Don’t Let the Flood Win! DIY Door Flood Barrier on a Budget
Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts!
Living in a flood-prone area can be nerve-wracking. The second the rain starts coming down in sheets, you start picturing the worst. But fear not, preparedness warriors! There’s a way to fight back against the rising tide (well, at least at your doorway) without breaking the bank. Today, we’re tackling a DIY door flood barrier!
Now, before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: a DIY barrier might not hold back a raging river. But for minor floods and heavy rainstorms, it can be a lifesaver (or at least a furniture saver).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plywood: A sheet of plywood cut to fit your doorway. Sturdy is key here!
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting: This will be your water barrier. Thick mil plastic is your friend.
- Pool noodles (optional): These will add some cushion and help create a tighter seal.
- Staples/nails and a staple gun/hammer: To secure everything together.
- Sandbags (optional): For extra weight and stability.
Alright, with your supplies gathered, let’s get building!
- Measure and Cut: This is key. You want your plywood to fit snugly in the doorway. Don’t worry about millimetre precision, but a good fit is important.
- Pool Noodle Power (optional): If you’re using pool noodles, cut them to size and staple them around the edges of the plywood. This creates a little give and helps conform to any unevenness in the doorway.
- Plastic Fantastic: Lay your plastic sheeting over the plywood. Make sure it’s a good size, with plenty of excess to drape over the sides and bottom.
- Staple Me Maybe: Secure the plastic sheeting to the plywood using your trusty staple gun (or hammer and nails if that’s your jam). Make sure it’s nice and taut.
Bonus Tip: For extra stability, weigh down the bottom of the barrier with sandbags.
Now you have a basic DIY door flood barrier! When the floodwaters come, simply position the barrier in your doorway and secure it further with sandbags or wedges.
Remember: This is a temporary solution. Once the floodwaters recede, remove the barrier and allow everything to dry out completely to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Stay safe out there!
P.S. There are also other DIY flood barrier options you can explore, like water-filled tubes or creative uses of old materials. Do some research and see what works best for your situation!