Best Flood Barrier 2020- Reviews & Buyer's Guide

Flood barriers have proved their worth in storms and floods to protect your home. Now there are huge number of manufacturers offering flood barriers. But considering so many options, it is hard to tell which works until a flood hits you. You don’t want to be in a situation where flood hits and you realize your flood barriers don’t work. So to help you avoid such disastrous situation we tested several flood barriers. If don’t you have time to read the complete post, we recommend you to buy the Quick Dam Flood Barrier. It is the best flood barrier we tested.

Top Pick

Product

Best Flood Barrier For Home

Product	Type	Protection Height	Lifespan	Check Price
Quick Dam Flood Barrier	Water-Activated	3.5"	5yrs+	Check Price
Hydrabarrier Standard	Water Filler	4"	5yrs	Check Price
UpNorth Sand Bags	Sand Filled	26"	10yrs	Check Price
Quick Dam Flood Gate	Water Tight	26"	Indefinite	Check Price
New Pig Mildew-Resistant	Water Absorbing	3"	5 years	Check Price
Snake Sandbags	Sand Filled	4"	Indefinite	Check Price
FloodSax Sandless	Water Activated	20"	10yrs	Check Price

1. Quick Dam Flood Barrier – Best Self Activating Flood Barrier

Quick Dam Flood Barrier

Water Activated Flood Barriers, Rated #1 in Flood Control
Grows to 3.5in high in minutes, just get them wet
Long, flexible design creates all sorts of shapes

The Quick Dam has been offering the best flood barriers for homes. They have a wide range of flood barriers which suits the needs of every kind of users. While we were talking to the existing customers, they had wonderful things to say about Quick Dam Flood Barrier. Many admitted Quick Dam flood barrier saved their home from several floods and storms.

For testing, we used a pack of 6” x 5’ flood barrier. However, you can go for other variations according to your need. With this size we were able to cover the doorways, leaking hot water tanks, and when combined with several packs, it also keeps the water out of the garage. When we exposed it to the water, it didn’t rise instantly but took around two minutes. It grew 3.5” in just two minutes. If the water is rising slowly, this kind of barrier is very effective.

We also twisted them into different shapes to see if they can be used for some unconventional spaces. We liked the fact that they are flexible and easy to carry around. When you compare to sandbags, you can set up a flood much faster with Quick Dam barriers. We also tested against a current of water. Not too strong but strong enough to move a 3-pound object. The objective was to see if the barrier moves out of place but it didn’t. It has dual chamber design to keep it in place even against a strong current of water.

Things We Like

Water activated flood barrier.
Very easy to store
It has more than five years of shelf life even after it has been used once.
Very easy to carry as each pack weighs only 1.5 pounds.

Things We Don't Like

The barrier height is limited to 3.5”.
Can be used once or twice.

Bottom Line

It is the best water activated flood barrier. They are easy to deploy and takes hardly any time. So if your house or office is prone to flash flood, having something like Quick Dam Flood Barrier is much better precaution idea than sandbags.

2. Hydrabarrier Standard Water Diversion Tubes – Best Water Filled Flood Barrier For Home

Hydrabarrier Standard

6 feet long x 8 inches wide x 4 inches high
Easy to use - Weighs about a pound when empty
Fill with standard garden hose, holds up to 7.5 gallons weighing 60 lbs when full

These are much different than Quick Dam flood barriers. They use water to divert water. The Hydrabarrier Standard barrier is a tube that can be filled with water. The biggest advantage of having this kind of flood barrier is reusability. Unlike any water activated barrier or sandbags, it can be use flood after flood. They are available in different lengths but has a width of 8” and height of 4”.

There are many different variants depending on the type of flood protection you seek. We tested all but a tube offering 4” of water protection is enough for a home user. However, you want tubes with much higher water protection you can go for the variants offering almost 20” of water protection. During tests, we observed that it works great when used on normal walls. But when used on concrete blocks, little water may slip through if their is a large amount of water from the flood or leakage.

The best thing about tubes is that hardly take any space. When not in use, you can deflate and fold it. The Hydrabarrier Standard Water Diversion Tubes are made out of high-quality industrial strength vinyl. Vinyl is highly durable if stored properly. The other best part is that filling the water in it is easy. It uses Blue HydraFill adapter which is sold separately.

Things We Like

Very easy to deploy.
It works for almost any space door, garage, water tank.
As it is in the form of a tube, when not in use it is easy to store.
It is reusable.
It is highly durable.

Things We Don't Like

You need to buy the Blue HdyraFill adapter separately.
Filling tubes take time if you want to deploy it instantly.

Bottom Line

The Hydrabarrier Standard Water Diversion Tubes are a good option if you want to prepare your property for flood or leakage in advance. Because of so many variants, you can set different kinds of barriers. After considering all tests and reviews, we believe it is among the best water filled flood barriers for homes.

3. UpNorth Sand Bags – Budget-Friendly Flood Barrier

UpNorth Sand Bags

✅HEAVY DUTY BUILD: Hemmed top for easy fill , DOUBLE-SEWN bottom for extra strength
✅HEAVY DUTY MATERIALS: 33 grams each, 850 denier count, 10 x 10 tubular weave
✅AFFORDABLE, RE-USABLE, VERSATILE: flood protection, construction projects, water diversion, hurricane barrier

Sandbags are the most cost-effective flood barriers. They do require workforce to deploy it they are effective. Especially, if you know there will be heavy flood, sandbags will be your best form of defense. The UpNorth provide high-quality sand bags for flood control. You can buy in bundles depending on your need. There is nothing fancy about these sand bags. They are simple polypropylene.

The thing with sandbags is that you need time to set up. But once set, you can be sure that it will work. Sand bags are very effective against heavy flood. But for small leakages, it might not be a good idea to use sand bags. It is too much work to fill the bags, and when they are full, they are hard to move. But the thing they use is the quality stitching at the base so that it can withstand the weight of the sand.

We tested these bags to see how resistant they are against water. They are not only water resistant, but they are pest resistant. They are loosely weaved to allow the sand to breathe. Even when stacking several bags over each other, they stay in formation and doesn’t roll over easily. But make sure you fill it loosely so that it doesn’t roll off. Once, used you can clean them with water and store it for future use.

Things We Like

Very inexpensive compared to other flood barriers.
Reusable.
Easy to store.
Require simple sand.
Works well against heavy flood.

Things We Don't Like

Not suitable for small leakages.

Bottom Line

If you live in an area that is prone to flood, a permanent barrier of sand bags would be a good option. They hardly cost anything compared to other flood barriers.

4. Quick Dam Flood Gate – Flood Barrier For Doors & Windows

Sale

Quick Dam Flood Gate

Adjustable gate fits 30 inch -35 inch opening doorways to prevent flood water from entering. Easy to install, use, store...
Creates a water tight seal & installs in only 2 minutes
Sturdy 26 inch steel door barrier covered by a 7 mm thick neoprene sleeve which, when expanded creates a waterproof seal...

If you are specifically looking for something that can be installed at the doorways, there is no other better option than a flood gate. It creates almost wall-like structure to keep the water out. It has protection height of 26” which is highest among the Quick Dam products. And the shelf life of the product is indefinite.

The installation is simple. All you have to do is stack it on the door way. The dimension of the flood gate is 30 x 2.5 x 27 inches which fits into any universal door. However, if you want to install on wide doors, you can connect with other units with the help of stanchion sets. If you are using it on the uneven surface, use it with side rails.

When we installed it for the first time, it hardly took two minutes. It means you can install the barrier as soon as flood hits your place. It uses a sturdy frame with a scissor jack. It can be expanded up to 5” and require no further alterations. There are various other sizes depending on the size. Considering its adjustability, it can fit in to a doorway with 30”-35” opening.

Things We Like

It is very easy to install.
It has an indefinite shelf life.
Diverts even the flowing water.
High protection height.
Indefinite shelf life.

Things We Don't Like

It is most suitable for doorways.
Requires fixed structure like a door to install.

Bottom Line

If you want to protect your house against the water with a level beyond 20” Quick Dam Flood Gate is a great preventive measure.

5. New Pig Mildew-Resistant Absorbent Sock – Top Flood Gate For Spills

New Pig Absorbent Sock

WATER ABSORBER SOCK absorbs leaks, spills and condensation
FLEXIBLE ABSORBENT SOCK is ideal for placing under freezers and coolers, along walls and surrounding equipment
PIG ABSORBENT SOCKS are perfect for basement and garage use – easy to clean up any leak

For containing spills, or leakage you do not need sand bags or water activated barrier, rather a water absorbing barrier is much more efficient. It is because, for the spill, you are looking to remove the water and not divert it. The New Pig Mildew-Resistant Absorbent Sock is one of the most popular water absorbing barriers we tested.

In addition to water, it is also used for absorbing coolants, solvents, and oils. It is made of polypropylene and vermiculite fillers. When it comes in contact with any liquid, it quickly absorbs it and retains it until dry. You can use the absorbent socks under the freezer, cooler, or any other equipment that uses any kind of liquid. A single unit of it hardly weighs. Hence, you can easily stack them in line to absorb in the spill.

While we were testing, we exposed it to all kinds of liquid which it can absorb. Within a minute, it began to absorb the liquid. As it absorbed more and more liquid it grew. We also exposed to a higher amount of liquid. Once it has absorbed the liquid to its limit, it won’t absorb more. Hence, it is not useful if the water is flowing. It works well if you have to manage spill.

Things We Like

It can sun-dried to use it again.
Works with oils, solvent, coolant, etc.
Indefinite shelf life.
Easy to deploy.
Absorbs up to 1 gallon per sock.

Things We Don't Like

It doesn’t work well against flowing water.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for something that can contain and clean the spills or leakage, the New Pig Mildew-Resistant Absorbent Sock is a great option.

6. Snake Sandbags Single Self-Fill Kit – Sandbags For Spill Control

Snake Sandbags Single Self-Fill Kit

Lightweight - 6 Foot Snake Sandbags requires approximately 22 pounds of sand
Durable -Tear-resistant with heavy-duty reinforced stitching
Flexible - Bend in curves and around corners

The Snake Sandbags Single Self-Fill kit is also similar to absorbent socks, but instead of fillers, they use sand. It is a much cheaper option compared to absorbent socks. These are useful for diverting the water. It is not designed for heavy flood, but for small water leakage. There are number of variants depending on the size.

We tested with 6 feet long sandbag. It is made of nylon and requires 22 pounds of sand. It is flexible compared to traditional sand. Hence it can be used for bends and curves. The package also includes adhesive strip if you want to make sure the sand bags don’t move. To test this, we drove a car over the sandbag; it was still intact.

If you want to arrange them to create a wall that can offer protection against a certain level of water, you can stack them in a pyramid formation. We observed that when it is tightly filled with sand, it is not easy to form a wall. But if you keep it loose, it is much easier. It works in almost all kinds of weather. Even when exposed to the sun for a long period, the material is not affected.

Things We Like

Much flexible option compared to other flood barriers.
Good for diverting the continuous flow of water.
Highly durable.
Reusable.
Inexpensive.

Things We Don't Like

Not suitable for a heavy flood.

Bottom Line

In plumbing emergencies, where you have to divert the flow of water, something like Snake Sandbags Single Self-Fill Kit is a highly effective option.

7. FloodSax Sandless Sandbag – Best Alternative For Sandbags

FloodSax Sandless Sandbag

19 x 20 Inches sized flood bag . Vacuum sealed with 10 yr. shelf life. Indoor and outdoor use (fights flooding disasters...
Works in just 3 minutes. Compact and lightweight. Superior flood wall barrier protection and absorbent pad. Add...
Salt water barrier compliant (activate with freshwater before coming into contact with saltwater). Works up to 3 months...

Sandbags are widely used for heavy flood. And there are not many alternatives when it comes to diverting, hundreds of gallon of water. FloodSax Sandless Sandbag is one of the few options that you can deploy for such critical situation. When you buy them, they are vacuum sealed and barely weigh anything compared to a sandbag. It’s like buying a vacuum sealed new pillow.

When it comes in contact with water, it instantly rises. We added almost 50 gallons of water to one unit it absorbed it completely. You can stack these FloodSax Sandless Sandbags just like any sand bags, and it will divert flowing water. However, there is one issue; it doesn’t rise with saltwater, so you will have to soak it with fresh water before you use it for protection against saltwater flood. They can be reused once dried. They have a shelf life of 10 years which is more than any other water activated flood barriers.

One thing that impressed us is that it is made of biodegradable material. When exposed to ultraviolet light the polymers used in it will biodegrade safely. Yes, this alternative is expensive compared to sandbags, but you can deploy it much quickly without using a lot of manpower.

Things We Like

Easy to deploy.
It can be used for heavy flood.
Reusable.
Ten years of shelf life.
Uses absorbent instead of sand.

Things We Don't Like

Requires fresh water for activation.
Expensive than sand bags.

Bottom Line

If you want something that is as effective as sand bags but can be deployed as soon as the crisis arises, then go for FloodSax Sandless Sandbag. It is the best temporary flood protection barriers we have tested.

Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider While Buying Flood Barriers?

There are a lot of variants when it comes to flood barriers. All have their features and protect against flood in different ways. Some are designed for small leakage and spills while some are designed to fight full-fledged food. Hence, it is important to understand the factors that will help you make the right choice. Go through these factors to have a better understanding of flood barriers.

1. Type

There are several ways flood barriers work. But there are two prime ways, a flood barriers works. It either absorbs the water or uses filler to divert the water. Hence, you classify flood barriers into absorbing flood barriers and filler flood barriers.

AbsorbingFiller

They are usually used for controlling the spills, or leakage. If water is leaking into your house due to flood, or from any equipment, these type of flood barrier are designed to absorb the liquid. They are not suitable for controlling the continuous flow of water because once they reach saturation, they stop absorbing the water. New Pig Absorbent Sock is one of the most effective absorbing flood barrier.

The main purpose of the filler is to form a solid barrier that can divert flowing water. There are several fillers used in the flood barrier. The most basic one is sand. Simple sandbags use sands as a filler, and when stacked to form a wall, they can divert heavy flood. More advanced flood barriers use water activated fillers. When they come in contact with water, they rise to form water diverting barrier. These advanced barriers have an advantage over sand bags as they are easy to deploy and have high shelf-life. Best example of water activated flood barrier is Quick Dam Flood Barrier.

2. Size

The size of the flood barrier is a crucial factor. When you are buying you, have to keep in mind where you want to deploy the flood barriers. Depending on the location you choose the right size of the barrier. For doorways, you may need a unit that may not be wide but must have a height of more than 20”. If you are looking to stop the spill or leakage, you require a flood barrier that can be stacked length wise to control the spill. Our list covers flood barrier with different sizes. For doorways, something like Quick Dam Flood Gate is good option. If you want to contain spills or leakage, go for New Pig Absorbent Sock.

3. Reusability

If your home or workplace is situated in a flood-prone area or own equipment that is cause for spills, you don’t want to spend money every time flood hits your place. A reusable flood barrier is much more cost effective than use and throws flood barrier. Most of the flood barrier on our list are reusable. Either you have to wash and dry them after the use or just remove the filler to store them again safely.

4. Shelf Life

Shelf life refers to the age of the flood barrier without being used. Just like any other commodity flood barrier to have an expiry date. The good thing is best flood barriers have more than ten years of shelf life. If you are buying flood barrier that uses sand as filler, you don’t have to worry about the shelf life, but when you’re buying water activated flood barriers, you have to check the shelf life. Each manufacturer offers detail on the shelf life of the flood barrier.

How Did We Test Flood Barriers?

We began our testing process by shortlisting flood barriers that are either popular or best sellers. With the help of 12 experts which included four sellers, we were able to shortlist 17 flood barriers that had a good reputation or the sales numbers. Next, we acquired each 17 flood barrier for testing. Before testing, we had to determine the parameters for the tests.

Considering the design and the way the flood barrier is used, we were able to determine the factors that make the best flood barrier. Once we were sure about the parameters, we began our tests. For each model, we had designed several tests. We made sure any test we design resembles real life situation so that the effectiveness of the unit is properly tested. And the tools we use for taking a different measurement, we make sure they are accurate and well calibrated.

In addition to the test, we also contacted several existing users of each model of the flood barrier. We heard their experience and views on the flood barriers they use. This gave us a much better idea on the way the flood barrier performs. After we had all the test results and heard user feedbacks, we asked our team to score each flood barrier based on three factors—deployment, re-usability, and effectiveness. After calculating the overall score, we were able to sort the seven best flood barriers. Here is the scorecard:

Product	Deployment	Re-usability	Durability	Overall	Check Price
Quick Dam Flood Barrier	98.4	97.6	97.3	97.7	Check Price
Hydrabarrier Standard	96.9	98.2	97.8	97.6	Check Price
UpNorth Sand Bags	96.3	97.4	97.6	97.1	Check Price
Quick Dam Flood Gate	97.2	97.1	96.7	97.0	Check Price
New Pig Mildew-Resistant	97.8	96.7	96.1	96.8	Check Price
Snake Sandbags	96.1	96.9	96.5	96.5	Check Price
FloodSax Sandless	96.6	96.9	95.8	96.4	Check Price

Final Thought

Flood barriers help you avoid damage caused by water. It is all about being prepared for the worst. Hence, you have to find the best possible flood barrier that helps you cover all the areas prone to flood, leakage, etc. Our list of best flood barriers has products that are tested and well researched. Make sure you stick with them. If you have any confusion about which to buy, go through our buyer’s guide for more information.