MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier
When storms strike, speed matters. The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier from Garrison Flood Control provides a rapidly deployable flood defense system that can be set up in minutes — no tools, no sandbags, no hassle.
MAKO™ forms a rigid, watertight, opening barrier once inflated — providing solid, stable and reliable flood protection for homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Use MAKO™ for doorways, windows, hallways, culverts, and anywhere that you need to hold back water.
The MAKO™ Pressurized Flood Barrier uses a high-tech “space fabric”, engineered to lock into place when inflated and pressurized. Specialized rubber gaskets around the perimeter seal against surfaces such concrete, asphalt, travertine or wood.
This effective and innovative flood barrier system offers flood mitigation and a protective flood stop solutions against sever weather, storm surges, flowing flash flood, riverine flooding and more.
Expands within existing entryways without altering or permanently modifying the structure.
Custom-built to match your exact opening dimensions for a precise, watertight fit.
Inflates in minutes using any standard air pump and expands within opening.
MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier Protection
Engineered for Real-World Flood Conditions
The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier is designed to perform under pressure. Its unique structure locks into shape when inflated, allowing it to withstand the hydrostatic forces of rising water while sealing against uneven surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or gravel:
Inflatable Drop-Stitch Design: Creates a rigid, flat structure that maintains shape and resists deformation under pressure.
Lightweight & Portable: Units deflate and fold compactly for storage and transport.
Rapid Deployment: Flood barriers install in minutes with minimal labor—ideal for remergency response.
Reusable & Durable: Engineered for repeated long-term use, season after season.
Versatile Surface Seal: Works on concrete, pavement, or stone tiles with minimal ground prep.
How the MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Wall Works
1) Open Unit and Position:
Lay the MAKO™ Flood Barrier into the opening to be flood protected.
2) Dual Chamber Inflation:
Use the included Air Pump (or any standard air pump) to inflate the dual internal chambers. These dual chambers ensures optimized seal-off and superior flood resistance — Without permanent installation.
3) Seal and Secure:
The Upper Chamber expands to pressurize and stabilize the panel within the wall, while the Lower Chamber compresses to create a tight seal with the ground/surface below.
4) Deflate, Fold and Store:
MAKO™ deflates quickly and easily stores for future use.
MAKO™ Specifications & Sizes
MAKO™ flood barriers up to 36” wide are 4” thick and require a mounting depth of approximately 2.75”.
Barriers over 36” wide or over 40” tall are 6” thick and require a mounting depth of approximately 4”.
Custom barriers over 40” wide are 6” thick.
Custom barriers over 108” wide are 8” thick.
Tie down anchoring straps, with D-ring ground anchors, are provided for flood barriers over 72” wide and provide additional mid-span reinforcement.
Standard Sizes
Note: Custom barrier sizes are available up to 48” high and 192” long. Please request a quote for custom sizes to fit the exact size of your opening. Flood barriers less than 36” wide are 4” thick and barriers over 36” wide are 6” thick. Please check your mounting depth accordingly.
What is Drop Stitch Fabric?
Drop stitch fabric is a space-age fabric designed in the 1960s for inflatable aircrafts. It needed to be incredibly durable under inflation and to be tear and cut resistant.
Thousands of small fiber strands connect the top layer and bottom layer, allowing the center to be inflated under pressure, while keeping the layers aligned and preventing panel deformation.
The material used in MAKO™ pressurized flood barriers is designed to resist punctures, while handling high pressures, debris impact and the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces expected in a flood.
Why Protect Against Flooding With MAKO™ Flood Walls?
Tool-Less Set Up
Tool-less, non permanent installation. No drilling into structure, walls or concrete required.
Simple Storage
MAKO rapidly deflates and is easy to store and move using the integrated handle(s).
Reusable
Units are designed to be rapidly set up and takem down, allowing for the system to be used time and time again.
Dual Chamber Inflation
Dual chamber inflation. Units inflate and expand within entryways to create a solid seal-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier is a rapid-deploy and reusable pressurized flood protection system. Mako is made from heavy duty pvc drop-stitch material. Once inflated, it forms a rigid wall that seals against the opening surfaces to block and divert flood water effectively.
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The MAKO™ barrier uses a dual-chamber inflation system. The upper chamber pressurizes into the opening to stabilize the panel within the opening, while the lower chamber creates donward pressure for a tight seal.
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Most MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier sizes can be deployed in under 10 minutes using a standard SUP air pump. Deflation occurs in minutes, at which times panels can be stored for future use.
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MAKO™ works on concrete, asphalt, stone tile and other hard surfaces. It’s flexible base and perimeter gasket fills small gaps and contours to small surface irregularities for a secure seal.
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Yes, MAKO™ is designed for multiple deployments. After use, simply rinse, dry, deflate, fold and place within carrying case for compact storage until needed again.
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The MAKO™ Inflatable Flood Barrier is available in standard 30” and 40” protection heights and various standard lengths. Custom heights up to 48” and width as long as 192” can be ordered to meet your specific requirements.
30" Barriers
MK-30-24
MK-30-30
MK-30-32
MK-30-36MK-30-72 w/ 1 Tie Down Strap
MK-30-108 w/ 2 Tie Down Straps40" Barriers
MK-40-24
MK-40-30
MK-40-32
MK-40-36MK-40-72 w/ 1 Tie Down Strap
MK-40-108 w/ 2 Tie Down Straps -
Each unit can be inflated using a manual or electric air pump—no special tools or equipment is required. Inflation valves are standard and compatible with most commercial-grade pumps. Inflation valves are the same as are typically used on stand up paddle boards.
To inflate MAKO™ you begin by positioning the flood panel within the opening to be protected. Slightly inflate the upper chamber, positioning it such that the bottom deflated chamber is slightly pressured against the ground below and the slack between chambers is eliminated. Once positioned, the upper chamber can be fully inflated, locking the flood panel into position. Then, inflate the lower chamber to pressurize the lower chamber downwards and outwards to create a lower seal.
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When properly installed and inflated, MAKO™ pressurized flood barriers can stop the flow and withstand the hydrostatic pressure of several feet of water, making it ideal for both residential and commercial flood defense. It is not intended for higher heights (over 4ft) and for those heavier dutiy applications, we recommend our Hammerhead flood barrier system.
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No, MAKO™ installs without any permanent construction or alteration to your property. It simply expands within your existing entryway or perimeter area to create a pressurized seal-off from water infiltration. No permits are required for the installation of MAKO™.
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Yes, MAKO™ is engineered to meet FEMA and NFIP standards for structural reliability and water resistance up to 50” of protection. Beyond those heights, we recomend our Hammerhead aluminum flood protection system.
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After deflating, rinse off debris or silt, dry completely, and fold the barrier into its included storage bag. Store in a cool, dry space for long-term readiness.
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For smaller sizes, yes—one or two people can set up a MAKO™ Flood Barrier quickly. For longer runs or complex layouts, a two person team is recommended to assist with proper positioning of the flood panels for faster installation.
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Yes. Provided a perimeter sill is available for pressurizing the flood panel, MAKO™ is ideal for window flood protection. MAKO™ can be customized for unique window layouts, sliders, and other architectural features.
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Contact Us and speak with a flood specialist today to determine the number and type of panels that are right for you, or check out our Flood Shop and view pre-designed kits to fit a variety of needs.