Author(s)

D. W. Beddoes, C. A. Booth

Abstract

This study provides technical solutions to issues surrounding existing types of commercially available door aperture guards used to provide external protection to buildings from floodwaters. Newly designed door aperture guards (Patent Pending GB1401368.4 and GB1404806.0) offer several practical advantages over those of existing designs and systems. The first type of barrier (GB1401368.4), which is for a step or low profile sill, is easy to deploy and is the first barrier to compress the vulnerable barrier bottom seal to ensure a watertight fit. The second type of barrier (GB1404806.0), which is for UPVC door sets, uses resin anchors to hold a rigid frame that spans the brickwork below damp proof course and brick reveals; thereby, strengthening the at risk aperture reveals, whilst also protecting any weep holes that are located beneath the sill. Both of these barriers have fixings that are hardly visible and, as such, they offer the added advantage for being suitable for use in conservation areas. Furthermore, as there appears to be no current flood door with a low profile threshold, the new door aperture guards are the sole answer for door sets used to provide the necessary accessibility for disabled persons. Whilst door aperture guards remain the only affordable flood resistance solution for many homeowners, to make these products available to flood victims it is necessary they are first tested to BSI kite mark accreditation (PAS 1188-1: 2009).

Keywords

flood resistance, property protection, door barrier, patent product