As fall transitions to winter, now’s the time to get ahead of the cold weather. Snow, ice, and melting runoff can lead to unexpected water issues around your home, from pooling near foundations to leaks inside. With Quick Dam, preparing your home or business for winter is simple with the right solutions to help you defend against seasonal water threats before they happen.

From outdoor Flood Bags and Flood Barriers to indoor solutions like the Quick Dam Leak Kit, which includes Water Dams, Drip Mats, and Mats, Quick Dam helps protect your home from every kind of winter water challenge. Read on to get prepped.

Do Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers Work in Winter?

Yes, Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers work outdoors all winter long, even during freezing conditions. Once activated with water, they absorb and hold it inside their super-absorbent core. 

When temperatures drop, Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers will naturally freeze, and as they thaw, they reabsorb moisture to continue providing protection against melting snow and ice runoff. That means you can confidently deploy them in the fall and trust they’ll remain effective as temperatures fluctuate throughout the season.

Pro Tip: Avoid moving activated Flood Bags and Flood Barriers while frozen, as this could tear the outer material. Allow them to thaw completely before repositioning.

Outdoor Prep: Setting Up for Winter Flood Protection

Taking a few simple steps before the first freeze can help you stay dry and stress-free later. Here’s how to prepare your property using Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers.

  • Pre-activate your barriers: Soak them in water before freezing temperatures arrive so they’re ready for instant use when snow begins to melt.
  • Protect from salt: Flood Bags and Flood Barriers are NOT salt or saltwater friendly. To prevent road salt from breaking down the inner absorbent core, wrap activated barriers in plastic sheeting before placing them outside.
  • Position strategically: Place barriers around your foundation, garage doors, bulkhead doors, and any low-lying areas prone to pooling water.
  • Stack for extra height: For deeper snowmelt or runoff, stack Flood Barriers by alternating the wedge or Flood Bags in a 3-2-1 pyramid pattern.
  • Use plastic under cement: If placing on unsealed concrete, lay down a layer of plastic sheeting first to prevent staining.

Even small steps, like cleaning your gutters and redirecting downspouts with Flood Barriers, can go a long way in controlling snowmelt around your home.

Indoor Prep: Be Ready for Frozen Pipe Leaks and Everyday Drips

Cold weather can cause frozen or cracked pipes, which lead to leaks and water damage indoors. Quick Dam Water Dams, Drip Mats, and Mats help you respond quickly and contain unwanted water.

  • Use Water Dams near basement windows, doors, or water heaters to contain small leaks or seepage.
  • Keep a Leak Kit on hand to control water from a burst or cracked pipe. The included Absorbent Mats and Water Dams can soak up large amounts of water in minutes.
  • Everyday protection: Place Drip Mats near entryways or under wet boots to catch snow and meltwater before it reaches your floors.

These easy-to-use products help you stay prepared for everything from sudden leaks to everyday winter messes.

During and After Winter

Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers can remain deployed outdoors for an entire season, typically 6 to 12 months depending on exposure. To extend their use, try to keep them out of direct sunlight whenever possible, as prolonged UV exposure can cause the inner contents to degrade more quickly.

When the season’s over and the risk has passed, simply dispose of your used Flood Bags and Flood Barriers responsibly. If you’re unsure how to dispose, check out our blog for tips on responsible disposal options or watch our Tips and Tricks video.

Prepare Now. Protect All Season.

From snowmelt and ice runoff to indoor leaks and everyday drips, Quick Dam offers smart, simple solutions for every winter water challenge. Take time this fall to prepare your home or business and stay protected all season long.

Be prepared. Be protected. Winterize your property with Quick Dam.