Flood Barriers: Ultimate Guide to Protect Your Windows & Doors from Flooding

Protect your home from floodwaters with the best door flood barriers on the market.

Our guide provides you with top-rated solutions that offer easy installation and robust defense against flooding. Discover how a door flood barrier can be your first line of defense, keeping your interiors dry and secure. Learn about the different types, how to choose the right one for your home, and installation tips to ensure maximum protection during flood season.

When protecting your home from floodwaters, your doors are one of the most vulnerable points of entry.

The right door flood barriers can provide strong, reliable protection to keep water out and your home safe. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best barrier options, including easy-to-install products that can be used whenever there’s a risk of flooding. Whether you’re looking for temporary solutions or a more permanent setup, you’ll find options that suit your needs. And when it comes to sealing around doors for an extra layer of waterproofing, Semco’s Liquid Membrane is a fantastic choice. Here’s how to protect your entryways and make sure your home stays dry.

Why Use Door Flood Barriers?

Flood barriers create a watertight seal that blocks water from getting through doorways, even in heavy rain or floods. They’re often simple to install and remove, which makes them ideal for flood-prone areas or storm seasons. When paired with a high-quality sealant like Semco’s Liquid Membrane, door barriers provide even more reliable protection.

Types of Door Flood Barriers

• Portable Door Barriers: These barriers can be set up when flood warnings arise and taken down afterward. They fit securely across doors and are easy to store when not in use. Portable barriers work well for those who need a solution that can be used on multiple entryways.
• Door Dam Systems: Door dams attach directly to the frame of your door, creating a waterproof seal that stops water from getting through. These systems are typically easy to install and don’t require any drilling or complex tools. They offer a more permanent solution and are excellent for areas with frequent flooding.
• Waterproof Sealing Products: Using a sealant like Semco’s Liquid Membrane around doors adds an extra layer of defense. Semco’s liquid membrane is a flexible, highly durable sealant that adheres to surfaces around doors, windows, and walls. It can be applied as a standalone waterproofing layer or to complement other flood barriers, providing a strong, long-lasting seal.

Choosing the Right Barrier for Your Needs

• Assess the Flood Risk: For areas that see frequent or seasonal flooding, a door dam or waterproof sealant might be best. Homes that experience occasional floods might only need portable barriers.
• Consider Durability: Look for products that can withstand heavy rain, debris, and frequent use. Semco’s Liquid Membrane offers long-lasting waterproofing protection that doesn’t wear away over time.
• Ease of Installation: If you want a product that you can set up quickly, portable barriers or waterproof sealants that require no special equipment are ideal.

Installation Tips for Maximum Protection

1. Measure Your Doors: Make sure your barrier or sealant fits perfectly to avoid any gaps where water could get through.
2. Apply Semco’s Liquid Membrane: For best results, apply Semco’s sealant evenly around the door frame and threshold. It dries quickly and forms a waterproof bond that resists cracking.
3. Inspect Regularly: Check your barriers and seals for any signs of wear, especially before storm season. Reapply the sealant as needed for continued protection.

Stay Protected All Year Round

Door flood barriers and waterproof sealing products like Semco’s Liquid Membrane can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your home safe. With the right protection in place, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your entryways are well-guarded against rising water.

Using Plywood or OSB as Door and Window Storm and Flood Barriers

These wooden barrier provides a robust solution for frequent or severe flooding, offering better longevity than sandbags alone, but remember, in extreme flood conditions, professional solutions might be necessary in addition to door flood barriers and window wind and hail protection.

Is OSB Weather Resistant?

• Oriented strand board (OSB) is generally water resistant and can withstand short-term exposure to moisture, but it’s not suitable for unprotected exterior use:
• PRO TIP: Use SEMCO LIQUID MEMBRANE™ to make plywood and OSB waterproof and better resilient to the elements.
• Water resistance OSB is made with water-resistant wax and industrial-grade adhesives, and the edges of each panel are sealed. It can typically withstand up to four weeks of continuous moisture exposure.

Related Water Flood Prep Resources:

• How to Waterproof OSB
• How to Waterproof Plywood
• Waterproofing Membrane
• Best Stucco Waterproofing
• Waterproofing Basement Walls
• Concrete Block Waterproofing
• How to Waterproof Window Box

After flooding, clean the barrier, check for damage, and repair or replace any compromised wood or seals. Store in a dry place if it’s not a permanent fixture.

Semco’s Liquid Membrane

Semco’s liquid membrane offers a modern solution to these traditional challenges. This innovative product is a fluid-applied, seamless waterproofing membrane that cures to form a tough, durable layer. It’s designed to make lower grades of plywood have superior water resistance and protection against the elements, making the combination a formidable alternative to marine plywood.

SEMCO Liquid Membrane

Bonus Tip: SEMCO Liquid Waterproofing Membrane comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to seamlessly blend waterproofing with aesthetics. Choose from classic options like black and white, or add a touch of personality with Cove Blue or Sandy Beige.

Key Benefits of Semco’s Liquid Membrane:

1. Superior Waterproofing: Once cured, the liquid membrane forms a barrier that protects against water infiltration. This makes it perfect for marine environments and any application where moisture resistance is critical.
2. Flexibility and Versatility: Unlike rigid plywood, Semco’s liquid membrane can be applied to various surfaces and shapes, offering more design flexibility. It adheres well to wood, concrete, metal, and other materials.
3. Ease of Application: The liquid membrane can be easily applied with a brush, roller, or spray, allowing for a seamless finish even in hard-to-reach areas. This reduces labor costs and installation time compared to traditional plywood. Semco’s anti-fracture fabric can be used to bridge joints between panels of plywood when embedded between two coats of liquid membrane.
4. Durability and Longevity: The cured membrane is highly resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and physical wear, ensuring long-lasting protection in harsh conditions.
5. Cost-Effective: Where a regular sheet of ¾” plywood averages around $1.25/sq ft, marine grade plywood can often be as much as $4/sq ft. At a typical yield of 800 sq ft for a 5 gallon bucket the Liquid Membrane only adds about $.50/sq ft providing considerable savings.

How to Apply Semco Liquid Membrane

Applying Semco Liquid Membrane is straightforward and can be done by professional contractors or DIY enthusiasts with some experience in home improvement.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from any loose debris or contaminants.
2. Apply the Membrane: Using a brush, roller, or sprayer, apply an even coat of Semco Liquid Membrane. Ensure all areas are covered, especially joints and corners. Joints may require an anti-fracture fabric, check the product documentation for more details.
3. Allow the first coat to dry: This usually takes a few hours but can vary based on environmental conditions.
4. Apply the second coat
5. Inspect and Finish: Check the surface for any missed spots or thin areas and apply additional coats or touch-up if necessary.

Compare Semco Liquid Membrane

Consider using Semco Liquid Membrane to waterproof your regular plywood or OSB; to the higher costs and availability of marine plywood and or acx plywood.