When it comes to choosing the right product to protect your home, structure, or property, from an overabundance of rising water levels, a lot of thought must go into what makes one product superior to the alternatives. There are so many options available, that it makes sense to boil it down what you’re actual end goal is in order to know what you need for your project.
Let’s take a look at some of your options and see what materials are used so you can become more knowledgeable in what product or service offered will fit your needs.
First, decide whether or not you want a permanent and aesthetically altering structure:
YES (high likelihood of frequent flooding or rising water levels):
Levee- material: Usually earthen materials, stone, fill, occasionally concrete
details: An elongated ridge, naturally or artificial, which regulates water levels. Mainly used in or along large bodies of water, is permanent, and can be designed beautifully to prevent erosion, at a high price tag…
Diversion canal- material: Concrete
details: A purpose-built canals used to divert waters below street level to drain into other bodies of water. ranging from the size of a street gutter to a few thousand feet in size. Made entirely of concrete. Most common in large cities. Also carries a large investment cost.
Retention pond- material: dug earth, vegetation, underground pipes
details: A man-made lake used to manage rainwater runoff to prevent flood waters. Frequently used for water quality improvement. Temporarily stores storm waters and eventually empties to a downstream water body. Channels to basin through storm drains.
NO (most common decision reached by those who have infrequent need, don’t want to alter the appearance of their structures, and/or need a mobile solution for rising water levels):
Sandbags- material: Burlap and sand
details: Earth-filled burlap sacks are stacked to create a barrier. Unfortunately, these sacks are heavy, require off-site fill, need to be replaced frequently, and are unable to withstand being pierced by debris or spreading bacteria. Generally, sandbags are not a great way to do this unless you have absolutely no choice.
Dam-It Dams Cofferdam– material: geo-textile materials and on-site water
details: On-site water is used to fill the inner tubes of this apparatus, and after removing any large debris, it can be placed down and filled using minimal preparation and manpower, as it fills evenly in a controlled manner. The material makes it impermeable to punctures from nearby debris. This item can be used easily in emergency situations due to its light-weight material and little need for preparation.
Straw wattles- material: compressed weedless wheat or rice straw encased in jute or nylon
details: 10-25 feet long and 35 lbs, these barriers are laid by hand with the assistance of hand tools, stakes, and small machinery after digging a trench to be placed in. Can be difficult to manipulate and cannot be used as easily in emergency situations.
Whichever option you choose, Dam-It Dams supports your choice and encourages you to continue to research and safely prepare, install, and, if necessary, dismantle your chosen product. Every project is different and no one knows how to best accomplish the goals of the task you face like you do!
For more details and examples of uses and information, please navigate our website or contact us for a free quote!