Flood planks are strong panels that stack together to block water from entering a home or building. But not all aluminum is the same. The type of aluminum used makes a big difference in strength, durability, and long term performance. Below is a simple guide to help you understand what flood planks are made from and which material is best.
What Type of Aluminum Are Flood Planks Made From?
Most high quality flood planks are made from aluminum alloys in the 6000 series. These alloys are strong, lightweight, and resist corrosion, which makes them ideal for outdoor flood protection systems.
The most common types are:
• Aluminum 6063
• Aluminum 6061
Both are used in construction and structural applications. They are strong enough to handle pressure while remaining light enough to install without heavy machinery.
What Does T5 or T6 Mean?
After aluminum is shaped into planks or rails, it goes through a heat treatment process. This process changes how strong and rigid the metal becomes. The labels T5 and T6 describe that process.
T5 means the aluminum was cooled after shaping and then aged naturally. It is strong, but not at its highest potential strength.
T6 means the aluminum was heat treated and artificially aged to increase strength and stiffness. This makes it significantly stronger and more resistant to bending.
• T6 has higher tensile strength
• T6 has higher yield strength
• T6 flexes less under water pressure
• T6 performs better over time
For flood protection, less bending means better sealing and better performance.
Which Aluminum Type Is Better for Flood Barriers?
For most residential flood protection systems, 6063 T6 aluminum is considered the best balance of strength and usability.
It provides:
• Excellent corrosion resistance in coastal and humid climates
• Strong structural performance against water pressure
• Smooth surface finish for tight sealing
• Lightweight design for easier installation
While 6061 T6 is technically stronger, it is often heavier and not always necessary for standard home openings. 6063 T6 gives homeowners the strength they need without making the system difficult to handle.
Why Does Thickness Matter in Flood Planks?
The thickness of the aluminum walls directly affects how much the plank will bend under pressure. If the material is too thin, it can bow inward when water pushes against it. That movement can weaken the seal.
A properly engineered flood plank uses structural wall thickness and reinforced internal design to limit deflection.
Important factors include:
• Wall thickness of the planks
• Strength of the middle support posts
• Depth and shape of the extrusion
• Overall system anchoring
When all these elements work together, the barrier can hold back water safely and reliably.
What Other Materials Make the System Strong?
Aluminum is the backbone of the system, but other components are just as important.
• EPDM rubber sealing strips prevent water leaks
• Heavy duty anchor bolts secure the side rails
• Double channel center posts increase rigidity
• Custom sizing ensures a tight fit for each opening
A flood barrier is only as strong as its weakest part, so the full system must be engineered to perform under pressure.
BarrierX by Rubicon Flood Control is engineered using 6063 T6 aluminum because it offers the ideal combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and long term durability. The planks are designed with structural wall thickness that resists deflection while remaining lightweight at just under two pounds per foot. Each plank is supported by reinforced double channel posts and secured with high strength anchor hardware. EPDM rubber sealing strips create a tight barrier against water intrusion. With customizable protection height and engineered panel performance, BarrierX delivers reliable flood protection built to meet demanding residential standards.
At Rubicon Flood Control, our goal is to help homeowners understand their options and prepare for flooding with clarity and confidence. Call us today at (239) 330-8888 or email info@rubiconflood.com, we are happy to answer any questions and advice if aluminum flood barriers are the right choice for your flood protection.
