If you are looking for an effective and efficient way to control, contain or divert water for any reason, then you should look no further than an inflatable cofferdam. However, getting the most from your inflatable cofferdam is difficult if you have never used one before. Here are some top tips on adequately using an inflatable cofferdam.
Following the Very Best Tips to Use an Inflatable Cofferdam Properly is Crucial!
If you are used to working in or close to sources of water, then you will be aware that water levels fluctuate all the time. Water levels after long, warm days will be much lower than after spells of day after day of heavy rain! You need to understand the water levels you’ll be working in when the dewatering aspect of your project comes about – get it wrong and you could find that your inflatable cofferdams are beneath the surface when installed and inflated!
As you will most likely be working outdoors when using inflatable cofferdams, there are several legal concerns you must think about before your project can commence. For example, you will probably need several legal permits regarding turbidity requirements, right-of-way restrictions, and environmental concerns. It is essential that you do your homework or hire the services of a project engineer who is accustomed to working close to or actually in sources of water.
Suppose your construction company is not accustomed to working in or close to water sources. In that case, it’s best to outsource your project’s dewatering aspect to somebody else. By using the services of experienced contractors, you can be assured that you will get the dewatering side of things done correctly and right the first time. This will save you both time and money and is a far better solution than attempting to install and use an inflatable cofferdam yourself without the necessary skills and experience.
Essential Tips to Properly Use an Inflatable Cofferdam Include Site Preparation
Both static and dynamic water sources will likely contain much debris. Water-inflated cofferdams are resilient, but highly sharp objects can still puncture a cofferdam’s external skin. Therefore, remove as much debris from the site as possible. It will also be worth having a recovery plan on hand should the worst happen, and your inflatable cofferdam suffers a rip or puncture.
An installation plan is also excellent if you attempt to install the inflatable cofferdam yourself. Installing on a dry surface is the most straightforward installation as all you need to do is put your cofferdam in place and inflate it with water. Building in a static water environment is a little more complicated. However, it simply involves floating the cofferdam into position and raising it while keeping a close eye on its place.
Installation in dynamic water is the most complex installation, as the cofferdam will need to be anchored while it is inflated. Suppose you have not installed a cofferdam in active water before. In that case, it may be best to hire the services of a contractor with experience in inflatable cofferdam installation in dynamic water environments.
For any aspect of inflatable cofferdams and, in particular, their installation, please come and talk to our team at Dam-It-Dam, the area’s number one inflatable cofferdam experts. We can be contacted at (810) 695-1695 or through our online contact form for a free cofferdam quote. We look forward to working with you soon.