Hurricanes and severe storms can bring more than just flooding—they often unleash powerful, wind-driven rain that can bypass even the best flood barriers. This is a challenge many homeowners face, and it’s a problem we’ve been working to solve.
The Problem: When Rain Goes Sideways
Imagine a high-speed downpour during a hurricane. While a flood barrier like the Aqua-Cade successfully blocks rising floodwaters, a sneaky problem can still occur. Rain can be pushed sideways into the small gap between the barrier and the structure it’s protecting, whether it’s a sliding glass door or a garage door. This creates what we call a “Sheeting Capture Zone”—an area where water accumulates with nowhere to go, potentially seeping into your home. This captured water can build up to several inches or even a foot, defeating the purpose of your flood barrier.
The Solution: A Simple, Smart Innovation
To combat this, Water Gate Systems has developed an ingenious and patent-pending innovation: the Aqua-Shield. This is a simple, yet highly effective, supplemental panel designed to protect your home from wind-driven rain.
The Aqua-Shield is a 5-inch wide panel that attaches to the top of the Aqua-Cade flood barrier using a specially designed bracket. The bracket allows the panel to be adjusted, sliding forward or backward up to 5 inches (125mm). This adjustability ensures a perfect fit, closing the gap between the barrier and your door. The panel is installed at a 45-degree angle, effectively deflecting rain away from the vulnerable “Sheeting Capture Zone.”
Key Features of the Aqua-Shield
- Adjustable Bracket: The bracket allows the panel to travel up to 5 inches (125mm) to precisely cover the gap.
- Optimal Angle: Positioned at a 45-degree pitch, the panel guides wind-driven rain away from your home.
- Integrated Aqua-Squeegee: A rubber strip at the top of the panel provides an additional seal to prevent water from seeping through.This innovation provides an extra layer of protection, making your flood defense system even more comprehensive. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in keeping your home safe and dry during the toughest storms.