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Roof Smoke Vent Hatch

Roof Smoke Vent Hatch

Roof Smoke Vent Hatch

$1,961.40


FREE SHIPPING
SKU BSVSW36X30S1N165R

The Roof Smoke Vent Hatch, made by Babcock-Davis, is a single door SafeMAX™ Smoke Vent that delivers UL793-listed performance with durable metal covers for dependable, cost-effective operation. Its single-door design is well-suited for factories, warehouses, hoistways, and elevator shafts.

Key design factors include total vent area per code, effective vent area, and roof structural support requirements.

Features
• Increased Effective Vent Area
• Optional Louvered Curb
• UL Listed
• FM Approved
• Single Door

  • Free Shipping
  • Need a written quote? Request Online
  • Questions?  Call (800) 604-5537

Specifications

Model BSVS
Door Single Leaf
Material Steel: 14 gauge galvanneal
Finish Steel: Powder Coat, Red Oxide
Cover Formed metal cover with liner internally stiffened to withstand a live load of 40 psf
Curb Single wall curb with EZ tab counterflash and mounting flange
Insulation 1" polyiso R-6 in cover and around curb
Gasket Extruded EPDM adhesive-backed gasket seal, continuous around cover
Hinge Heavy-duty pintle hinge with stainless steel hinge pins
Springs Gas spring with damper opens cover against 10 psf snow load in not less than 2 seconds
Hold Open Arm Zinc-plated steel automatic hold-open arm locks cover in open position
Latch Zinc-plated steel rotary latch designed to hold covers closed against 30 psf for single doors. Opens manually by external and internal pull cables. Opens automatically with a fusible link at standard temperature 165 °F.
Certification UL 793 listed
Minimum Size 18" x 18"
Maximum Size 48" x 96"
Warranty 5 years

Documents

To download product documents such as specs, shop drawings, warranty and installation information visit the SafeMAX Series Smoke Hatch Document Download Page >

Product Videos

Actuator Installation Video

Shipping Time

  • All Roof Hatches ship for free (standard ground, see map)
  • Call: (800) 604-5537 for pricing and shipping questions.

Shipping estimates shown on the map pertain to this specific product only. Roof Hatch orders ship within 5 business days. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, and are approximate. Transit times are subject to stock levels at regional warehouses.  The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.

Stratagrid Shipping Map
Buyer’s & Installer’s Guide

Roof Smoke Vent Hatch: SafeMAX™ Single-Door Selection, Sizing & Installation (with Case Study)

Product: Babcock-Davis SafeMAX™ Roof Smoke Vent Hatch (Model BSVS) · Configuration: Single door · Listing: UL 793 · Approvals: UL Listed, FM Approved

The Roof Smoke Vent Hatch (SafeMAX™, single door) is designed to automatically release heat and smoke during a fire so occupants and responders have safer visibility and lower temperatures. It’s a roof-mounted, spring-assisted lid that pops open when a fusible link trips (or on manual pull), letting smoke and heat escape. It’s a dependable, cost-effective choice for factories, warehouses, hoistways, and elevator shafts.

Why this model?
  • UL 793 listed & FM Approved for code-driven performance.
  • Increased effective vent area options to help meet code targets.
  • Optional louvered curb for airflow management.
  • Durable build: 14-ga galvanneal steel, powder-coated red oxide; EPDM gasket; heavy-duty hinge.
Manufacturing rooftop where a roof smoke vent hatch aids smoke and heat release
Engineered for Industrial Roofs

What Is a Roof Smoke Vent Hatch?

A roof smoke vent hatch is a code-recognized opening that releases heat and smoke during a fire. The single-door SafeMAX™ design uses gas springs with a damper that open the cover (against a 10 psf snow load) in not less than 2 seconds after the 165 °F fusible link activates or when pulled from inside/outside cables. A rotary latch keeps the lid closed to ~30 psf until activation.

Construction Highlights (in Plain Terms)

  • Cover strength: Formed, internally stiffened metal cover rated ~40 psf live load.
  • Thermal/Gasket: 1" polyiso (R-6) in cover & curb; continuous EPDM seal to resist wind-driven rain.
  • Hinge/Hardware: Heavy-duty pintle hinge with stainless pins; 316 stainless hardware.
  • Sizes: Minimum 18"×18"; up to 48"×96" (single leaf) to balance effective vent area with roof structure.
Large commercial building where smoke vent hatches help satisfy code requirements
Right-Size to Your Code Area

How to Specify a Roof Smoke Vent Hatch (Step-by-Step)

  1. Determine total vent area. Code sets the required aggregate vent area for your occupancy and building size. Layman’s terms: how much “smoke exit” you need overall.
  2. Calculate effective vent area (EVA). Account for lid geometry, free area, and any screens/louvers. EVA is the real, usable area after losses.
  3. Select size & quantity. Choose hatch dimensions and count to meet the EVA target while respecting roof framing.
  4. Coordinate structure. Confirm roof deck/framing can support the curb loads and wind uplift; align openings with joists or provide framing.
  5. Choose curb options. Consider the louvered curb for ventilation needs and check parapet clearances.
  6. Release method. Verify fusible link 165 °F and run manual pull cables to safe locations.
  7. Environment. For corrosive/coastal sites, upgrade finishes or hardware as required.

Tip: Place vents near smoke accumulation zones (e.g., over process areas) and pair with make-up air paths so smoke actually moves out rather than lingering.

Looking up a ladder at a roof smoke vent hatch with manual release cable
Manual & Automatic Release Paths

Case Study: Packaging Warehouse — Upper Midwest

Scenario: A 200,000 ft² packaging facility needed UL-listed smoke relief for an expansion bay with tall racking. The AHJ required documentation of effective vent area, and the owner asked for a solution that wouldn’t compromise the roof warranty.

Solution

  • Product: Babcock-Davis SafeMAX™ BSVS single-door smoke vent hatches.
  • Sizing: Multiple units sized to meet the code-required EVA, coordinated with joist bays to avoid structural conflicts.
  • Details: EPDM gasket, 1" R-6 insulation, heavy-duty pintle hinges, rotary latch (to ~30 psf), fusible link at 165 °F, manual pull cables at egress doors.
  • Warranty: Curb with EZ tab counterflash allowed membrane-compatible flashing per roofer’s details.

Results

  • Compliance: Submittals demonstrating EVA and UL 793 listing were approved without revisions.
  • Safety: Faster heat/smoke release improved modeled tenability and responder visibility.
  • Operations: Gas-spring actuation proved reliable in quarterly function checks; no re-torque needed.

Installation & Commissioning Checklist

  1. Openings & blocking: Frame roof opening; verify curb sits plumb/level.
  2. Fasten & flash: Attach curb per drawings; flash per membrane manufacturer to protect warranty.
  3. Set cover: Attach hinge pins; confirm gas-spring actuation and automatic hold-open engagement.
  4. Release setup: Install 165 °F fusible link and route internal/external pull cables to marked locations.
  5. Function test: With AHJ/owner present, test manual release; document opening time and full-open lock.
  6. Label & train: Post signage at pull points; train staff on smoke-control procedures.

Maintenance: Quarterly checks of hinges, gas springs, latch, fusible link, cable tension, and gasket continuity. Inspect after severe weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between total vent area and effective vent area?

Total is the nominal opening; effective subtracts losses from geometry and components. Code compliance is typically based on effective area.

How does the hatch open during a fire?

A 165 °F fusible link releases the latch so gas springs open the lid (against 10 psf snow load in not less than 2 seconds). You can also open it via interior/exterior pull cables.

Will this compromise my roof warranty?

No, when flashed per the membrane manufacturer. The curb’s EZ tab counterflash is designed to integrate with standard roofing details.

What sizes are available?

From 18"×18" minimum to 48"×96" maximum (single leaf). Multiple units are often combined to meet EVA requirements.