Installation Guide
Proper installation is critical to the performance of your Flood Barriers Direct system. Before installing any components, carefully inspect each opening you plan to protect and determine the best mounting method for the structure.
If you are unsure about the installation method for a particular opening, send us photos of the opening before beginning installation. Our team can review the area and recommend the best mounting approach.
1. Evaluate the Opening
That experience pushed us to keep searching.Eventually, we discovered another flood protection system for our second home. It was every bit as strong and durable, but its design was different.
The engineering was simple, effective, and incredibly easy to deploy when a storm was approaching.We purchased the system, installed it ourselves, and tested it.The results amazed us.It worked exactly as intended.That experience became the foundation for Flood Barriers Direct LLC.
We realized homeowners and businesses needed access to flood protection that was strong, dependable, thoughtfully engineered, and practical enough to deploy when time matters most.Today, Flood Barriers Direct stocks the components and hardware necessary to protect virtually any opening on a residential property, along with solutions for a wide range of commercial applications.
2. Identify the Building Material
Determine what material was used to construct the area where the side posts will be mounted.
Concrete is the preferred mounting surface because it provides a strong and stable foundation for the fasteners.
Other construction materials may require different fasteners or installation methods. If you are unsure about the mounting surface, contact Flood Barriers Direct before installation.
3. Inspect the Base of the Opening
The bottom surface of the opening should be reasonably smooth, level, and continuous.
The bottom flood barrier panel contains a heavy rubber seal. When the barrier is properly compressed, this seal creates contact with the ground to help prevent water from entering underneath the system.
Uneven surfaces, large gaps, joints, or irregular materials may prevent the rubber gasket from sealing correctly.
Installing Over Pavers
If the opening has pavers at the base, additional preparation may be required.
In some installations, we have successfully used 16-gauge stainless steel strips to create a smooth sealing surface.
The stainless steel strip can be bonded directly to the pavers using a high-quality marine-grade adhesive.
The adhesive should also be used to fill the contour gaps between the individual pavers and where the pavers meet the structure. This creates a smoother and more continuous surface for the bottom rubber gasket to compress against.
4. Position the First Side Post
Place the first side post in the desired mounting location.
Position the post either:
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Inside the opening, or
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On the face of the structure.
Use a level to make sure the post is perfectly vertical.
This step is extremely important. Both side posts must be installed vertically and properly aligned for the flood barrier panels to fit and operate correctly.
5. Mark and Drill the First Mounting Hole
While holding the post in position:
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Level the post.
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Mark the location of the top mounting hole.
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Using a hammer drill and the correct masonry bit for the selected fastener, drill the hole to the required depth.
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Begin installing the fastener through the post.
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Recheck the post with a level before continuing.
Do not fully tighten the post until the remaining mounting holes have been marked.
6. Mark the Remaining Mounting Holes
With the post properly positioned and level, mark the remaining mounting holes through the openings in the post.
Remove the post.
Using the correct drill bit and hammer drill, drill each mounting hole to the proper depth.
Once drilling is complete, thoroughly clean all holes with compressed air to remove concrete dust and debris.
Clean mounting holes help the fasteners seat properly.
7. Apply Urethane Sealant
Before permanently fastening the side post, generously apply urethane sealant to the back of the post.
Apply a continuous bead down the center of the back surface of the post.
The sealant helps prevent water from traveling behind the mounting post and entering the protected opening.
Position the post over the drilled holes and install the provided fasteners.
Tighten the fasteners securely while continuously checking that the post remains level and vertical.
8. Seal the Perimeter of the Post
Once the post has been permanently fastened, apply sealant around the perimeter of the post.
This creates a finished appearance while also helping prevent water from entering around the sides of the mounting post.
Repeat the same installation procedure on the opposite side of the opening.
Important
Both posts must be installed in a perfectly vertical position and properly aligned with each other.
Improperly aligned posts can make installation of the flood barrier panels difficult and may affect the sealing performance of the system.
9. Measure the Opening
After both side posts have been permanently installed, carefully measure the distance between them.
Measure the inside-to-inside distance between the posts at the widest point.
Accuracy is extremely important.
Provide this measurement to Flood Barriers Direct so the aluminum flood barrier panels can be properly cut to fit your opening.
10. Prepare the Panels for Installation
Once you receive your custom-cut panels, prepare the barrier system for installation.
Flood Barriers Direct provides silicone spray for the rubber sealing surfaces.
Before inserting each panel, apply silicone spray to:
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The rubber gaskets inside both side posts, and
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The rubber gaskets on the flood barrier panel.
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The silicone serves two purposes:
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It helps condition and support the sealing surfaces.
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It lubricates the gaskets so the panels can slide more easily between the side posts.
Repeat this process for every panel during installation.
11. Install the Bottom Panel
The bottom panel is installed first.
This panel is easily identified by the thick rubber gasket along the bottom edge.
Carefully lower the bottom panel between the two side posts until the rubber base gasket rests against the ground or prepared sealing surface.
Make sure the panel is seated evenly on both sides.
12. Install the Filler Panels
Next, install the required filler panels.
The number of filler panels will depend on the desired flood protection height.
Before installing each panel:
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Spray the rubber gasket inside the side posts.
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Spray the rubber gasket on the panel.
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Carefully lower the panel between the posts.
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Make sure it properly engages with the panel below it.
Continue adding panels until the desired barrier height has been reached.
13. Install the Top Panel
The final panel is the top panel.
The top panel can be identified by the two stainless steel protective caps located near each end of the top surface.
Insert the top panel between the side posts and make sure all panels are fully seated and properly connected.
14. Install the Top Anchor Assemblies
Once all panels are installed and properly seated, apply downward pressure to the barrier assembly.
Install the two top anchor screw assemblies approximately 3/4 inch above the top panel.
Position one anchor assembly near each side of the opening.
15. Secure the Anchor Assemblies
Using a 7 mm Allen wrench, reach through the anchor assembly and tighten the Allen set screw into the side post.
Use medium tightening force.
Repeat this process for the anchor assembly on the opposite side.
The anchor assemblies should be securely attached to the side posts before applying downward compression.
16. Compress the Flood Barrier Panels
Insert the large Allen screw downward through the top of each anchor assembly.
Using a 12 mm Allen wrench, tighten the screw downward until it makes contact with the stainless steel protective cap on the top panel.
Continue tightening using firm, heavy force.
This downward pressure compresses:
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The individual barrier panels together,
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The rubber seals between each panel,
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The side post gaskets, and
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The heavy bottom gasket against the ground.
Proper compression is essential for creating the strongest possible seal.
Alternate between the two sides as needed so the pressure remains relatively even across the barrier.
17. Final Inspection
Once the panels have been fully compressed, inspect the entire flood barrier system.
Verify that:
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Both side posts are securely mounted.
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The posts remain vertical.
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All panels are properly seated.
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There are no visible gaps between panels.
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The bottom rubber gasket is firmly compressed against the ground.
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Both top anchor assemblies are securely attached.
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Both compression screws are firmly tightened.
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The perimeter sealant around the posts is intact.
Your Flood Barriers Direct system is now installed and ready for use.
Important Installation Tips
Always install the barrier before severe weather arrives. Do not wait until flooding has begun or conditions have become dangerous.
Keep the side posts, panel gaskets, and sealing surfaces clean and free from sand, dirt, leaves, and other debris before installing the panels.
Use the provided silicone spray each time the flood barrier panels are installed.
Periodically inspect all rubber gaskets, fasteners, side posts, and sealing surfaces for damage or deterioration.
Do not modify, drill, grind, or alter the flood barrier components without first consulting Flood Barriers Direct.
If anything about your opening, mounting surface, or installation appears unusual, contact us before proceeding.
Need Help With Your Installation?
Every building is different, and some openings may require a different installation approach.
Send us clear photos of each opening you want to protect.
Our team can review the opening, mounting surface, ground conditions, and surrounding construction and help recommend the most appropriate installation method.
At Flood Barriers Direct, our goal is to make sure your system is properly installed, easy to deploy, and ready when you need it most.
Prepare Today. Protect Tomorrow.