Sandbags can protect your home or business during major storms and floods. However, sandbags have their flaws. They are often heavy, labor intensive, and have a negative impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are several sandbag alternatives that are lightweight, easy to set up, and more eco-friendly.
Sandbag alternatives don't leave any chemicals, sand, or gel behind. Just fill them up with a garden-hose and you are ready to go! Plus, they are often reusable, biodegradable, or made with recycled materials which helps the planet.
Most importantly, they will protect your home, business, and family during emergencies. Here are our picks for the best sandbag alternatives, including tips and resources to help you make the best choice.
Most Popular Sandbag Alternatives
Brands purchased the most by our readers. Eco-friendly options for garages, homes, and businesses.
4 of the Best Sandbag Alternatives
1. HydraBarrier
HydraBarrier is a best-selling, eco-friendly reusable sandbag alternative. Just take it out of the box, fill it with a garden hose, and lay it across the area you want to protect!
Our readers love that they can store it in their home or garage and have it on hand when a flood or storm comes. Plus, it is durable and easy to set up.
It comes in a variety of lengths and sizes to fit any home or garage. You can customize it to fit your needs and keep your home and family safe at all times.
The Hydrabarrier is a best-seller on Amazon and has hundreds of positive reviews. Check it out!
2. Floodworx
Floodworx is a great sandbag alternative with all the bells and whistles.
They have stabilizers to prevent them from rolling away. Plus, you can link them together to create longer barriers without any gaps or holes.
Just fill them with a standard garden hose and never haul sandbags again!
The quality of these barriers sets them apart. They are made of high-grade materials that tear resistant. Each one 4 feet long, 9” wide and 6” high and can contain several feet of water. While they are more expensive then other options, our readers think they are worth the investment.
3. Quick Dam
Quick Dam is a budget-friendly solution for flooding. With this product, you just place the bags where you want them and add water. They absorb water and create a barrier to contain and divert flood water.
Also, they are eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, and safe to use around pets. However, it is important to note that these are made for single use and can easily be disposed of in the trash. Plus, you can stack them to create a strong base.
Although these are only meant to be used once, they are much easier to set up than sandbags and accomplish the same goal without all of the heavy lifting. You can use them indoors or outdoors.
4. PIG Water Barrier
PIG Water Barrier is another single-use water-activated barrier. These are lightweight and have a 10-year shelf life for extra peace of mind. They are easy to stack and can be set up by one person quickly in an emergency.
Also, they are available in long barriers that you can lay in front of your door or garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do sandbag barriers work?
Traditional sandbags create a barrier that diverts water. When placed strategically, they can stop water from getting into exposed doors and around foundations. Sand is nonporous which means it won't let water through. They have been used for centuries and are often a go-to solution for homeowners, businessowners, and governments when facing severe weather.
3. What are the drawbacks of sandbags?
Sandbags have several drawbacks. They are bulky, require a lot of manual-labor, are difficult to dispose of, and can't be reused. Plus, when a storm or a flood comes, you have to run out and buy them. Unless you keep a stockpile at home, there is no guarantee you will be able to purchase them as increased demand and low supply are common in emergencies. Finally, they are difficult to customize and manipulate to fit your needs.
3. Why are sandbag alternatives better?
Sandbag alternatives are lightweight, easy to set up, and easy to move and maneuver. Traditional sandbags require a crew of people to make and fill. While sandbag alternatives can be set up by one person with a simple garden hose. Plus, you can customize them to fit your needs. Finally, they are made of strong material that won't break or tear and are often reusable.
4. Are sandbag alternatives ecofriendly?
Sandbag alternatives tend to be more ecofriendly because they are often made from recycled materials or are biodegradable. Also, they are reusable, non-toxic, and don't leave behind chemicals or gels.
5. Are sandbag alternatives worth it?
Flooding is becoming more and more common. According to FEMA, flooding is the most common natural disaster and can happen in coastal areas or land-locked states.
We are all susceptible to flooding. Whether from nature or faulty pipes and water main breaks.
Preparing for floods is crucial to protecting your home or business to avoid costly damage. It can also keep your family safe and protected in an emergency.
Sandbag alternatives provide an easy solution that has less of an impact on the environment.
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