FAQ for Snorkel Vent

1. What is an Air Brick or Air Vent?

All buildings with wooden floors require air bricks/air vents. They allow the cavity under the floor to ‘breath’. Without it the wood is likely to rot.

2. Why does an Air Brick or Air Vent need to ‘breath’?

If the wooden floor is not allowed to ‘breath’ then rot will occur. This is why it is essential to never block your air vents.

3. What is the Snorkel Vent?

The Snorkel Vent is a simple flood protection device which raises the height of your air vents so that flood water is kept out. Under-floor flooding can causes thousands of pounds of damage. Protect your home with the Snorkel Vent!

4. How does the Snorkel Vent work?

The Snorkel Vent is bonded and sealed to the wall around the air vent effectively raising the height of the vent without restricting the air flow. So your house can breathe underwater. It is like a snorkel…for houses!

5. How do I fit the Snorkel Vent?

Installing the Snorkel Vent couldn’t be simpler, simply use a good quality adhesive sealant to bond the Snorkel Vent to the wall around your air vent.

Please click here to view a pdf of the Snorkel Vent fitting instructions

Or view the movie below

6. How is the Snorkel Vent different from other flood protection products?

Most flood devices on the market need to be fitted or closed when you think a flood is imminent and removed or opened afterwards. This is because they block off all ventilation through the air vents. Not very convenient if you are at work or asleep!

Snorkel Vent is different – once fitted it gives permanent 24 hour protection. It does not need to be activated and allows continuous ventilation – even during a flood!

7. How long does the Snorkel Vent last for?

Snorkel Vent is made from special U/V resistant plastic, the same type that is used to make caravan roofs. These are guaranteed for a minimum of 10 year. The snorkel vent should last a lot longer than this.

8. Who should use the Snorkel Vent?

Anyone who’s house has air vents or air bricks.

I’d like some more information on the Snorkel Vent where do I get it?

Please feel free to contact us on 028 9263 9995 or email us at info@snorkelvent.co.uk

9. Are there any other products like the Snorkel Vent on the market?

No! Snorkel Vent is the only product of its kind. All other air vent covers have to be fitted just before a flood, requiring prior knowledge that the flood is going to happen. Even the SMARTbrick, a so called ‘fit & forget’ product, which is activated by the floodwater, DOES have to be thoroughly cleaned and/or decontaminated after the flood water has receded.

Snorkel Vent is the only flood protection device that is truly a ‘fit & forget’ solution.

10. Why do I need the Snorkel Vent?

Unless If your house is at risk from flooding then you need to protect the first, and sometime the only, place that flood water enters a building.

11. Do all homes have Air Vents or Air bricks?

No, some homes are built with solid (concrete) floors. These do not have Air Vents (air bricks). Sometimes one room has a solid floor (often the kitchen) but the others have wooden floors with a cavity beneath.

12. How do I find out if my area is at risk from flooding?

We recommend that you visit the Environmental Agencies Flood section on its website. It contains access to flood maps, valuable information on what to do to prepare your house and what to do during a flood. It also allows you to sign up for Flood warnings for your area. To go to their site now click this link.

13. How much does a Snorkel Vent cost?

The Snorkel Vent prices vary from £19.90 for 310mm of protection to £32.30 for 900mm of protection.

14. Who makes the Snorkel Vent?

Snorkel Vent is designed, and manufactured by Donite Plastics Ltd, 280 Comber Road, Lisburn, Northern Ireland. They have been manufacturing quality plastic products since 1981.

15. How long does it take for the Snorkel Vent to be delivered?

Delivery usually takes around 48 hours.

16. How do I order?

Please click here to go to the order page. The first step in ordering the Snorkel Vent is to check what types of Air Vents you have and how many. Please download our home survey sheet, which is located in Step 1 of the ordering process and complete the form. This information will speed up your ordering process and help you chose the correct Snorkel Vent for your needs.

17. How do I pay?

The on-line shop will accept Visa, Visa Debit/Delta, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Solo/ Switch cards. Alternatively, you can telephone your credit card details or post us a cheque.

18. Has the Snorkel Vent been tested?

We have thoroughly tested the Snorkel Vent and will shortly be applying for a “Kite-mark”.

19. Has a Patent been applied for?

Yes – Patent App no.0917475.6

20. What is the difference between Standard Silicon Mastic and Modified Silicon Mastic?

Standard silicon mastic is primarily a sealant only. Whereas, Modified Silicon is an adhesive, as well as a sealant. This is why we only recommend using the Modified Silicon Mastic available on our website.

We have tested many cheaper alternatives but have found them to be inferior in the long term.

Many common silicones will leave a stain, ours will not.

21. What colours of Snorkel Vent are available?

Currently Snorkel Vents are only available in Satin White colour. If there is enough demand we are considering intruding a terracotta option. Please click here to register an interest in this or any other colour option, and we will let you know if it becomes available.

22. Can Snorkel Vents be painted?

Yes! – they can easily be painted with any acrylic based paint. As with most surfaces you will get best results if the surface has been keyed lightly with wire wool or fine sandpaper. We recommend Acrylic spray paint as supplied in car accessory outlets.

23. Do Snorkel Vent Provide a fitting service?

We have initially launched Snorkel Vent as a DIY product. However, we are now considering the appointment of approved fitters throughout the UK. If you would be interested in using this service please click here and we will let you know if or when this is available in your area.

24. Can I become an approved Snorkel Vent fitter?

If you are interested in fitting Snorkel Vents in your area please click here and we will contact you. Alternatively, telephone 028 9263 9995.

25. Where can I see a Snorkel Vent in person?

The Snorkel Vent is displayed at various flood fairs around the county and is permantly on display at the Flood Show Room in J T Atkinson & Sons Ltd, Ullswater Road, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7EH