HydroDam documentation.

Panels and posts are 6063-T6 aluminum, an extruded architectural alloy. Fittings are cast aluminum and all hardware is stainless steel, which is what keeps the system resistant to weather and salt corrosion. The seals are EPDM rubber.

The system is rated to hold floodwater up to 6 feet, with a tallest published protection height of 5.9 ft (10 panels). Panels are stackable, so you order the number needed to reach your height. A standard residential configuration uses 5 panels for roughly 3.28 feet of protection.

For the one-time post installation, a hammer drill creates the holes for the expansion bolts — that part is our licensed crew's job and it's included. For deployment before a storm, the only tool is the included Allen wrench, used to tighten the planks into place and secure the upper locking plate.

The bottom plank carries a rubber seal that compresses against the ground. Because the plank itself is rigid, uneven surfaces may need some ground leveling to make proper contact. Every plank above it carries closed-cell rubber seals so each layer joins watertight to the one below.

A middle post is required on any opening wider than 9 ft. The center post is what carries flood-water pressure across a wide span, and your installer specs it in when the opening calls for one. Openings can also turn: 90-degree corner sections let the system run a perimeter rather than a single opening.

Either, depending on the opening. We generally recommend outside mounting, because the wall behind the posts adds structural support. Inside mounting with expanding anchor bolts works on a solid wall, but it narrows the opening by roughly 4 inches per side, which can rule it out on a narrow entry. Either way the planks must clear hinges, moldings, and existing door hardware.

Posts need a flat, solid surface to seal against, and support can be added behind them on uneven surfaces. Brick, cinder block, and concrete are the recommended mounting surfaces because they carry the hydrostatic load of rising water. If you are unsure, send a photo of the opening and we will tell you honestly whether the system suits it.

Rinse the panels with a hose or pressure washer, clearing any debris and keeping high pressure away from the rubber seals. Household cleaners are safe for stubborn dirt. Let everything dry completely before stacking, so trapped moisture doesn't cause mold or deterioration.

Inspect the posts, panels, and rubber seals twice a year to confirm they are in good condition. Beyond those inspections no regular maintenance is required. Every system carries our 5-year limited warranty.

In most cases yes — the posts stay fixed to the opening, and we recommend verifying all bolts are properly tightened before deploying panels. Removable center posts are possible using standard drop-in masonry anchors, but we don't recommend that approach for standard post installations because of the stability tradeoff.