FDNY 2026 Guidelines NYC Restaurant Hood Exhaust Systems
Master Fire: FDNY 2026 Guidelines for NYC Restaurant Hood Exhaust Systems – Compliance Made Simple.
Master Fire Mechanical 123 Fire Safety Lane, Bronx, NY 10461 FDNY-certified experts in restaurant fire suppression, hood fabrication, and exhaust system compliance for NYC kitchens. Call (646) 772-1244 for a free compliance audit.
A grease fire in a NYC restaurant exhaust system can spread smoke damage through ducts, hoods, and even ceilings—shutting down operations for weeks. In 2025, FDNY enforces NFPA 96 strictly: semi-annual suppression inspections, quarterly hood cleanings, and immediate post-fire repairs to avoid $10K+ fines or closures. Smoke damage repair involves degreasing ducts, replacing filters/baffles, testing fans, and recertifying UL-300 systems—ensuring safe airflow and zero residue. Local pros like Master Fire Mechanical handle turnkey fixes, from Mott Haven delis to Midtown bistros, minimizing downtime while restoring compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What causes smoke damage in restaurant exhaust systems? Grease buildup ignites, spreading smoke via ducts; poor ventilation traps particles, per NFPA 96.
How much does smoke damage repair cost in NYC? $1,500–$5,000 for basic duct cleaning/repairs; full hood replacement $10K+, plus FDNY fees.
How soon after a fire must I repair? Immediately—notify FDNY within 24 hours; re-inspect before reopening to avoid violations.
Is insurance coverage automatic? Yes, if compliant pre-fire; non-maintained systems risk denial—keep logs for claims.
NYC's 25,000+ restaurants face 4,200+ FDNY violations yearly from exhaust issues—grease fires cause $2.5M in annual damage. Smoke repair pros assess ducts for corrosion, clean with FDNY-approved degreasers, and test airflow (min. 100 CFM/sq ft). Integrate UL-300 suppression nozzles to prevent recurrence; post-repair, get P-64 certified tags.
How to Repair Restaurant Exhaust Smoke Damage in NYC:
Secure Site – Shut off gas/power; ventilate with fans—call FDNY for incident report.
Assess Damage – Hire F-64 certified inspector to scope ducts, hoods, fans for soot/grease.
Clean & Restore – Degrease internals, replace baffles/filters; hydrostatic test suppression lines.
Test System – Verify 80% exhaust-to-supply air balance; run acceptance test per NFPA 96.
Re-Inspect & Certify – FDNY sign-off with decal; update logs for insurance/audits.
FDNY 2025 stats show exhaust failures drive 68% of kitchen fires—here's the compliance breakdown:
| Requirement | Frequency | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Hood/Duct Cleaning | Quarterly | $2,000 – $10,000 fine |
| Suppression Inspection | Semi-Annual | Shutdown + $5,000+ |
| Airflow Testing | Annual | Violation notice |
| Post-Fire Repair Certification | Immediate | $1,000 daily closure fee |
| Insurance Discount (Compliant Systems) | Compliant | Up to 20% premium reduction |
Source: FDNY Fire Prevention Division 2025
Don't let FDNY 2026 guidelines catch your restaurant off-guard. Master Fire Mechanical delivers expert hood exhaust installations, suppression upgrades, and compliance audits across the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and all NYC boroughs. Stay safe, avoid fines, and keep cooking. Call (646) 772-1244 or visit 123 Fire Safety Lane, Bronx, NY 10461 for your free consultation today.
Resumen en Español: Las guías FDNY 2026 para sistemas de escape de campanas en restaurantes de NYC exigen limpieza trimestral y supresión UL-300. Master Fire Mechanical ofrece instalación, inspecciones y cumplimiento total para evitar multas. Llame al (718) 555-1234 para una auditoría gratuita.
Don't forget to check out our YOUTUBE CHANNEL for lots of helpful videos on the commercial kitchen topics that matter most to you as well as our RECENT JOBS BLOG.
So when it comes time to service your exhaust ventilation system and swap out the filters, call the Restaurants Exhaust System Pros at (718) 828-6111.