. Water drains out through a small weep hole in the bottom of the unit. The system clears fast after a flood, so airflow resumes as soon as the water drops.
The passive design works for any underground vent shaft anywhere in the world, in any geography, climate or infrastructure type. See the markets we serve.
Watch the 3D Vertical Flood Vent Video
View a 3D animation of the passive, automatic vertical flood vent and see how it seals and drains.
Flood Vents vs Perimeter Barriers: Which Do You Need?
Flood vents seal the openings in a wall or shaft. If you also need to protect doorways, garage entries or a full building perimeter, look at our perimeter flood protection. Many projects use both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do FloodBreak flood vents need power to work?
No. The panels float up and seal using buoyancy alone. There are no motors, sensors or people involved, so they work during a power outage.
Will the vents block airflow during normal conditions?
No. The vents stay fully open in dry weather so air intake and exhaust run as normal. They close only when floodwater reaches them.
Can flood vents be installed below grade?
Yes. Both systems can sit deep underground. The vertical system was designed for underground subway and utility vent shafts.
How much maintenance do the vents need?
Very little. The units are built for a long service life and provide protection for decades with minimal maintenance. The shelves and weep holes drain on their own after a flood.