Door Guard

Seeing If You Need Aluminum Flood Shields

Words such as tsunamis, hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, tornadoes and flooding are being heard in all corners of the world. These are all side effects of erratic weather patterns as a result of global warming. Floods often occur with some of these catastrophes, resulting in millions of people losing their lives and their possessions. But you can put up strong resistance to flooding with home flood barriers.

Before choosing any flood panels to protect your home, speak to a local authority representative in your area. You will need to establish whether you live in an area that is prone to flooding. Homes that are situated near lakes, rivers or beaches will definitely be at risk of floods. Such areas are known as Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Suppliers and fitters of shielding will need to know what ‘base flood elevation’ is applicable in the area where you live. This information is needed to establish what type of materials and how strong the protective shields should be. Once this is known, the shields can be installed.

The most common materials used in the making of flood shields are lightweight aluminum and glass. Glass panels are glazed and put through stringent testing to guarantee certain levels of resistance against flooding waters. You must ensure that the company you use to install the shields uses products that meet the requirements of your local authority and your insurance company.

Before aluminum shields are assembled, the aluminum is strongly reinforced with girders. After they are assembled the shields are waterproofed and welded together. Like glass shields, the aluminum shields are also subjected to testing and must meet certain standards.

You can also get a lift-out flood shield. This is an inexpensive way of protecting your home against flooding water. If you like, they can be mounted permanently, but then you would be negating the practicality of being able to take the shield out of its holder when it is not being used. Another popular option is a sliding shield. This shield can be placed in position easily and quickly.

The barrier type shield can protect your household contents from being damaged by water that accumulates on your patio or porch after heavy rains. These are very practical because they are easily installed and just as easily removed. A barrier shield is able to prevent more than 1ft of water getting into door openings. They are available in 10 or 20 inch heights.

Doors are especially vulnerable when it comes to flooding. Most doors are not very strong and therefore are often the first victim of flooding water. Special shields to protect doors are available. You are strongly advised to put door shields on all exterior doors. A door shield can be put up in a couple of minutes and then removed when the danger is over. A regular door shield can protect against water as high as 4ft.

Remember you are always at risk of flooding no matter where you live. As the saying goes “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” Make some enquiries right now to have your home fitted with glass flood shields. Flood barriers save you and your family from losing possessions and even your home.