GB2370856A

GB2370856A - Method of installing anti-flood barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2370856A
Application number: GB0130084A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Mcadam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-15
Filing date: 2001-12-17
Publication date: 2002-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-17
Also published as: GB0030763D0; GB0130084D0; GB2370856B

Abstract

A flood barrier is installed in an opening of a building by forming channels in the structure of the building adjacent the opening, placing strips 11 in the channels, fixing a frame in the opening in contact with the strips 11 and attaching a closure plate 2 to the frame. The frame is formed from L-section members 5 which are fixed in the opening with one limb of each L-section members 5 in contact with the strips. Sealing means 4 are located between the closure plate 2 and the other limb of each L-section member 5. A cover plate may be attached over the closure plate 2 and strengthening bars 3 may be attached to the closure plate 2.

Description

METHOD OF INSTALLING AN ANTI-FLOOD BARRIER Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method of installing an anti-flood barrier so as to prevent flood water from entering a building through a door or other access opening of the building.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of installing an anti-flood barrier in an access opening of a building in such manner that, when the barrier is installed, watertight seals are obtained. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a method of installing an anti-flood barrier in an access opening of a building, which method includes : - a) providing a frame formed from a plurality of L-section frame members, b) forming channels in the structure of the building adjacent the access opening, c) placing strips in said channels, d) fixing the frame in the access opening with limbs of the Lsection frame members in contact with said strips, and e) attaching a closure plate to the frame with sealing means located between the closure plate and the other limbs of the Lsection frame members. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a closure plate, Figure 2 is a sectional view of the upper part of the closure plat and a cover plate fastened to the closure plate, Figure 3 is a sectional view of the upper part of the closure plate and the cover plate installed in a door opening, Figure 4 shows the frame for the closure plate, Figure 5 shows one of the members of the frame, and Figure 6 comprises front and sectional views of a metal strip. Description of the Preferred Embodiment The device shown in the drawings comprises a main frame 1, formed from three L-section frame members 5, and a rectangular closure or baffle plate 2 which can be fastened to the frame members 5 with sealing strips 4 carried by the frame members 5 for engagement with the edges of the rectangular plate 2. Strengthening bars 3 extend across the rear face of the rectangular plate 2 and, as shown, terminate short of the sides of the plate 2 so that they do not interfere with the frame members 5.

To prepare a doorway for installation of the device, a suitable distance is measured from the door 8 and three metal strips 11 are positioned at equal spacings from the door 8 and markings made on the walls adjacent the door 8 indicating the widths of the strips 11. Each strip 11 is formed with a series of spaced holes. Channels 10 are then cut in both walls of the reveal 7 adjacent the door architrave 9 to receive two of the strips 11 and a channel cut across the floor to meet up with the channels 10 in the walls, making sure that the channel across the floor is at right angles to both of the walls.

A sealing strip is then placed in the channel in the floor and held in position by means of an adhesive. One of the strips 11 is then placed in position on top of the sealing strip in the channel in the floor, making sure that the holes in the strip 11 will be between the holes in the frame 1 when the frame 1 is placed on top of the strip 11 in the channel in the floor. The side strips 11 are then placed in position in the channels in the walls and holes drilled in the walls and in the floor, to receive fixings for securing the strips 11 in the required positions, making sure that the second hole from the top of each side strip 11 and the second hole from the bottom of each side strip 11 is elongated. The bottom strip 11 is treated in the same manner.

After the strips 11 have been fixed in place, the frame 1 is placed in position and holes drilled in the limbs of the L-section frame members 5 parallel to the adjacent surfaces of the structure of the building and in contact with the strips 11 to receive screws and rawlplugs. The screws have countersunk heads and are typically 50 mm. in length. The other limbs of the L-section frame members 5 are at right angles to the adjacent surfaces of the structure of the building and are pre-formed with holes 6 to receive fixing bolts. The baffle plate 2 is then placed in position with the sealing strips 4 located between the frame members 5 and the plate 2, and nuts tightened onto the bolts to secure the plate 2 in position in a water-proof manner, i. e. with sealing strips 4 between the plate 2 and the frame 1 and further sealing strips between the strips 11 and the walls and floor of the building.

In addition, a cover plate 12 made of a metal or other waterproof material, such as a plastics material, is attached to the top of the baffle plate 2 and to the door 8 using water-proof tape, thereby preventing lashing rain entering the space between the baffle plate 2 and the door and then leaking into the house.

When a flood warning is received, the baffle plate 2 will be attached to the frame 1 in a leak-tight manner and, when the immediate risk of flooding has passed, the baffle plate 2 will then be detached from the frame 1. When the possibility of flooding has passed completely and it is desired to return the building substantially to its original condition, the frame 1 will be detached from the strips 11 which will be left in their respective channels. As the strips 11 are flat metal strips which are installed so that their presented surfaces are flush with the surfaces of the walls or floor, they do not project from such surfaces and are not unsightly.

The particular design of anti-flood barrier shown in the drawings is for a door into a house or other premise. A similar method of installation will be used for providing an anti-flood barrier to prevent the entry of flood water through a window or other access opening of a building.

Claims

Claims : -

1. A method of installing an anti-flood barrier in an access opening of a building, which method includes : - a) providing a frame formed from a plurality of L-section frame members, b) forming channels in the structure of the building adjacent the access opening, c) placing strips in said channels, d) fixing the frame in the access opening with limbs of the Lsection frame members in contact with said strips, and e) attaching a closure plate to the frame with sealing means located between the closure plate and the other limbs of the Lsection frame members.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which a cover plate is attached to the top of the closure plate.

3. A method as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which strengthening bars are attached to the closure plate.

4. A method of installing an anti-flood barrier in an access opening of a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

5. Means for forming an anti-flood barrier in an access opening of a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.