Stop Floods Fast: How to Use Quick Dam Flood Bags & Flood Barriers the Right Way
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Stop Floods Fast: How to Use Quick Dam Flood Bags & Flood Barriers the Right Way
Flooding happens fast. Whether it is from heavy rain, flash floods, or rising rivers, water damage can devastate a property in minutes. That’s why homeowners, businesses, and municipalities turn to Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers to protect doors, garages, foundations, and vulnerable low points.
But using flood protection gear correctly is just as important as having it. This guide covers the essential dos and don’ts of Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers so you can avoid common mistakes and get the strongest protection possible when it counts most.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not use with salt water or coastal flooding.
Quick Dam water-activated products, like Flood Bags and Flood Barriers, are designed for freshwater only. If exposed to salt water, such as during storm surge or tidal flooding, the internal super absorbent polymer will not activate properly, and the product will not work. If you live in a coastal area, check out our Salt Water Solutions to protect your property.
Do not cut, tear, or puncture the outer lining.
Each Flood Bag and Flood Barrier contains a super absorbent polymer that expands on contact with water. Damaging the outer casing compromises the seal so that the absorbent polymer will come out. Always handle with care and never change the product.
Do not stack Flood Bags vertically.
These are not at all like traditional sandbags. Stacking them upright prevents proper swelling and creates instability. For higher coverage, use a 3-2-1 pyramid stack like you would with bricks.
Do not wait until the water arrives.
Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers begin to swell on contact with water, but that process can take ten minutes or more. For best results, pre-activate your Flood Bags or Flood Barriers with a hose or other fresh water source, and deploy them before a storm hits. Last-minute placement may not give them time to expand and protect effectively.
Do not put them in a washing machine.
Never wash or dry Flood Bags or Flood Barriers. Simply rinse with clean water and lay them in a dry location out of direct sunlight. Keep in mind, the full drying process could take days or weeks.
WHAT TO DO
Pre-soak before deployment.
Although these products activate naturally when exposed to fresh water, soaking them with a hose or in a container for about ten minutes ensures full expansion and weight, especially useful for high-stakes situations or when stacking.
Use the 3-2-1 stacking method for Flood Bags.
When you need to stack Flood Bags to block deeper water, use a pyramid-style formation: three on the bottom, two in the middle, one on top. Tuck the seams of the Flood Bags into each other for a tighter seal and improved stability.
When extending length, stagger Flood Barriers.
When setting up more than one Flood Barrier over a long expanse, use a staggering pattern so that water seamlessly flows down the side of each one. Placing them end to end would be less effective.
For extra height, stack Flood Barriers by overlapping the smaller wedges.
Always overlap the tapered end of one under the larger end of the next. This creates a shingled effect that allows water to flow over the barriers without leaking through the seams. We recommend not going over four high to ensure stability.
Place plastic sheeting under Flood Bags and Flood Barriers on porous or unsealed surfaces.
If you are placing Flood Bags or Flood Barriers on concrete, brick, or other porous materials, lay down a sheet of plastic first. This prevents moisture from seeping through the ground and protects surfaces from potential staining.
Use at key entry points.
Flood Bags are ideal for doorways, garage thresholds, window wells, basement entrances, or any spot where you need to block oncoming water. Flood Barriers work best for wider areas like driveways, sidewalks, building perimeters, or anywhere you need to redirect water.
Why Quick Dam Works
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Fast Activating – Flood Bags and Flood Barriers swell on contact with water. No sand, no mixing, no labor. Just soak, set, and protect.
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Compact and Lightweight – Inactivated Flood Bags and Flood Barriers store flat and light, making them easy to keep in a garage, car trunk, or emergency kit.
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Cost-Effective – With proper care, Flood Bags and Flood Barriers can provide season-long protection, making them more sustainable and budget-friendly than traditional sandbags.
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Versatile Flood Control – From flash floods to sudden downpours, Flood Bags and Flood Barriers provide flood protection for homes, businesses, schools, and more.
Common Questions
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Can I use Quick Dam Flood Bags or Flood Barriers for coastal or tidal flooding?
No. These products are freshwater only and should not be used with salt water or storm surge. If you live in a coastal area, check out our Salt Water Solutions to protect your property.
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How long do they last?
Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers have a shelf life of over 10 years when stored in an air-tight storage bag, bucket, or container in a cool, dry location. Once activated, they can be used all season long.
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What is the difference between Flood Bags and Flood Barriers?
Flood Bags are better for tight entry points like doors and window wells. Flood Barriers are longer (up to seventeen feet) and ideal for driveways, sidewalks, and perimeters.
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Can I drive over them?
While Flood Bags and Flood Barriers are sturdy, driving over them is not recommended as it may rupture the casing.
Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers are powerful tools to protect your property from freshwater flooding, but only if they are used properly. Avoid salt water, pre-activate early, and deploy using the right stacking and staggering methods.
Smart prep today means less cleanup tomorrow.
Be ready. Be safe. Be dry. Be Prepared. Be Protected.
For more details and information about all the innovative products Quick Dam has to offer, visit our Shop.