Introducing MAKO™, an Inflatable Flood Barrier for Doors and Entryways
A Fast, Durable, and Versatile Solution for Entryway Flood Protection
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters—and for homeowners and businesses alike, the first points of vulnerability are almost always doors, windows, and low-lying entryways. When heavy rain, storm surge, or flash flooding threatens, these openings quickly become pathways for water intrusion, leading to damage that is often expensive, disruptive, and in severe cases, hazardous.
Temporary flood protection has evolved dramatically in recent years, moving beyond sandbags and makeshift solutions into modern, engineered systems that are stronger, faster, and more dependable. Among those advancements, inflatable flood barriers for doorways have emerged as one of the most practical and accessible options for anyone needing rapid, reusable flood defense.
Below we explore the advantages of inflatable flood barriers, what makes them so effective, and why the MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier from Garrison Flood Control stands out as one of the most versatile solutions on the market.
Why Inflatable Flood Barriers for Entryways Are Effective
Rapid Deployment When Every Minute Counts
Flood conditions often approach faster than expected. In many cases, you have minutes—not hours—to prepare. Inflatable flood barriers are built for speed:
They can be installed in under 10 minutes with a standard air pump.
No tools, hardware, or special equipment are required.
They’re intuitive enough for one person to handle in many scenarios.
Because the barrier’s structure is created by internal pressurization, once inflated it forms a rigid, high-strength wall inside the opening, giving you a tight seal without drilling or permanent modifications.
This makes inflatable barriers ideal not just for homes and other entryways, but also businesses, municipal facilities, and critical infrastructure where rapid response is key.
A Durable Solution Designed for Real Flood Conditions
Built from High-Strength Space Fabric
One of the biggest misconceptions about inflatable flood protection is that “inflatable” means fragile. In reality, today’s inflatable flood barriers are engineered from materials used in aerospace, marine, and high-pressure applications.
The MAKO barrier, for example, is constructed from a rugged drop-stitch material—often referred to as “space fabric”—designed to withstand significant hydrostatic pressure. When inflated, thousands of internal fibers lock into place, forming a rigid, load-bearing panel capable of standing up to rising water.
Engineered Sealing System
Durability isn’t just about strength—it’s also about how well the barrier prevents seepage. Inflatable flood barriers form a tight seal through:
A compressive lower chamber that seals to the ground
The perimeter is designed to interface with common surface materials such as concrete, asphalt, and stone tile
Internal pressure that ensures stability and reduces shifting
This seal is designed to account for minor irregularities in the floor surface, which is crucial because water will always look for the smallest opening.
Versatility: A Flood Barrier for Many Entryways
One of the strongest advantages of an inflatable flood barrier is its ability to protect a wide range of entry types. Because these barriers pressurize into position rather than rely on permanent hardware, they can be used almost anywhere there’s a framed opening.
Ideal For:
Residential Doors & Garages
Commercial Entrances
Sliding Glass Doors
Walkout basements
Hallways and interior passageways
Windows and storefronts (with proper sill structure)
Custom Sizing Makes All the Difference
MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barriers come in standard protection heights of 30” and 40”, but custom options can reach up to 48” high and 192” long, making them a workable solution for both small openings and large commercial doors.
This flexibility means property owners can customize their flood protection plan without having to mix multiple product types or make structural modifications.
Spotlight: The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier
The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier is one of the most advanced and user-friendly inflatable flood protection systems available today. Designed and engineered by Garrison Flood Control, MAKO combines durability, speed, and versatility into a single compact solution.
How MAKO Works
Slightly inflate both upper and lower chambers to give MAKO stability and structure.
Place the MAKO panel into the doorway or entry you want to protect.
Inflate the upper chamber, which expands to pressurize and stabilize the barrier.
Inflate the lower chamber, which compresses downward to create a watertight seal.
After the flood event, simply deflate, rinse, dry, fold, and store.
Key Features
Tool-less installation
Space age drop-stitch construction
Dual-chamber sealing technology
Reusable—and easy to store
Works on concrete, asphalt, tile, and similar surfaces
Available in both standard and custom sizes
No modifications are needed to your existing opening and infrastructure
When to Use MAKO
MAKO is ideal for protection needs up to 48 inches (with custom unit sizes) in water height. For areas requiring higher protection or long-span structural defense, Garrison offers additional solutions—but MAKO is unbeatable for fast-deploy entryway protection.
A Reliable First Line of Defense
Inflatable flood barriers for doors are becoming essential tools for proactive property owners. Their mix of portability, durability, and rapid deployment allows you to protect your home or business without complicated installation or permanent construction.
The MAKO Inflatable Flood Barrier demonstrates what modern flood technology can offer:
Speed when you need it most
Strength during rising water
Versatility for nearly any opening
Reusable protection year after year
Whether you’re preparing for seasonal storms, safeguarding a coastal property, or simply taking proactive steps to protect your home or business, an inflatable flood barrier offers a practical, effective, and dependable solution.
