Could a Roll of Tape Outperform Sandbags? New Research Challenges Traditional Flood Protection

When it comes to keeping floodwater out of buildings, the simplest solution might already be sitting in your toolbox.

For generations, sandbags have been the familiar first line of defense against rising floodwaters. But new research from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom suggests that a much lighter, less expensive alternative may offer better protection against certain types of flooding: tape.

Yes, tape.

The findings offer an interesting reminder that effective engineering solutions do not always require complicated technology or expensive materials. Sometimes, understanding how water moves and where it enters a structure can make all the difference.

A Surprising Discovery in Flood Protection

Researchers at the University of Hull's Property Flood Resilience Laboratory examined how different temporary flood protection methods performed when water accumulated outside residential doors.

The results were remarkable.

- Flexible synthetic rubber tape reduced water leakage by 99%.

- Traditional duct tape reduced leakage by 97%–98%.

- Even the least effective tape tested reduced leakage by approximately 80%.

- Traditional sandbags reduced leakage by approximately 70%.

These percentages represent reductions in leakage under controlled testing conditions, compared with an unprotected doorway.

The researchers tested six common door configurations with water depths reaching approximately two feet. They also found that applying tape to the exterior of a doorway was significantly more effective than applying it to the interior.

The findings challenge the assumption that heavier, more substantial-looking flood barriers necessarily provide better protection.

Why Does Tape Work So Well?

From an engineering perspective, the findings make sense.

Water follows available pathways. Small gaps around doors, thresholds, and building openings can allow substantial water intrusion, even when the surrounding structure appears secure.

Sandbags can help redirect water, but they do not create a completely watertight seal. Water may still seep through the spaces between bags or around the edges of a doorway.

Properly applied waterproof tape addresses a different problem: it seals the openings through which water would otherwise enter.

The research demonstrates the value of identifying the specific pathway of water intrusion rather than relying exclusively on traditional protective measures.

What This Means for Stormwater Management

Although the study focused on temporary residential flood protection, its underlying principles are relevant to broader civil engineering and stormwater management practices.

At Abbie Jones Consulting, PSC (AJC), we recognize that managing stormwater involves much more than addressing water after it reaches a building.

Effective stormwater planning considers how rainfall moves across a property, where runoff accumulates, and how site conditions influence drainage patterns.

These considerations may include:

- Topographic surveys: Understanding elevations, slopes, and natural drainage patterns.

- Site grading and drainage design: Directing runoff away from vulnerable structures.

- Stormwater infrastructure: Evaluating drainage systems, collection points, and conveyance capacity.

- Flood risk considerations: Identifying low-lying areas and locations where water may collect during significant rainfall.

- Long-term site resilience: Incorporating practical water management strategies into site planning and development.

Temporary measures such as waterproof tape may provide an additional layer of protection, but they are not substitutes for properly designed drainage systems or comprehensive flood mitigation.

An Affordable Solution With Important Limitations

The research is encouraging, particularly for property owners who may not have immediate access to traditional flood barriers.

Tape is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, easy to store, and potentially faster to deploy than sandbags.

However, there are important limitations.

The reported results came from controlled testing of shallow flooding at doorways. Actual performance depends on door construction, surface conditions, proper application, water depth, and the duration of flooding.

Tape cannot prevent water from entering through damaged foundations, overwhelmed drainage systems, or other unprotected openings. It is also not a solution for deep, fast-moving, or structurally dangerous floodwater.

Property owners should never block required flood openings or compromise safe emergency exits to install temporary protection.

For properties facing significant or recurring flood hazards, professionally evaluated flood mitigation measures remain essential.

Better Flood Protection Begins With Understanding Water

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the University of Hull study is not that tape can outperform sandbags under certain conditions.

It is that effective flood protection begins with understanding the behavior of water.

Whether the solution involves a temporary doorway seal, improved site grading, additional drainage infrastructure, or comprehensive stormwater design, the objective remains the same: identify where water is going and manage it before it causes damage.

At Abbie Jones Consulting, PSC, our land surveying and civil engineering services help support informed site planning, drainage design, and infrastructure decisions.

Because when it comes to protecting property from water, thoughtful planning is always a valuable first line of defense.

Sources and Further Reading

- Good News Network (October 25, 2026): Flood Worries? Tape Can Block 99% of Water Compared to Expensive Sandbags That Break Your Back.

- University of Hull, Property Flood Resilience Laboratory: Research on temporary, low-cost property flood resilience measures.

- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Flood Response Manual (2023).

Abbie Jones Consulting, PSC | Professional Land Surveying & Civil Engineering