Using Barriers to Harden Your Home with Flooding in Mind

Flood barriers are an essential component of flood defense, offering protection against rising waters by blocking or diverting floodwater away from your home. There are a variety of barrier options available, ranging from temporary solutions for emergency situations to permanent installations for long-term flood protection. By understanding the different types of barriers and how to use them effectively, you can create a robust line of defense that minimizes water intrusion and helps protect your home from flood damage.

This article provides an overview of the most effective flood barrier options and their applications.

Understanding Flood Barriers and Their Benefits

Flood barriers are designed to block water from entering specific areas of your home, such as doors, windows, and garages, or to divert water away from your Foundation. Barriers can be installed before a flood event to protect vulnerable entry points or added as a permanent feature in flood-prone areas.

Temporary Barriers: These barriers are typically deployed just before or during a flood event and removed afterward. Temporary barriers are ideal for homes in areas that experience occasional flooding and can be stored away when not in use.
Permanent Barriers: Permanent barriers, such as flood walls or levees, are installed to provide ongoing protection for properties at high risk of flooding. They are durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a suitable choice for areas with frequent or severe flooding.

Sandbags

Sandbags are one of the most common and widely available flood barriers. They are versatile, affordable, and effective at blocking low levels of floodwater.

How to Use Sandbags: Stack sandbags in a staggered pattern, similar to laying bricks, at least one layer thick. For best results, create a barrier at least two to three layers high, depending on the expected water level. Place plastic sheeting beneath and behind the sandbags for added water resistance.
Limitations of Sandbags: Sandbags are best suited for short-term, low-level flooding. They can be labor-intensive to set up and may leak if not stacked properly. Additionally, sandbags can become waterlogged and difficult to move after a flood, so be prepared to dispose of or dry them out.
Maintenance and Storage: Store sandbags in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent Mold or deterioration. Be sure to dispose of any sandbags that have come into contact with contaminated floodwaters, as they may pose health risks.

Water-Activated Flood Barriers

Water-activated flood barriers are a convenient, portable alternative to traditional sandbags. These barriers contain super-absorbent materials that expand when exposed to water, creating a watertight barrier.

How to Use Water-Activated Barriers: Simply place these barriers in the path of floodwater. When water contacts the barrier, it quickly absorbs the water and expands to create a solid, stable barrier. Water-activated barriers can be used for doorways, windows, and garages.
Advantages of Water-Activated Barriers: These barriers are lightweight, easy to store, and can be quickly deployed in an emergency. They are also reusable and often more effective at creating a watertight seal than traditional sandbags.
Maintenance and Storage: After use, allow water-activated barriers to dry out completely before storing. They can be reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective option for homes in flood-prone areas. Store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Flood Panels and Shields

Flood panels and shields are rigid barriers made from materials like aluminum or steel. These barriers are custom-fit to doorways, windows, and other entry points, providing a reliable seal against floodwater.

How to Use Flood Panels: Flood panels are typically installed on a track or frame around doors, windows, or garage openings. They can be secured in place with bolts or clamps, creating a watertight seal. Once the flood risk has passed, they can be removed and stored until needed again.
Advantages of Flood Panels: Flood panels offer a high level of protection and are more durable than temporary barriers like sandbags. They can be custom-sized to fit specific openings and are designed to withstand higher water pressures, making them ideal for areas with frequent or severe flooding.
Maintenance and Storage: Clean and dry flood panels thoroughly before storing them. Inspect them regularly for signs of rust or wear, and keep all hardware, such as bolts or clamps, in good condition. Store panels in a secure location where they can be easily accessed during a flood event.

Inflatable Flood Barriers

Inflatable flood barriers, also known as water-filled barriers, are large tubes that can be filled with water to create a temporary dam around your home or property. These barriers are reusable and easy to set up, making them an effective option for emergency situations.

How to Use Inflatable Barriers: Lay the barrier around the perimeter of the area you want to protect, then fill it with water using a hose. As it fills, the barrier will expand, creating a sturdy wall that blocks floodwater. Inflatable barriers are often used to protect large areas, such as garages or entire sections of a yard.
Advantages of Inflatable Barriers: These barriers are highly effective for large-scale flood protection and can be deployed quickly. They are also easy to store, as they take up minimal space when deflated. Inflatable barriers are durable and can be used multiple times with proper care.
Maintenance and Storage: After use, drain the barrier and thoroughly clean and dry it before storing. Check for any signs of wear, such as punctures or weakened seams, and repair as needed. Store in a cool, dry place to prolong the barrier’s lifespan.

Permanent Flood Barriers and Flood Walls

For homes in areas that face frequent or severe flooding, permanent flood barriers may be the most effective solution. These barriers can be constructed from Concrete, masonry, or metal and are designed to provide long-term protection.

Building a Flood Wall: A flood wall is a permanent barrier constructed around your home or property to block floodwaters. Flood walls can be made from concrete, brick, or reinforced metal and are often built several feet above ground level. Professional installation is recommended for flood walls, as they must be properly engineered to withstand water pressure.
Advantages of Flood Walls: Flood walls offer high-level protection and can withstand substantial water pressure. They provide continuous flood defense and require minimal maintenance once installed. Flood walls are a practical option for properties with persistent flood risks.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect flood walls for cracks or signs of wear. Repair any damage promptly to maintain the wall’s integrity. Ensure that any drainage outlets or backflow preventers associated with the flood wall are functioning properly.

Installing Door and Window Flood Shields

Door and window flood shields provide a tight seal against water, blocking entry points vulnerable to flooding. These shields are custom-fit and can be installed as needed when flooding is anticipated.

How to Use Door and Window Shields: Attach the shields to doors and windows using bolts or a track system. Many shields are designed to be quickly installed and removed, allowing for convenient deployment before and after a flood event.
Advantages of Door and Window Shields: These shields are effective at creating a watertight seal and are less obtrusive than large-scale barriers like flood walls. They can be custom-made to fit specific doors and windows, making them a versatile option for targeted protection.
Maintenance and Storage: Store shields in an easily accessible location, and keep mounting hardware organized for quick installation. Clean and dry the shields before storing to prevent corrosion or damage.

Using Sealants and Waterproof Coatings

Sealants and waterproof coatings are an essential component of flood defense, particularly for homes with basements or foundations that may allow water to seep through.

Apply Waterproof Sealants: Use waterproof sealants around doors, windows, and other openings to create a watertight barrier. Choose high-quality, exterior-grade sealants that can expand and contract with changing temperatures to prevent cracks from forming.
Waterproof Coatings for Foundations: Apply a waterproof coating to your home’s foundation to reduce seepage and minimize water intrusion. These coatings are often made from asphalt or rubberized materials and can be applied to exterior foundation walls. Some coatings also work as a flood barrier by preventing water from entering cracks or pores in the foundation.

Combining Barriers for Comprehensive Flood Protection

Using multiple barriers together can provide more comprehensive protection against flood risks. For example, you might use sandbags or water-activated barriers for doors and windows, while an inflatable barrier protects a larger area around your property. Consider your home’s specific vulnerabilities and flood risk to determine the most effective combination of barriers.

Temporary and Permanent Barrier Integration: Combining temporary barriers, like sandbags, with permanent barriers, such as flood walls, creates layered protection. Temporary barriers can be deployed quickly in emergency situations, while permanent barriers offer ongoing flood defense.
Planning for High-Risk Areas: Focus your barrier placement on areas most susceptible to flooding, such as basement doors, ground-level windows, garages, and low-lying sections of your property. Take a proactive approach by installing barriers in advance if your area is prone to sudden flooding.

Additional Resources

For more information on flood barriers and other floodproofing solutions, consult these resources:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA provides guidance on flood protection and floodproofing techniques. Visit FEMA’s Floodproofing Guide to learn more.
National Flood Barrier Testing & Certification Program: This program, supported by the Association of State Floodplain Managers, provides information on tested and certified flood barriers. Visit ASFPM’s Resources for more details on certified products.

Wrap-Up

Flood barriers offer an essential layer of defense against water intrusion, helping protect your home from potential flood damage. By understanding the types of barriers available and how to use them effectively, you can better prepare your home for flood events and minimize the impact of rising water.

Whether you choose temporary sandbags, permanent flood walls, or a combination of barrier solutions, taking proactive steps now can help safeguard your home and belongings from future flood risks. With a comprehensive approach to flood p