Are You As Proactive As You Should Be In Maintaining Your Building’s Smoke Vents?

[Liz Seyi]

Given the profound role that smoke vents can play in saving lives by helping to remove smoke and heat from a building if a fire breaks out, it is perhaps a surprise in some ways that the importance of smoke ventilation maintenance isn’t talked about more often.
One reason for the maintenance of smoke vents being a relatively “underrated” service among many building owners and managers, might be a lack of awareness of the multitude of issues that can arise with this vital aspect of a property over time.
There are various types of smoke vents – but also various problems they can develop
It might seem obvious to say it is crucial to keep smoke vents routinely serviced and maintained – including careful inspection, cleaning, and the replacement of worn components when required.
After all, all occupants and users of a building will want to be sure of the smoke ventilation system working as it is supposed to do, if the dreaded situation – a fire – does come to pass. The smoke vents in the building will help prevent smoke and heat from being trapped inside the building, so that occupants and firefighters can exit more easily and safely.
It isn’t always acknowledged, however, just how complicated and sensitive smoke ventilation systems can be. When many of us think of smoke vents, we might be put in mind of the passive vents that adorn the roofs of buildings, and which open automatically when subject to heat from a fire.
However, electrical/electrothermal vents also exist, incorporating a heat-activated material that expands when exposed to fire, thereby breaking frangible elements so that the vent is opened.
Then, there are mechanical smoke vents. These are powered vents that open automatically with the help of a heat/smoke detector or fusible link, although it can also be possible to open such vents manually using a switch.
Put in place a preventative, not merely reactive smoke vent maintenance regime
Bearing in mind the various types of smoke vents that exist, it is important not to underestimate the variety of issues that can arise with them.
A thorough and regular process for checking your building’s smoke vents will help ensure the identification of such potential problems as excessive wear, accumulated dirt, damaged components, corrosion, blockages, and water ingress due to inadequate sealing.
Such a proactive and painstaking smoke ventilation maintenance approach will be instrumental in making sure any areas of concern with your property’s smoke vents are addressed at the earliest possible stage. As a consequence, you will be able to help keep your property’s entire smoke ventilation systems in optimal working order for longer.
Are you interested in learning more about our service and the difference it could make to the safety of your building and its occupants? If so, you are welcome to reach out to us, and we will aim to provide a response within 24 hours.