Flood Barrier 101. What to Protect First?

Flood Barrier 101. What to Protect First?


6 minute read

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Flooding is no longer a rare event for many parts of the U.S. and Australia, and flood barrier is not a novelty. 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? 

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

"Where should I put them first for maximum protection? 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 Flood-Proof 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

Helpful Visual: Example Home Layout

Home Entry PointWater Risk LevelNotes
Front DoorHighFaces the street? Check slope.
Side DoorMediumOften overlooked. Check gaps.
Garage DoorVery HighLarge opening; water pours in.
Basement WalkoutExtremely HighNeeds extra protection.

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, appliances stored in garage

  • Water can seep from garage into main home

  • Often faces the slope of the driveway

Recommended solution:

  • Use wide-span barriers or multiple connected units like the Dam Easy TITAN system

  • Check for cracks in garage floor or side gaps

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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

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 weather-tight

  • May lead to basements or utility areas

Recommended solution:

  • Measure the threshold height and width

  • Use same barrier as front door (if 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: ~$899

  • Installation time: 20 minutes

  • Reusable for future floods

That’s a $10,000 mistake avoided.

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Bonus: Walk-Around Flood Risk Checklist

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

Spot to CheckWhat to Look ForAction
Front doorIs it flush with the ground? Low step?Consider a single-door barrier
Garage entranceDoes water pool at the base?High priority for barrier
Side or back doorIs it slightly sunken or lower ground?May need a barrier
Basement entranceIs it below ground level?Needs reinforced protection
Foundation ventsAre they uncovered or unsealed?Use vent covers or plugs
Driveway slopeDoes it lead down to the house?Check for pooling

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:

Solution TypePurposeExample Products
Flood BarriersBlock water from entering openingsDam Easy Door Barrier
Drainage ImprovementsMove water away from the structure.French drains, sump pumps
Sealants/UpgradesStop water from seeping in through cracksDoor seals, waterproof coatings

Keep It Simple - Keep It Dry: 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


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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. Our experienced flood control professioanls will help you work out the best plan with your flood risks and property in mind, explore the wloe range of Dam Easy solutions beyond the flood barriers and make informaed decisions about floodproofing your property.

You can also use our FREE online calculator tool for an instant estimate and easy order.

FREE Online Calculator Tool 

Stay dry. Stay safe. It is Dam Easy now!

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