Quick Dam - The Ultimate Flood Protection Solution
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 9th Jul 2023
Quick Dams are water-activated flood barriers that are easy to use and can help protect your home or business from flooding. They are made of a patented super absorbent polymer that expands to create a barrier when it comes into contact with water.
The Ultimate Flood Protection Solution
The Ultimate Flood Protection Solution
The Safe and Easy Way to Protect Your Home or Business from Flooding
Floods can wreak havoc on homes, businesses, and communities, causing extensive damage and emotional distress. Fortunately, Quick Dams provides an innovative and highly effective solution for flood protection. In this blog post, we will explore the features of Quick Dams, their advantages over traditional sandbags, and answer important questions regarding their usage and disposal.
What are Quick Dams?
Quick Dams are essentially sandless sandbags that are easy to use and can help protect your home or business from flooding. They are made of a patented super absorbent polymer, similar to that found in baby nappies, that expands to create a barrier when it comes into contact with water (typically 10 minutes). The water is contained as a gel within the fabric, thus acting as a barrier. Quick Dams are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Bags & Barriers unused, have a 10+ year shelf life.
Unlike traditional sandbags, Quick Dams are easy to install and require no manual filling, allowing for faster flood response and more effective protection. They can even be stacked up to three high in a brick formation if you need to create a taller barrier.
Activation and Usage
Activation: Quick Dams can be activated by laying them in position and allowing them to absorb water naturally. Alternatively, you can spray them with a hose, dunk them in a bucket of water, place them in a puddle, or even immerse them in a fresh water source like a stream. Pre-activation is recommended if a current of water is expected to prevent them from floating away.
Indoor and Outdoor Use: They are versatile and can be used both indoors and out. However, note that they may remain moist, so be cautious when using them on floors susceptible to water damage.
Find out how many flood bags or barriers you will need using Quick Dam's online calculator.
Quick Dams are water-activated flood dams that are easy to use and can help protect your home or business from flooding. They are made of a patented super absorbent polymer, similar to that found in baby nappies, that expands to create a barrier when it comes into contact with water (typically 10 minutes). The water is contained as a gel within the fabric, thus acting as a barrier. Quick Dams are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Quick Dam offers 2 main products: Flood Bags and Flood Barriers.
What is a flood barrier?
A flood barrier is a protective structure designed to prevent or reduce flood damage by blocking the flow of water. Quick Dam Flood Barriers serve as effective water barriers by rapidly absorbing and containing water, and dive. They create a watertight seal that keeps floodwaters at bay, safeguarding properties and assets and can be used to divert the flow of water away from homes, doorways etc.
What is a flood barrier?
Quick Dam's Flood Bags are essentially sandless sandbags that absorb, contain, and divert problem flood water. Just like the flood barriers, they are made of a durable fabric that contains a super absorbent polymer. When they come into contact with water, they swell and gel, creating a barrier that can hold up to 4 gallons of water per bag.
Who can use Quick Dams?
Quick dams can be used by anyone who is concerned about flooding, including:
Homeowners and businesses
Government agencies
Disaster relief organisations
Construction companies
Industrial facilities
Farmers
Anyone who lives in an area that is prone to flooding
Why are Quick Dams better than using standard sand bags for flooding?
When it comes to flood protection, traditional sandbags have been a go-to solution for years. However, they have a number of drawbacks, including:
- They are time-consuming and labor-intensive to fill and place
- They can be heavy and difficult to move
- They are not reusable, so they must be discarded after each use
- They can be unsightly and can damage property
As environmental concerns rise and the need for cost-effective and efficient alternatives grows, Quick Dams are emerging as a superior choice. These flood prevention products have several advantages over standard sandbags for flood defence.
Easy and Quick Installation: Unlike sandbags that require time-consuming filling and stacking, Quick Dams can be deployed rapidly. Their lightweight design and built-in self-activating technology make them effortless to use, saving precious time during emergency situations.
Superior Water Absorption: They have a higher water absorption capacity compared to sandbags. Their superabsorbent polymer material enables them to soak up significant amounts of water, preventing it from seeping through and causing damage.
Compact and Space-Saving: Quick Dams are compact when not in use, requiring minimal storage space. In contrast, sandbags can be bulky and cumbersome, requiring substantial storage area and manpower for transport.
Lower Maintenance: Unlike sandbags, Quick Dams do not require constant monitoring or refilling. Once activated, they provide reliable flood protection without the need for additional labor.
Environmental Benefits
Reusability: Quick Dams can be reused multiple times, offering excellent value for money. You can leave them in place for up to 8 months! On the other hand, sandbags may need to be discarded after a single use due to contamination and wear and tear.
Disposal: Quick Dams are eco-friendly and can be disposed of in the trash. The polymer contents will degrade with UV exposure, pressure, and time, leaving an empty pouch that can be safely thrown away. Alternatively, the gelled contents can be spread on your lawn or garden to provide temporary moisture until degradation occurs.
No Mould or Odour: Quick Dams alone do not promote mould growth, but if activated with contaminated water, mould growth may occur. Storing them outdoors to dry out is recommended to prevent this.
UV Protection: Quick Dams feature a black non-woven durable fabric that provides UV protection, preventing degradation of the inner absorbent material. This allows them to remain in position for many months of ongoing protection.
Longevity: Unactivated Quick Dams can last indefinitely as long as they are kept dry, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
Quick Dams are the ultimate sandbag alternative.
Storage and Weight Considerations
Quick Dam flood products are not only more convenient during use but also when storing and handling:
Compact Storage: Unactivated Quick Dams can be stored in their closed package until needed, taking up minimal space in your storage area.
Weight Savings: Compared to traditional sandbags, Quick Dams are lightweight when dry, making transportation and positioning much easier.
See them in action:
How long do Quick Dams last?
Quick Dams can last for up to 3-6 months once they have been activated. The exact lifespan will depend on the amount of water they are exposed to and the climate. In warmer climates, Quick Dams may dry out faster. Shrinking will occur as they dry out, but they will swell again once re-exposed to water.
How are Quick Dams different to other white knit and jute fabric water barriers?
Quick Dams black nonwoven fabric provides UV protection, which prevents the inner absorbent from degrading. As a result, they can be left in place for many months without having to be replaced.
Other similar products, such as those made from white knit or jute fabric, do not provide UV protection. This means that the inner absorbent in these products will degrade over time when exposed to sunlight. As a result, these products need to be replaced more frequently than Quick Dams.
We compared Quick Dams to FloodSax, another sandbag alternative, in our recent blog. Check it out to find out why Quick Dams are a superior product.
FAQs
Can Quick Dams be used indoors?
Yes, Quick Dams can be used indoors. They are safe to use around children and pets, and they will not stain or damage flooring. Use them to protect doorways, windows, and other openings from flooding. They can also be used to create a barrier around furniture or appliances to keep them dry. Quick Dam actually have a range of indoor water dams specifically for this use.
How to dispose of Quick Dams
Quick Dams can be disposed of in the bin once they have been used.
Their polymer contents will degrade with UV exposure, pressure and time, leaving an empty pouch that can be thrown in the trash. Gelled contents can be cut out of the bag & spread on a lawn or garden to provide temporary moisture until degradation occurs, typically within a few days. However, the contents will be VERY slippery, so keep off of high traffic areas to prevent slip & fall accidents.
How much water does Quick Dam absorb?
The amount of water that any Quick Dam product absorbs will vary depending on the size and type of Quick Dam. A standard 5-foot Quick Dam Flood Barrier can absorb up to 4 gallons of water, a 10-foot one up to 8 gallons of water and a 17-foot one up to 13.5 gallons. Flood Bags & Barriers will not fully activate unless enough water is present.
Do they work with salt water?
Quick Dams should not be used with salt water, calcium, lime, or chlorine. These substances can cause a chemical reaction that releases the absorbed water back out, making them ineffective as a barrier. If they come into contact with any of these substances, they should be thrown away.
However, its impoirtant to note that once activated by water, these flood prevention products can be used as a barrier against other oils & chemicals.
Can they be re-used?
Yes, Quick Dams are reusable multiple times, offering excellent value for money. Once activated, will remain active until the water evaporates. This typically takes several weeks, but it can vary depending on the weather conditions. If left in position, Quick Dams will shrink while evaporating and grow when re-exposed to water. This is perfect in months where rainfall is persistant. Simply keep them in place and they'll continue to do their job.
Can I drive over a Quick Dam?
Quick Dam flood barriers can be driven over, but only if they are not fully activated. When a Quick Dam barrier is activated, it expands and becomes gel-like. This gel is what helps to hold back water, but it also makes the barrier more susceptible to damage from vehicles. If you must drive over a Quick Dam barrier that is partially activated, be sure to drive slowly and carefully.
If a Quick Dam barrier is fully activated, it should not be driven over at all. The gel inside the barrier will not be able to absorb any more water, and the weight of the vehicle could cause the barrier to burst.
Can Quick Dams be cut to size?
Quick Dam Flood Bags and Flood Barriers should not be cut to size. Inside each product is a super-absorbent polymer that swells and gels water to create a durable barrier. Cutting the product will will make it unusable.
FAQs
Can Quick Dams be used indoors?
Yes, Quick Dams can be used indoors. They are safe to use around children and pets, and they will not stain or damage flooring. Use them to protect doorways, windows, and other openings from flooding. They can also be used to create a barrier around furniture or appliances to keep them dry.
How to dispose of Quick Dams
Quick Dams can be disposed of in the bin once they have been used.
Their polymer contents will degrade with UV exposure, pressure and time, leaving an empty pouch that can be thrown in the trash. Gelled contents can be cut out of the bag & spread on a lawn or garden to provide temporary moisture until degradation occurs, typically within a few days. However, the contents will be VERY slippery, so keep off of high traffic areas to prevent slip & fall accidents.
How much water does Quick Dam absorb?
The amount of water that any Quick Dam product absorbs will vary depending on the size and type of Quick Dam. A standard 5-foot Quick Dam Flood Barrier can absorb up to 4 gallons of watee, a 10-foot one up to 8 gallons of water and a 17-foot one up to 13.5 gallons.
Do they work with salt water?
Quick Dams should not be used with salt water, calcium, lime, or chlorine. These substances can cause a chemical reaction that releases the absorbed water back out, making Quick Dams ineffective as a barrier. If they come into contact with any of these substances, they should be thrown away.
Can they be re-used?
Once activated, Quick Dams will remain active until the water evaporates. This typically takes several weeks, but it can vary depending on the weather conditions. If left in position, Quick Dams will shrink while evaporating and grow when re-exposed to water.
Can I drive over a Quick Dam?
Quick Dam flood barriers can be driven over, but only if they are not fully activated. When a Quick Dam barrier is activated, it expands and becomes gel-like. This gel is what helps to hold back water, but it also makes the barrier more susceptible to damage from vehicles. If you must drive over a Quick Dam barrier that is partially activated, be sure to drive slowly and carefully.
If a Quick Dam barrier is fully activated, it should not be driven over at all. The gel inside the barrier will not be able to absorb any more water, and the weight of the vehicle could cause the barrier to burst.
Features
Quick Dam flood stoppers and blockers are self activating - just get them wet.
They grow to their full height in just 10 minutes, and can be stacked on top of one another to increase wall height. Swelled barriers and bags contain, control, and divert flood water and can be left in place for ongoing protection.
Quick Dams can be used with some other fluids, such as oils and chemicals. However, they should be pre-activated with water first to create a barrier, as they will not activate without the presence of water.
If you’re going to stack your Flood Bags & Flood Barriers you will definitely want to soak them in water first to speed up the activation process. Quick Dam products are water activated, so soaking them first before stacking will make them more pliable and easier to work with, reducing the risk of damage. Pre-soaking is also advised if heavy rain or water flow is expected.
The Range
— Flood Barriers —
Voted #1 for Best Flood Barrier Protection
Available in 5ft, 10ft, and 17ft lengths
Absorb 4 gallons, 8 gallons & 13.5 gallons of water (Depending on length)
Built in wedge helps prevent from rolling
Stackable flood barriers: Stack multiple barriers to increase wall height
— Flood Bags —
Water Activated Flood Bags (Sandless Sandbags) – Just get them wet
Bags grow to 12in x 24in x 3.5in high
No need for sand or labor, filling sandbags
Absorbs 4 gallons of water and grows to full size 3.5in high in 10 minutes
Stack multiple bags in brick formation to increase wall height
— Drip Mats —
Absorbs water on contact & converts liquid to a gel
Inner absorbent is completely contained to prevent seepage
Compact, lightweight, & easy to store
Use for spills, leaks, & drips of water-like products
Plastic layer to prevent liquid from passing through
Environmentally Friendly
Quick Dam products are made from biodegradable materials, such as non-woven fabric and superabsorbent polymer. These materials break down naturally over time, minimising their impact on the environment. When disposed of properly, Quick Dam barriers do not contribute to long-term waste or pollution.
They are free from harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Unlike some alternative flood protection solutions, they do not release hazardous materials into the environment and are safe for use around pets and animals.
They can be reused multiple times, depending on their condition and level of wear, unlike traditional sand bags.
When they reach the end of their lifespan, they can be disposed of responsibly without posing a significant risk to the environment.
Quick Dams provide an innovative and superior alternative to standard sandbags for flood protection for homes and businesses. With their long lifespan, indoor usability, efficient water absorption, and easy disposal, Quick Dams offer unmatched reliability and convenience. Investing in these flood control barriers ensures proactive flood prevention and provides peace of mind during times of potential water damage.
Remember, being prepared is the key to mitigating flood risks. Choose Quick Dams for effective flood protection, and safeguard your property and loved ones from the devastating consequences of flooding.