Practical flood protection for front doors, entrance doors, garages and other vulnerable building openings.

Water often reaches a building through its lowest or most exposed openings. The right protection depends on the opening width, the height and direction of expected water, the threshold and surrounding structure, and how quickly the barrier must be deployed.

Start with the opening and the flood risk

Before choosing a barrier, identify the route water is likely to take and the depth previously experienced or reasonably expected. Barrier height alone does not establish a safe protection depth. Flow, waves, debris, ground levels and water entering through walls, drains, vents or other openings must also be considered.

• Measure the clear width at the bottom and at the proposed barrier height.
• Photograph the doorway, threshold, walls and surrounding ground from both sides.
• Note slopes, steps, drains, cracks and uneven or porous surfaces.
• Share any known flood depth, water direction and previous flood photographs.
• Check door movement, access requirements and space for posts, fixings or supports.

Removable aluminium barriers

FloodShield uses removable aluminium planks fitted between prepared posts. It can suit front doors, garage entrances and other openings where secure fixing points and a suitable sealing surface can be provided. The posts and fixings are installed in advance; the panels are then fitted when flooding is expected and removed afterwards to restore access.

This option is useful when a made-to-measure opening requires a robust, reusable system. Post position, clearances, fixing strength, seals, panel height and any intermediate supports must be confirmed for the particular site.

Compact doorway and window systems

Compact covers and doorway systems can be suitable where a full aluminium panel installation is not the best fit. Product configuration and availability are confirmed for each enquiry. We will compare the opening, expected water conditions, access needs and installation requirements before suggesting an option.

Permanent preparation, removable protection

Many removable systems still require initial building work. Posts, channels, base plates or anchors may need to be fixed to sound walls and floors, and the sealing surface may need preparation. Once that work is complete, the removable components can be stored nearby and deployed before floodwater arrives.

Installation is quoted separately from product supply. Local installation and site support are available by arrangement in the wider Manawatū–Whanganui region. Products can be supplied throughout New Zealand, with remote assessment beginning from photographs and approximate measurements.

Choosing a barrier height

The selected height should be considered alongside the expected water depth and the structural loads placed on the barrier, posts, fixings and surrounding building. A taller barrier is not automatically safer. The complete arrangement must be suitable for the span, fixing points, surface and expected conditions.

Pricing and assessment

Pricing depends on the opening width, barrier height, number and type of panels, posts, fixings, supports, finish, delivery and installation requirements. If you already know the system you want, ask us for a price. If you are comparing options, send photographs, approximate measurements, your location and any known flood history.

Frequently asked questions

Can a removable barrier protect a front door?

Yes, where the doorway, surrounding structure, fixing points and sealing surface are suitable. Water routes around and beneath the opening must also be considered.

Do the posts remain in place?

For a prepared aluminium system, the side posts or channels normally remain fixed while the panels are removed and stored. The exact arrangement depends on the opening and selected mounting method.

Can you assess a doorway outside Manawatū–Whanganui?

Yes. Clear photographs, approximate dimensions, the property location and flood history can help start a remote assessment. Final manufacturing measurements and fixing details must be confirmed before ordering.

Will a doorway barrier keep the entire building dry?

No barrier guarantees a dry building or prevents all flood damage. Water may enter through other openings, drains, walls or beneath the ground, and conditions may exceed the selected system’s limits. Keep a safe exit route and follow official emergency advice.

When should the barrier be installed?

Practise beforehand and deploy early, before floodwater reaches the opening. Never enter moving floodwater to install, inspect or adjust a barrier.