FAQs

Q: What is DoorDam?
A: DoorDam is the first effective “off-the-shelf” flood barrier product designed specifically for the millions of homeowners and small businesses in flood-plain areas across the U.S. DoorDam is a convenient, cost-efficient replacement for sand bags and plywood, which have been the primary flood protection tools for homes and small businesses until now.

Q: How is DoorDam constructed?
A: DoorDam is made of rugged steel beams that are encased in a durable watertight neoprene jacket and further protected by a debris guard. At each side of the sheath is a three-comb rubber seal. By turning the handle at DoorDam’s top edge, you expand its width to press the seals against the vertical surfaces at either side of a doorway or similar opening. Jamb compression clips provide downward sealing force.

Q: How Does DoorDam Work?
A: DoorDam is designed to fit inside across an opening and then securely expand to keep out floodwaters. Once properly installed in an otherwise watertight building, DoorDam will provide a watertight barrier to help keep floodwaters out. A variety of jamb brackets are available to install DoorDam properly depending on the type of opening you have to protect. Once the jambs are installed, DoorDam slips down between them, and with the turn of a handle a powerful scissor jack is engaged and the DoorDam then expands to fit the opening.

Q: Where can I use DoorDam?
A: DoorDam is flood protection for well-maintained buildings that are watertight except for their doorways or a similar opening. Needless to say, if the walls of a structure are not watertight, DoorDams alone will not provide adequate protection. The requirement for a watertight structure is explained in all DoorDam product literature and is part of the conditions agreed to in the DoorDam purchase process.

Q: What type of structure is appropriate for DoorDam?
A: DoorDam is suitable for structures that are constructed of concrete, brick, sealed stone or other watertight materials in good watertight condition. These structures must not have basement windows or sunken/slanted outdoor cellar doorways. DoorDam can work in wooden structures if they are fully encircled by a watertight concrete foundation that rises at least 26” above the lowest doorway footfall for regular DoorDams and 36” high for DoorDam XLs. Again, such structures should not have basement windows or sunken/slanted outdoor cellar doorways.

Q: Where can I not use DoorDam?
A: DoorDam is not suitable for non-watertight structures such as wood frame houses with foundations lower than 26” above the lowest doorway footfall. DoorDam is also not appropriate for any structures with basement windows or with sunken/slanted outside cellar doorways.

Q: How much water will DoorDam keep out of my home or office?
A: Standard DoorDam Models can hold back up to 24” of water, while DoorDam XL models can hold back up to 34”.

Q: Can DoorDam be used more than once?
A: That’s one of the great features of DoorDam. Unlike sandbags and plywood, DoorDam can effectively protect you from floodwaters again and again. With proper care and maintenance, your DoorDam will last for years.

Q: Is DoorDam waterproof?
A: DoorDam is watertight, but not necessarily waterproof. You may experience some leakage around the edges, depending on the quality of the seal you are able to create. If the vertical surfaces beside your door opening are too irregular for a flush fit or if there is not an adequate backstop to hold back the force of the water, you WILL need to install jamb brackets (sold separately except for J-Brace) to ensure proper sealing for DoorDam. They should be installed on each side of the doorway, either inside the doorway itself or on the surfaces just outside of it. Click here for full Installation Instructions.

Q: My opening is greater than 50” wide? Can I use more than one DoorDam?
A: DoorDams can be individually or in multiple units by connecting them end to end. When using multiple DoorDams, they are joined by mullions for anchoring (sold separately).

Q: How much does DoorDam weigh?
A: DoorDams are available in nine standard and seven XL sizes that protect openings from 25” to 50” wide. The weights of each run from 41 pounds to a maximum of 62.5 pounds, depending on the amount of protection you need. As an example, a standard DoorDam that fits in a 36” wide opening weighs about 45 pounds, which is almost equal to one sandbag. However, a single DoorDam that size can do the job of 60 sandbags (source: Army Corps of Engineers). A DoorDam XL protecting three linear feet replaces 102 sandbags!

Q: How much does DoorDam cost?
A: DoorDam retail prices range from $549 and $895 depending on the model chosen. Online or other discounts may apply, so be sure to review the specific model you need for current pricing.

Q: Where can I buy DoorDam?
A: DoorDam can be purchased by calling us at 866-DoorDam or from an authorized dealer. Click here for a list of information you need prior to ordering DoorDam.

Q: How are DoorDams shipped to me?
A: We use standard UPS shipping, but rush delivery is available for a fee.

Q: Can I return the DoorDam if I don’t like it?
A: There is a 25% restocking fee for all returns, which means you will receive a refund worth 75% of the original purchase price. Shipping costs for all returned DoorDam product are the buyer’s responsibility. To qualify for a refund, all DoorDam returned product must be received in new, unused condition.

Q: Who makes DoorDam?
A: DoorDam is a proud innovation of Presray Corporation, the industry leader in protective door systems since 1955. Presray’s upstate New York facility manufactures massive flood barriers and watertight doors, along with other critical containment solutions such as security and airtight doors. The company has been credited with inventing much of today’s advanced flood barrier technology. Presray’s traditional customers include hospitals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, corporate headquarters, bio-hazard laboratories and NASA. Installations by Presray can be found throughout flood-plain areas, particularly along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. from Florida to Texas.

Q: How can I contact DoorDam?
A: DoorDam customer service can be reached at 866-DoorDam (866-366-7326) or my emailing us.

Q: What is DoorDam’s mailing address?
A: Mail can be sent to DoorDam at P.O. Box 200, Wassaic, New York 12592.