When looking at ways to flood-proof homes, one option homeowners may overlook is waterproofing interior walls.
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The approach doesn’t aim to keep water out entirely, according to Alex Lorenz, founder of EnduraFlood.
“When you have two feet of water outside your home, you’re most likely going to have two feet of water inside,” Lorenz said.
Instead, the goal is to reduce damage and speed recovery.
“Once water hits drywall, it creates a domino effect,” he said.
Flooding events — including the historic Fort Lauderdale floods in 2023 — have shown how quickly traditional materials can fail.
Waterproof wall systems offer an alternative. In a demonstration, Lorenz compared standard drywall with EnduraFlood panels. The drywall absorbed water and weakened quickly, while the panels — made from polymers and metals — resisted both fresh and salt water.
“They don’t shrink, swell or bend,” Lorenz said. “And the components can be removed.”
The removable panels, which can be installed up to 51 inches high, allow access to the wall cavity after flooding.
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“Water will get behind any barrier,” Lorenz said. “It’s critical to be able to open the wall and dry it out.”
Drying helps prevent mold and further structural damage. Once cleaned, panels can be reinstalled.
Installation involves cutting drywall to the desired height, attaching trim to studs and securing panels with provided clips and baseboards.
Costs vary by project size. On the company’s website, users can customize orders and view pricing. A 24-foot wall system is estimated at about $670.
While materials cost more than drywall, Lorenz said installation can be less expensive.
“The contractor doesn’t have to come back multiple times to patch, sand and repaint,” he said. “And the biggest savings comes after the next flood.”
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