Heat, smoke, and deadly gases can quickly build up during a fire. These can suffocate building occupants and even create complete darkness, disorienting occupants and making it impossible to escape. So, how do you address this problem during construction planning?
The quick answer is to ensure effective fire response, and one key strategy is installing ventilation solutions. These systems help remove smoke and heat, improving visibility and creating safer conditions for evacuation.
The SVA-DL smoke vents are worth considering among the many options in the market, and here’s why.
The Role of Durable Smoke Vents in Building Projects
Smoke control isn’t just a fire code checkbox—it’s an important part of maintaining escape routes and giving people visibility. But not all smoke vents are built the same. Standard models are insufficient for high-risk areas like stairwells and corridors. Contractors and builders must install large, fast-acting vents built for real-life fire conditions.
Double-leaf vents like the SVA-DL provide broader openings, allowing smoke to exit faster. And for places with lots of people—such as auditoriums or malls—that extra space matters. The durability of SVA-DL smoke vents also ensures they won’t melt or wrap immediately in case of a fire.
It’s a practical choice for projects that require high performance and consistent results.
What Sets the SVA-DL Apart: A Look at Materials
How is this model different from the average rooftop smoke vent? The answer is simple. It’s designed from the inside out to handle heat, wind, and wear while maintaining its form.
- Exterior Construction: The lid is made of 11-gauge aluminum and backed with a 20-gauge liner. This combo offers strength without making it too heavy for roof installations.
- Box-Style Design: Its double-skin “box-type” lids have 1″ thick cellulose insulation inside. This feature helps reduce heat transfer and surface distortion, especially in direct sunlight or fluctuating rooftop temperatures.
- Weatherproofing: An EPDM foam gasket goes around the edge, providing a tight seal that withstands all kinds of weather.
- Finish: The mill finish helps resist corrosion, which is a big deal when the vent is exposed 24/7.
Bottom line? It’s built to survive the elements and deliver consistent performance over time.
Built for Longevity: Hardware and Performance Features
A good vent needs more than a strong lid. It requires reliable parts that hold up to repeated use and unpredictable conditions. The SVA-DL checks all those boxes.
- Heavy-Duty Hinges: The galvanized steel and aluminum pintle hinges are designed for high-cycle use. That means it will work smoothly over time, even in extreme environments.
- Gas Spring Operation: Forget awkward openings. The SVA-DL smoke vents’ gas springs ensure smooth, balanced lift and close. They reduce stress on parts and make the unit safer and easier to use.
- Dual Release Options: Whether triggered by heat or operated manually, this vent is ready. It comes standard with both internal and external manual release points.
- Automatic Fire Response: A 165° UL-listed fusible link triggers automatic venting when temperatures spike. This can also be swapped with a resettable McCabe link for testing or non-emergency scenarios.
- Secure Latching: The slam latch keeps everything sealed until you need it open—no loose lids, no performance dips.
Curb and Installation Considerations
The vent curb plays an essential role in installation and thermal performance. The SVA-DL curb is built from 1/8″ aluminum, offering strength and resistance to weathering. It comes with pre-drilled mounting holes, which make positioning and securing the unit faster and more efficient.
A layer of 1″ thick fiberboard insulation is applied to the curb exterior, helping it align with roof insulation assemblies. With a 12″ curb height and a 3.375″ wide bottom flange, the SVA-DL fits securely onto various commercial roof types.
Standardized manufacturing ensures every unit is consistent—streamlining the process for builders and contractors managing multi-unit installations across complex projects.
Application Versatility Across Building Types
The SVA-DL’s design makes it a smart choice across various building types, such as the following:
- Office buildings benefit from its ability to keep stairwells and escape routes ventilated.
- Retail spaces like malls and shopping centers require wide vents to manage smoke in open-plan interiors.
- Hotels use vents to clear corridors and service areas in emergencies.
- Restaurants, especially those with large kitchens, can depend on the SVA-DL for effective smoke control.
- Auditoriums and theaters need efficient smoke evacuation from large gathering spaces, and this model fits the bill.
Wrapping Up
Cut corners on smoke vent quality, and you risk more than code violations. It can lead to delays, costly replacements, and compromised fire response.
The SVA-DL double-leaf vents combine durable materials, dependable hardware, and proven performance. They deliver serious ventilation without overcomplicating your spec.
If long-term durability and job site efficiency matter to you, don’t settle. Choose reliable smoke vents for your project.
