Sandbags for Flooding

Are sandbags suitable for building level flood protection?

Most photographs in the press in recent years following a flood event depict hessian sandbags against flooded property – clearly having failed in their intended purpose.

The Environment Agency Document `Sandbags and how to use them properly for flood protection` concludes that sandbags are relatively ineffective when compared to purpose designed flood protection products.

Some of the pitfalls identified in the document are:

• It takes two people to fill sandbags for flood protection
• It takes approximately 1 hour to fill 12 sandbags
• Laying sandbags can be very time consuming
• Sacking material is biodegradable and will perish if left in place for a long time.
• Sandbags do seep water even if well-stacked and trodden into place.
• The conclusion in the Environment Agency document is "we strongly encourage people to use purpose made flood protection products, such as flood boards and non return valves.."