In the height of the New Jersey coastal building boom in 1996, one tenacious architectural designer Marty Montgomery, in Avalon NJ worked closely with some local building code officials to understand the flood plain regulations related to foundation flood vents. For architects, builders, and code officials, understanding the numerous building codes and NFIP floodplain regulations that existed was not an easy job. He spent several weeks of exhaustive research looking for something that met all of the regulations. It was at this time that the idea for developing a code compliant flood vent was born. In 1998 his first patent was filed, and our company was born. The first vent we produced is still one of our most popular models. This dual function flood and natural ventilation model has louvers that open and close with temperature, but more importantly, has a door that opens automatically when floodwater rises, just like all of our other vents. Many code officials, floodplain managers, and builders that we interviewed stated that their biggest concern was the common practice of the homeowner, after the certificate of occupancy was obtained, to close off air and flood openings in the foundation. Our dual purpose Smart VENT solved two problems for homeowners. No longer would vents need to be closed in the winter to avoid pipes from freezing, and residents no longer needed to fear that closed vents would affect their flood protection.
Soon after came an insulated model, Flood VENT, that was ideal for use in garages, home entries and storage areas that were conditioned, and commercially in warehouses and marinas. We added a UL approved fire damper solution that was ideal for the many condominium and townhouse projects that installed our flood vents. We introduced stacking models for large enclosures, an overhead door model which is perfect for retrofit projects, and a family of vents to simplify wood wall construction installation. Finally, by request from numerous architects and homeowners, we introduced a number of colored vents, using an epoxy powder coating of durable Rohm and Haas exterior paints.
Early in the development of our business, we learned that flood venting regulations are a bit complex, and not all of the codes reside in one place. There are FEMA, NFIP, ASCE, IBC and IRC codes, as well as local floodplain ordinances that need to be understood and applied. Our mission is to provide education and guidance to all of our customers, so that they can be guaranteed to have the most up-to- date information possible to make their best decisions. To this end, we pledge that our management team and technical representatives will be certified as floodplain managers through the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and we will be active in local state chapters. We will donate some portion of our profits to charity, thus helping the less fortunate to enjoy living in a safe home.
Education and code knowledge is important, but of equal importance is the manufacturing of a quality product. After a detailed search, we chose Sargent Metal Fabricators in Anderson, SC to manufacture our vents. This ISO 9001 certified manufacturing plant utilizes state-of- the-art laser and punch press technology, lights out nighttime automation, and demand flow assembly to ensure quality, and guarantee on-time delivery. Unlike most traditional assembly houses, our parts are manufactured on one line, and then delivered in small batches to the assembly line. In-line inspection through every process, along with final wet flood-proofing tests, provides us with excellent quality. Over 90% of your orders ship the same day they are ordered.
Today we are proud to offer a family of products that meet every flood venting application. Our team of dedicated employees is available to answer all questions, provide AIA approved seminars, assist in locating an authorized installation expert, or assist in locating an authorized Smart VENT dealer near you. Through every step of our growth, your comments, ideas, and suggestions have helped guide us to provide you with great flood venting solutions. We appreciate your help and business, and we look forward to helping all of our valued customers in the future.