Homes at risk of flooding could be better protected in an emergency using widely available and affordable tape rather than traditional sandbags, shows new research from the UK’s University of Hull.
Tests conducted at the University’s state-of-the art Property Flood Resilience lab (PFRlab) compared low-cost temporary measures to stop floodwater entering homes.
Commissioned by Flood Re, a joint initiative between the Government and insurers, the research found that flexible synthetic rubber tape reduced water leakage by 99% compared with an unprotected door and is highly effective. Duct tape reduced leakage by 97-98%, combining strong performance and affordability with ease of use.
Synthetic rubber tape, duct tape, aluminum tape, and yellow plastic tape all outperformed traditional sandbags when applied to the outside of a standard front door. Unlike sandbags which can become contaminated, tape is readily disposable. Synthetic sandless sandbags perform well but are difficult to use, dispose of and are expensive.
The Environment Agency estimates that 4.6 million people are at risk of surface water flooding in the UK, with low-depth surface water being the fastest-growing flood risk facing households.
The findings, published in Flood Action Week provide practical evidence about measures householders can use to reduce damage when flooding threatens.
“Sandbags remain a symbol of flood protection, but these tests turn that assumption on its head. What we have found is that some relatively simple and affordable products can do a much better job of keeping water out,” said Jonathan Kassian, Head of Flood Resilience at Flood Re.
“When bad weather is on the way, people may have very little time to act. We want people to know what they can do before that moment comes. Having the right products ready, knowing how to use them, and making your home more resilient can make a real difference.”
University of Hull Professor of Water Science Stuart McLelland says, through its longstanding expertise in flood research, their facilities at PFRlab (see the video below) is helping to design and develop practical solutions to better safeguard homes and properties.
Even the lowest-performing tape reduced leakage by 80%, compared to 70% for sandbags. Tape was cheaper, lighter, easier to store for the future, and does not disintegrate or rot in the same way as sandbags.
Researchers tested measures to protect doors at flood depths of up to two feet (600mm), with the work focused on replicating the type of low-level flooding experienced in Hull in 2007, when more than 8,600 homes and 1,300 businesses were damaged.
The tests, undertaken on six commonly used door types, also showed that the direction a front door opens can make a difference:
Under the test conditions, a standard outward-opening door reduced leakage by 74%, when compared with an inward-opening door—even before any additional flood protection was installed.
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Also, applying tape to the outside of the door achieved significantly better results than taping the inside.
“Through challenging established assumptions, our research can deliver immediate benefits to householders, showing that something as cheap and readily available as tape can significantly reduce the damage that flooding can cause.”
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