There is no single flood barrier that suits every property. A garage opening, a shopfront and a long exposed boundary all create different practical problems. The useful starting point is not simply “which barrier is best?” but “what does this site actually need the barrier to do?”

Start with the opening and the water

Before comparing products, look at where water is likely to enter, the width of the area you want to protect, the ground surface and any known flood history. A barrier across a doorway may need a very different setup from a barrier running across a driveway or around part of a commercial site.

It is also worth looking beyond the obvious opening. Water can find another route around a barrier, through drainage, around a building or from another low point. A flood barrier is one part of wider property preparation rather than a guarantee against flood damage.

Aluminium flood barriers

Removable aluminium panel systems are well suited to defined openings such as garage doors, doorways, shopfronts and some driveway entrances. Posts or channels remain in place and the aluminium panels are fitted when protection is required.

They can be a practical choice where the same opening needs repeat protection and there is a suitable structure and surface for the system. Measurements, mounting points, ground level and the surrounding structure all matter.

Special Solutions Trade supplies the FloodShield aluminium flood barrier for this type of application.

Portable modular ABS barriers

Modular ABS systems are assembled from portable interconnecting sections. They can be useful where a temporary barrier line needs to be brought out when flooding threatens and removed afterwards.

The modular format allows a barrier line to follow different layouts using the appropriate straight sections, corners and end components. Storage, deployment space, ground conditions and the number of people available to set the system up should all be considered before choosing this style.

See the FloodBloc Wall portable ABS barrier for the modular option in our range.

Water-filled flood barriers

Water-filled barriers use water added on site to give the barrier its working weight and form. They can suit temporary protection where a portable system is preferred and there is enough space, water supply and time to deploy it.

Smaller tubes can suit more localised applications, while larger systems can be considered for longer barrier runs. The practical questions include access to water, filling and emptying, handling, storage, the available footprint and the condition of the ground.

Our range includes the compact FloodLine Series Pro and the larger FloodLine XL.

What should you measure?

• The width of the opening or proposed barrier line.
• The surrounding wall, post or mounting surfaces for a fixed system.
• Changes in ground level across the proposed barrier.
• Available space in front of and behind the barrier.
• Any known flood depth, direction of water movement and previous entry points.

Photos are extremely useful. A few wider photos showing the surrounding area often tell us more than a close-up of the doorway alone.

Think about deployment before the flood

A system is only useful if it can be deployed safely and in time. Consider where it will be stored, who will put it in place, what equipment or water supply is required and how the barrier will be removed after the event.

For businesses, councils and larger properties, those operational details can be just as important as the barrier itself.

Not sure which direction to take?

You do not need to know the answer before contacting us. If you already know the product you want, we can discuss pricing and supply. If you are comparing options, send your location, some photos and basic measurements and we can work through the relevant product information with you.

Special Solutions Trade supplies flood protection products throughout New Zealand, with local installation available in the wider Manawatū–Whanganui region. Get in touch about your property or project.