Posted on March 18th, 2023

As a property owner or manager, you may be aware of the importance of smoke vents in protecting your commercial property from fire hazards. However, you may not be familiar with the different types of smoke vents and how they work. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different types of smoke vents and their functions, so you can make an informed decision about which type of smoke vent is best for your commercial property.

Natural Smoke Vents

Natural smoke vents are designed to use natural convection currents to release smoke and heat from a building during a fire. Natural smoke vents are typically located at the highest point of a building and are designed to open automatically when the temperature in the building reaches a certain level. Natural smoke vents are often used in buildings with large open spaces, such as warehouses or shopping malls.

Mechanical Smoke Vents

Mechanical smoke vents are designed to use fans or other mechanical devices to release smoke and heat from a building during a fire. Mechanical smoke vents are typically located throughout a building and can be controlled manually or automatically. Mechanical smoke vents are often used in buildings with multiple levels or complex floor plans.

Roof Hatches

Roof hatches are a type of natural smoke vent that is designed to provide access to the roof of a building. Roof hatches can also be used as emergency exits and are often required by fire codes. Roof hatches are typically located at the highest point of a building and are designed to open automatically when the temperature in the building reaches a certain level.

Skylights

Skylights are a type of natural smoke vent that is designed to provide natural light to a building while also serving as a smoke vent. Skylights are typically located on the roof of a building and are designed to open automatically when the temperature in the building reaches a certain level.

Smoke and Heat Exhaust Fans

Smoke and heat exhaust fans are a type of mechanical smoke vent that uses fans to remove smoke and heat from a building during a fire. Smoke and heat exhaust fans are typically located throughout a building and are designed to be activated manually or automatically.

In addition to these different types of smoke vents, there are also several factors to consider when choosing the right smoke vent for your commercial property. These factors include the size and layout of your building, the type of occupancy, the type of equipment or materials stored in the building, and the local fire codes and regulations.

It's important to work with a professional smoke vent installer who can help you choose the right smoke vent for your commercial property and ensure that it's installed correctly. A professional installer can also provide regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that your smoke vent is functioning correctly and up to code.

With that being said, smoke vents play a critical role in protecting your commercial property from fire hazards. By understanding the different types of smoke vents and how they work, you can make an informed decision about which type of smoke vent is best for your commercial property. If you need help choosing or installing a smoke vent for your commercial property, please contact ESM Fire at (909) 477-7224 or [email protected] to schedule a free consultation.