Flood Barrier 101. What to Protect First—Your Front Door, Side Door, or Garage?

Flooding is no longer a rare event for many parts of the U.S. and Australia. Whether it’s heavy rain, storm surge, or flash floods, homes and businesses are getting hit harder and more often. And every flood comes with costly repairs, insurance headaches, and endless stress. So, what’s the smartest way to protect your property? The answer is simple—flood barrier!

Start simple: install flood barriers. But here’s the question most people ask first:

"Where should I put them? My front door? Side door? Garage?"

Let’s break it down in plain, easy-to-understand terms so you can build a strong first line of defense against flooding—without wasting time or money.

Why You Don’t Need to Floodproof Everything

You don’t need to surround your whole house with barriers like a fortress. Most floodwater gets in through a few common entry points:

• Front and back doors

• Side entrances

• Garages

• Basement walkouts or vents

By focusing on the most vulnerable spots, you can stop the majority of floodwater before it causes damage.

Barrier Tip: Think of barriers as a targeted solution—not a full wrap-around.

Step 1: Understand How Water Moves

Water always finds the path of least resistance. It usually enters from

• The lowest opening

• The direction the property slopes toward

• Gaps around doors, steps, or garage thresholds

Example Home Layout

Step 2: Prioritize Entry Points

Let’s rank the top three entry points and how to decide where to install your first flood barrier.

1. Garage Door

If your garage is at street level or lower, it’s likely your first weak point. The wide opening makes it easy for water to rush in quickly.

Why it matters:

• Can damage cars, tools, and appliances stored in the garage.

• Water can seep from the garage into the main home.

• Often faces the slope of the driveway

Recommended solution:

• Use wide-span barriers or multiple connected units.

• Check for cracks in the garage floor or side gaps.

2. Front Door

Front doors are usually slightly raised, but if water pools outside, it can sneak in fast—especially if the seals are worn.

Why it matters:

• Leads directly into living areas

• It’s hard to stop water once it’s inside.

• Vulnerable to wind-driven rain or street runoff

Recommended solution:

• Install a single-door barrier.

• Combine with a door seal if needed.

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3. Side or Back Doors

Often ignored, these doors can be just as risky, especially if they sit near garden beds, walkways, or drainage paths.

Why it matters:

• Usually not weathertight

• May lead to basements or utility areas.

Recommended solution:

• Measure the threshold height and width.

• Use the same barrier as the front door (if the size matches).

Real-World Scenario: Small Fix, Big Savings

Imagine this:

• Heavy rain hits your area.

• Your garage takes on 3 inches of water.

• It spreads into your laundry room and hallway.

The result?

• Water damage repair: $5,000 - $12,000

• Insurance deductible: $1,000 - $2,500

• Time to dry and repair: 2–3 weeks

Now, compare that to

Installing a single garage flood barrier:

• Barrier cost: - $949

• Installation time: 20 minutes

• Reusable for future floods

That’s a $10,000 mistake avoided.

 Your Walk-Around Flood Risk Checklist

Take 15 minutes to walk around your property and check these common flood-prone areas:

Pro tip: Take photos during a heavy rain to see where water collects or flows.

How Barriers Fit into a Complete Flood Protection Plan

Flood barriers are just one piece of the puzzle. For full protection, consider this 3-part system:

Keep It Simple: Start Where It Matters Most

You don’t need a full perimeter defense or complex system to get started. Focus on the top 1–2 risk areas, install flood barriers there, and expand if needed.

Remember:

• Flood protection is about prevention.

• Barriers are reusable and fast to install.

• One correctly placed barrier can save you thousands.

Final Word: Your First Line of Defense

If you’re a homeowner or business owner tired of watching water creep through your doorways, don’t wait for the next big storm. Take one small step today by identifying your biggest flood risk areas.

Start with your garage or front door. Install a certified flood barrier that fits tight and holds strong. From there, you can build up your protection, one step at a time.

Flood protection doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be done right.

Need help figuring out which barrier fits your door or garage? Contact our team for personalized support, or visit our product page for guides, videos, and specs.

Stay dry. Stay safe.