What Measurements Do You Need for a Flood Barrier?

You do not need a professional survey just to start a conversation about a flood barrier. For many enquiries, a handful of useful measurements and good photos are enough for us to understand the opening, discuss the relevant products and identify anything that needs a closer look.

1. Measure the clear width

For a doorway or garage, measure the clear opening from side to side. If you are considering a barrier across a driveway or open area, measure the full distance you expect the barrier to cover rather than only the width of the vehicle entrance.

2. Photograph both sides of the opening

Take a straight-on photo and separate photos of the left and right sides. For an aluminium panel system, the surfaces beside the opening can be important because this is where posts or channels may need to be positioned.

3. Show us the ground

Take at least one photo low enough to show the ground across the proposed barrier line. Let us know if it slopes, changes level, has channels or drains, or transitions between surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, pavers, gravel or grass.

4. Step back and take a wider photo

This is one of the most useful things you can do. A close photo tells us about the opening; a wider photo tells us about the site. Include the driveway, surrounding walls, nearby low points and the direction you believe the water approaches from.

5. Tell us what happened previously

If the property has flooded before, tell us where the water entered and, if known, approximately how high it reached. Photos from the event are useful. Do not worry if you do not have an exact flood depth: it is better to tell us what you know than guess.

6. For a portable barrier, measure the available footprint

Portable systems need room to sit on the ground. A barrier may be longer or wider on the ground than someone expects from looking only at its protection height. Show us obstructions, tight corners, steps, parked equipment or anything else that limits the available area.

7. Include your location

Your town or region helps us discuss delivery and whether local installation or a site visit is practical. Special Solutions Trade supplies throughout New Zealand, with installation available by arrangement across the wider Manawatū–Whanganui region.

A simple enquiry checklist

  • Opening or barrier-line width.
  • Straight-on photo.
  • Left and right side photos.
  • Ground-level photo.
  • One or two wider site photos.
  • Known flood history or previous flood photos.
  • Your town or delivery location.
  • The product you are considering, if you already have one in mind.

That is enough to get started. Depending on the product and site, further measurements, technical information or specialist input may still be required before a final configuration or installation is agreed.

Not sure which type of system to look at first? Read our guide to choosing a flood barrier, see our flood protection services, or send us your photos and measurements.