Dedicated flood barriers are a vital step towards mitigating and preventing long term flood damage here in the UK. Without strategically placed flood defenses, any instances of flooding have the potential to cause irreparable damage.
To maximise our preparation for flooding, modern and reliable flood defenses will be necessary across the country. In this article, we’re taking a look at one of the most impressive flood defenses in place in the UK: the self activating flood barrier.
What is a self activating flood barrier?
The intuitive design of a self activating flood barrier is what sets it apart from other flood defenses. The design incorporates the power of the rising water levels itself to create a reactive defense against gradual and sudden flooding.
The barrier is installed at ground level and is completely inconspicuous until activated. A pipe-filling system is used to fill the basin of the barrier. Once the basin is filled to a certain point, a floating wall starts to rise up. This wall continues to rise until the basin is filled; once this happens, the wall is locked into place. This creates an elevated, watertight barrier against the encroaching floodwater.
Innovative design
Preparation is always key when it comes to flooding. Being caught off guard by a flash flood can be immensely disruptive and damaging. That’s why the innovative design of the self activating flood barrier is so valuable.
It requires no pre-warning system and operates with complete independence. There is no wasted motion whatsoever and it is ready to provide immediate response to flooding without any extra setup after installation.
For areas with a history of flash flooding – villages or towns with nearby rivers, for example – the self activating flood barrier system provides a level of robust reliability which is desperately needed.
Flood protection in the UK
These self activating flood barriers have been used to great effect worldwide, throughout Europe, the USA, and across the UK.
Many regions of the UK are situated in flood plains. From coastal towns, residential areas alongside rivers and more, there is an obvious necessity for adequate flood protection solutions.
Self activating barriers have been installed across the Midlands and have seen effective use in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth – which resides at the confluence of rivers Derwent and Cocker. It is areas such as this that can benefit the most from passive systems such as self activating barriers, but anywhere at risk of flooding will be able to see positive results.
Long term solution
With the multitude of logistical advantages, including ease of installation, maintenance and testing, as well as its availability in unlimited lengths, self activating barriers offer a significant long term flooding solution. Barriers do not detract from an area’s character or aesthetic – unlike bulky sea walls, for instance – and last for decades without any human intervention.
Flooding can be unpredictable, with flood levels often growing larger over the years. A reliable flood defense system means peace of mind and reduced costs when it comes to repairing and rebuilding afflicted areas.
Wildon UK offers prompt and efficient drainage support to those affected by flooding. We can equip you with the most suitable pumping equipment to clear your property of excess flood water, and can provide advice and assistance to help get your home back to normal after a flood. To find out more about all of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Go back to