FloodBreak Operational Capacity In Winter Conditions
The FloodBreak gate will operate normally in cold region applications. Ice crusts and surface freezing will not affect the gate’s ability to rise.
The primary components of the gate are aluminum, stainless steel bolts and EPDM rubber flanges. Aluminum offers a unique combination of light weight and high strength as well as being well suited to extreme cold. In fact aluminum increases in strength as temperatures fall. All of the components used in the fabrication of our gates are specified so that rust or corrosion is not a factor even in harsh environments such as road salt and salt water.
We have a number of cold weather locations already in service, and FloodBreak has performed flawlessly in the cold. Sample installations in cold climates:
Iowa Federal Courthouse – Davenport, IA Installed 2009
TechnoChem – Northville, MI Installed 2010
The Peloton Condominium – Boulder, CO Installed 2009
Fitzgerald’s Casino – Black Hawk, CO Installed 2007
Nestle Prepared Foods – Solon, OH Installed 2010
Lourdes Hospital – Binghamton, NY Installed 2009
Some facilities take it a step further, either with routine maintenance to remove all ice and snow on a daily basis, or even heat tape embedded in the surface of the unit. We work with each customer on an individual basis to plan for special circumstances such as these.
We have a number of cold-weather locations already in service and FloodBreak passive automatic gates have performed flawlessly in the cold. If floodwater is flowing, even with ice chunks, it will enter the grating and float the barrier.
Typically, the warm temperatures or rain causing the flood will also melt the snow and ice on top of the gate but we recommend that the snow and ice be removed following the guidelines in our O&M. Some customers also add deicing products like heat tape or melting cables as an added precaution. These are typically embedded in the concrete during the topping pour or placed in the drain.
The FloodBreak passive flood barrier will operate normally with dirt and silt suspended in the floodwater. Even muddy flows will lift the buoyant barrier lid.
Our system is designed to be self-clearing both before and during a flood. Large debris is blocked from entering the pan prior to a flood and smaller debris is washed through to the pan and out the drainage pipes, including during rainstorms and other non-flood water events. Any remaining debris is easily washed out with a hose or power washer after a flood or during the recommended annual inspection.
Are the barriers able to curve around the natural bends in a river or coastal environment?
FloodBreak has designed flood barriers to protect shorelines in riverine and coastal environments. In fact, our FreeView flood barrier system was designed with coastal and waterfront environments in mind and can meet the loading requirements including wave action and impact loads. The system provides passive protection to the design elevation while preserving water views and access.
Each section must be linear but there is no length limitation. Bends are accommodated with angled sealing posts or walls. We are happy to review your project requirements and provide design solutions.
We have not heard of any such occurrence. And the gate and tension members are designed to withstand impact from large objects floating in the floodwater.
Passive Flood Barriers: A Permanent Flood Control Solution
What kind of lifespans do mitigation solutions typically have? Can they withstand multiple floods?
Floodbreak gates are designed for many decades of service life with minimal maintenance and the ability to withstand multiple flood events. We have received feedback from existing customers whose gates have deployed during multiple flood events. All gates deployed as intended and protected life and assets.
Some customers choose to purchase our Flood Ready Certification contract whereby FloodBreak takes responsibility for the annual maintenance of the gate. It is an annual inspection & extended warranty contract for the barrier system. We inspect it, certify that it is flood ready, and extend the warranty for one year. For the Owner, it provides peace of mind knowing that their assets are protected, and it frees up personnel for other important duties.
FloodBreak Automatic Floodgates are designed for long service life in extreme conditions and require minimal maintenance. All of the components – marine-grade aluminum, SST fittings, EPDM gasket – used in the fabrication of our gates are specified so that rust or corrosion is not a factor, even in harsh environments such as road salt and saltwater.
We recommend an annual inspection to check the gate panel, pan, and sidewalls for visible damage or misuse. With the gate in the raised position, the gasket, gasket flange bolts and hinges should also be checked. Typically, a two-man crew can inspect and clean a standard vehicular gate in 2-3 hours. This work can be performed by the Owner or FloodBreak.
Still have technical questions? Click the button below to request additional information about how our barriers work.
The Benefits Of Passive & Who Needs It
Do you have any good references on the efficacy of passive vs. manually implement flood barriers?
We are not aware of any published data but we do know that in the US, FEMA recommends passive whenever possible because it eliminates human intervention. We are aware of numerous cases where active measures failed as a result of human error, lack of proper storage & maintenance or insufficient time to deploy flood devices in advance of flooding. Many of our customers flooded when they couldn’t close vulnerable openings due to limited personnel, lack of advance warning or unexpected localized rain events. There has never been flood damage behind a correctly installed FloodBreak passive barrier.
Where are the majority of your clients come from (organizations, government, smaller groups etc.)?
All of the above. FloodBreak has designed custom passive solutions for a range of customers from critical infrastructure and commercial real estate to small businesses and homeowners. Core markets include hospitals, multi-family housing / mixed-use, treatment plants, and commercial real estate. Recently we have been working with various agencies to provide waterfront solutions and levee closures.
You can see our complete list by visiting our markets page here or click the button below.
What is the typical cost per km?
It is difficult to provide typical cost as the gates are custom designed to meet the specific customer requirements. Key factors that impact pricing include gate dimensions and the loading considerations.
It costs nothing for a proposal. We are happy to discuss your project and provide budgetary pricing based on the requirements. With sufficient information, we can get a proposal back to you in 24-48 hours. We may also be able to make suggestions for your project – we enjoy working with our customers in the early stages of planning, where we can put nearly two decades of creative problem solving to work for the best possible outcome.
Contact Us
Thank you to everyone who attended our presentation! We hope these questions help you better understand passive flood control and all of the benefits associated with it.
For any follow up questions or additional information, please email sales@floodbreak.com or fill out the form below.
