nels are more likely to be
used than stored panels that must be found,
transported and installed. Removable panels that fit into permanently
mounted frames provide better protection than
panels with no special framing. Panels that position themselves automatically can
protect the building when youre away or asleep.
Using
P a n e l s
AS Closures
in Flood Protection
An opening that needs a closure may be completely clear, such as for a driveway. It may
be partially blocked with a door or window that needs additional protection; water may
leak between a door or window and its frame or between the frame and the wall.
Considerations
When floodproofing systems fail, it is often
because the closures were improperly designed or
installed. In a system designed to hold back 3 feet of
water, the panel closure itself must be strong
enough to hold back 3 feet of water.
The force from water against a panel is
transferred to the frame. In addition to using panels
with sufficient strength, be sure the frames and
mountings are strong enough to support the panels.
If a panel covers a door or window, the building
must be strong enough at that point to resist the
force. If a building is structurally inadequate or
weakened by decay or termites, you risk damaging it
even further by attempting to floodproof the
structure itself. Choose a method that holds water
away from the building completely.
Floodgates can be hinged so they swing into place.
Heavier gates may be installed on tracks so they
glide into position. Either type can be designed to
close and seal automatically to protect property
from flood damage when no one is home.
Another type of panel closure resides underground
and floats into place when its storage compartment
fills with water.
Most floodproofing systems have openings that need
to be closed and watertight during a flood. A panel
closure is any flat, firm sheet material used to block
one of these openings. It may be plywood, aluminum,
steel, wood planking, plexiglass or any rigid material.
It can be permanently attached or designed to be set
in place quickly in an emergency. Additional flood protection and recovery information is available from the parish office of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or from our web site at
www.louisianafloods.org.
Extensions flood mitigation work is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The HMGP is
administered in Louisiana by the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness.
Pat Skinner, Disaster Programs Coordinator
David Bankston, PhD, Specialist (Engineering)
Claudette Reichel, EdD, Specialist (Housing)
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, William B. Richardson, Chancellor
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Jack L. Bagent, Vice Chancellor and Director
Pub. 2743
( 20M)
7/99
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of
Agriculture. The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service offers equal opportunities in programs and employment.
A panel should be...
Strong, but not brittle. It should resist the
impact of floating debris.
Durable when wet. It should not dissolve or
come unglued in water. If youre using
plywood, choose an exterior grade. Dont use
particleboard.
Weather resistant. The panel should be
painted, galvanized or otherwise sealed to
prevent weakening by rot, rust, sunlight or
corrosion.
Resistant to termites, wildlife and pets, if
permanently installed.
For large spans, stiffen and brace the panel from behind.
Reinforce
the edges of
openings
where the
panels will
be set in.
Anchor triangular bracing to the driveway by inserting bolts
through the brace and into pre-drilled holes in the concrete.
Stiffening strips made of wood or angle
iron can be screwed directly to the
panel to reduce bending. Screws and
bolts make stronger joints than do nails.

An engineer can estimate the total force on a panel and
determine whether a particular material and support
structure are strong enough to withstand that force.
Use gasket material in the frame or on the
panel. The gasket on a stored panel may last
longer than one mounted in the frame and
continuously exposed to the weather.
Install a panel so floodwater pushes the panel into its
frame more tightly. Install the frame on the water side of
the supports so water pressure doesnt try to unseat it.
Use latches or screws to hold panels in place. Latches and
thumbscrews that dont require tools are preferable.
Frame
Gasket
Hinged Panel