Inflatable Barriers Protect Against Flood Damage

Inflatable Barriers Protect Against Flood Damage After severe flooding hit a French town in 2019, the inventor of the FlowStop Barrier was inspired to create a portable, practical flood defense. Three years of development led to a successful product that won awards and expanded rapidly across Europe. In 2026, FlowStop opened a U.S. factory in New Hampshire. The FlowStop Barrier stands out for its innovative, air-filled, double-partitioned design. Users inflate the device to 15 psi with a hand pump while monitoring pressure with a built-in gauge. The double-chamber design is key. “For flood protection to be efficient, we need a force to press the gasket down on the ground to make sure no water goes underneath,” explains Alex Cammarano, CEO and Managing Director. “To press down, we need it to push against something. To avoid making them all the way to the ceiling each time, we created a double chamber with the top chamber larger than the bottom. The top is inflated first, making sure there isn’t quite enough space for the bottom compartment. When the bottom fills, it presses upward and downward, forming a firm bottom seal ensuring water can’t seep beneath, even on uneven surfaces.” Cammarano says the inflatable adapts to every groove and hollow, filling gaps up to 1/3-in. Durability is central to FlowStop’s engineering. The barriers are made from durable PVC that resists debris, temperature fluctuations, wind and heavy impacts. Drop-stitch technology, borrowed from paddleboards and inflatable boats, keeps the inflated barrier in shape, preventing the ballooning common in conventional inflatables. “If they’re too long, they tend to warp when inflated, so we add straps to hold the shape and help them press down.” Units can span up to 78 in. without additional attachments or straps. Designed for reusability and ease of use, the FlowStop Barrier is lightweight for one-person transport and folds neatly for storage. Most barriers are custom-sized to meet specific needs, though a few popular sizes are kept in stock for quick delivery. Independent tests show the barrier holds back up to 43 in. of water, though a 36 in. limit is recommended for residential safety. FlowStop Barriers are available throughout North America, with pricing starting at $90 per square foot or $700 for a standard door. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, FlowStop Barrier, Tampa, Fla. (ph 305-340-2245; contact@flowstop.co; www.flowstopfloodbarrier.com).

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