- Verify that all LightningGuard elements and components are present and prepared for use.
- Check every part of the system for scratches, dents, or any signs of damage before deployment.
WE GUIDE THROUGHT ALL THE PROCESS OF THE SETTING OF OUR ALUMINIUM FLOOD BARRIERS
Flooding can occur unexpectedly, but with adequate readiness, your Lightning Guard Aluminum Flood Plank System will be prepared when required. Acting on these precautionary measures today will help minimize anxiety and provide optimal defense during intense weather conditions.
Visually examine the sealant around the mounting posts:
After sliding all planks into the post channels, gently press the stack of planks against the rear seal inside the post using your foot to begin the sealing process before fully securing them..
Place the top locking plate into the notch at the top of the post. With the provided Allen wrench, tighten the planks to strengthen the seal between them and the ground below. Ensure the surface is smooth, level, and clear of debris for an optimal seal.
Once the top caps are installed and secured, use the Allen wrench to tighten the plank bolts on the front of the posts. This step presses the planks firmly against the neoprene strip inside the channel. Tighten the bolts gradually in multiple passes, starting lightly and increasing pressure evenly for a consistent and effective seal.
After all planks are fully secured, the barrier will be prepared to defend against flooding.
Optional Step: Before flooding begins, you may apply a temporary sealant, such as “Seal and Peel” by DAP, along the bottom edge of each plank and at their connection points with the posts to enhance waterproofing.
Secure Exterior Gaps
Make sure all exterior outlets, vents, and conduits are properly sealed ahead of flooding. These gaps can serve as entry points for water. Apply suitable sealants to prevent any potential water intrusion.
Check Outer Walls for Cracks
While flood barriers such as the Hammerhead safeguard door and window openings, it’s crucial to inspect the entire perimeter of your property for cracks or weak points. Focus on areas like plank siding, where water may penetrate between slats, and examine the seam between the foundation and walls to confirm it is properly sealed. Consider hiring a professional engineer to conduct a detailed evaluation of potential water entry points, including shared party walls, to prevent water from seeping in from neighboring unprotected areas.
Inspect Your Basement and Foundation
Rising water tables during flooding can heighten the risk of leaks through the foundation. Check your basement and foundation for any cracks or weak spots. A qualified contractor can assist in sealing cracks and applying waterproofing to your foundation. For shared structures, confirm that crawl spaces and the entire foundation are thoroughly secured to prevent water intrusion from adjacent areas.
Install Backflow Preventers
Elevated water levels during floods can cause backflow pressure in drains, pipes, and sewage systems. Safeguard your property by installing backflow prevention valves on all drains and water lines to stop water from backing up through toilets, sinks, or other plumbing fixtures. Consult a professional plumber to evaluate your risk and complete the installation.
Think About Backup Pumps
Floodproofing solutions are rarely entirely watertight, so some water seepage is likely. Equip your property with dewatering or sump pumps as an additional layer of defense against water entry. FEMA advises installing backup pumps in all floodproofed structures to handle any residual water. Options include portable pumps like the Garrison Sea Sponge dewatering pump with automatic activation, or durable in-ground sump pumps for enhanced water removal capability.
Implementing these proactive steps will strengthen your property’s protection and resilience during flood events.
Decide between inside or outside post mounting based on your requirements. Inside mounting is generally preferred when possible, though it reduces the opening width by about 4 inches on each side.
When measuring your opening for inside-mounted posts, record the exact dimensions to the nearest 1/8″. Confirm there is adequate space on both sides to fit the posts, considering their depth and width on the threshold or adjacent brick. For outward-swinging doors, ensure there is enough clearance for the door to open fully past the permanently mounted posts. Measure from masonry to masonry, ensuring the posts will be anchored to concrete, cinderblock, or a support beam capable of withstanding the anticipated hydrostatic pressure.
Note:
If the door frame is too narrow to accommodate the posts, opt for the outside mounting method. Measure from brick to brick, beyond the door frame, to obtain the correct dimensions.
For door frames that extend past the wall surface, ensure there is at least 19mm of clearance to allow the planks to fit into the posts and tighten securely. The planks will span from post to post, covering the protruding door frame.
Note:
Anchor the posts to cinderblock, masonry, or concrete. If the wall quality is questionable, such as with older bricks or weaker cinderblocks, consider using double expansion anchors for increased stability instead of the standard bolts. Alternatively, begin by drilling a smaller pilot hole to ensure a tighter fit for the bolt. For hollow walls, use butterfly bolts that expand within the cavity to create a more secure attachment.
Applying Silicone to the Post’s Neoprene Backing and Along Seams to Enhance the Seal
Each order includes expansion bolts. To use them, a 12mm drill bit is required to prepare the holes. Insert the masonry expansion sleeve and mounting bolts into the drilled holes, and then securely tighten the bolts using a ratchet.
Anchor posts to cinderblock, masonry, or concrete. For less stable materials, such as aging bricks or weaker cinderblocks, opt for double expansion anchors for increased durability instead of the provided bolts. Alternatively, drill a smaller pilot hole first to ensure a snug bolt fit.
For hollow walls, utilize butterfly bolts that expand within the cavity to provide a stronger and more secure hold.
For added protection, apply silicone to both sides of the post, concentrating on the base and the seam where the post connects to the wall. Before installation, coat the neoprene seal on the back of the post with silicone, then press it firmly against the wall to create a tighter seal.
Apply extra silicone around the base of the post where it contacts the ground to ensure a watertight connection.
Center posts are crafted for extended spans surpassing the maximum suggested plank length (gaps over 13 feet) and deliver added structural reinforcement. Corner posts enable changes in direction, such as pivoting a barrier, and are often utilized for boundary protection. These consist of two standard posts connected together, allowing plank insertion from either side or at a right angle.
Center posts come equipped with a buttress support bracket to withstand hydrostatic force during flooding. These posts can either be permanently fixed or designed to be removable for enhanced adaptability. For installation, use the pre-drilled holes at the base of each post (and kicker, if applicable) to mark drilling spots. Drill into the concrete using a hammer drill, then thoroughly clean the holes to remove dust and debris with a vacuum.
If posts must be placed farther from the wall to allow for door hardware or a door frame, spacers can be used to provide the required clearance.
These spacers can be made from materials such as reclaimed wood, pressure-treated lumber, or steel extrusions. Reclaimed wood spacers come in a variety of sizes and are widely available at home improvement stores.
To install spacers:
For enhanced stability, utilize an in-ground base plate designed for concrete embedding. Installation involves excavating the existing concrete to accommodate the base plate, including its welded bolt receivers and the supporting protrusions on their underside. These protrusions provide additional anchoring within the concrete. After positioning the base plate, pour concrete to fully encase the plate, receivers, and protrusions, ensuring maximum strength and stability.For enhanced stability, utilize an in-ground base plate designed for concrete embedding. Installation involves excavating the existing concrete to accommodate the base plate, including its welded bolt receivers and the supporting protrusions on their underside. These protrusions provide additional anchoring within the concrete. After positioning the base plate, pour concrete to fully encase the plate, receivers, and protrusions, ensuring maximum strength and stability.
To achieve a proper seal between the Hammerhead system and the ground, it’s essential to have a smooth, level surface.
If the ground consists of pavers, sand, gravel, or dirt, installing a concrete footer beneath the LigthningGuard bottom rail is necessary to enhance the seal.
The concrete footer should span the entire width of the barrier, including the U-Channel posts, to ensure complete coverage.
Position the footer flush against your structure for a secure connection. If the footer is placed between two property walls, ensure it extends fully to meet the walls, creating a tight, watertight seal.
Excavate the ground to the necessary depth and dimensions to fit the posts (and baseplates, if required) before installation. Prepare the area by framing it to hold the concrete.
After leveling the ground, pour concrete into the prepared area and smooth the surface to create an even, flat base. This ensures a secure and watertight seal with the LightningGuard Bottom Plank’s neoprene gasket.
Consult a local contractor to determine if rebar reinforcement is necessary for the footer before pouring concrete. Rebar is typically recommended for driveways and other high-traffic areas to enhance durability and strength.
Inserting Planks: Loosen all bolts to prepare posts for plank installation. Insert the bottom plank first, ensuring its thicker seal connects firmly with the ground. Add additional planks until the barrier reaches the desired height.
Tightening the Barrier: Once planks are stacked, gradually tighten the bolts in the posts to create even pressure and a secure seal.
Additional Protective Measures: Use water-absorbing bags or drainage pumps to handle minor seepage or rainwater accumulation behind the barrier.
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