FAQ
FLOOD BAGS
& BARRIERS
Frequently
Asked Questions
Quick Dams, what are they and how do they work?
Quick Dams contain a super absorbent polymer
(similar to what’s inside baby diapers) that react
and swell on contact with water. Once activated
(typically 5 minutes), the water is contained as a gel
within the fabric, thus acting as a barrier.
How do you activate them?
Lay them in position and wait for the rain, spray
with a hose, dunk them in a bucket of water, lay
them in a puddle or place them in a fresh water
source like a stream.
Do I have to add water?
Depending on your situation, you may pre-activate
them or let the weather activate them. Quick Dams
can be placed in position and wait for water to
arrive. If a current of water is expected, partially
activating them is recommended so that they don’t
oat away. If building a retaining wall is desired, pre-
soaking & stacking them is recommended.
Do Quick Dams or any other water activated
sandbags work with salt water applications?
No, Quick Dams do not work with salt water,
calcium, lime or chlorine. There is a chemical
reaction that causes the absorbed water to be
released back out, making them not effective as a
barrier & must be thrown away.
How should I position Quick Dam Flood Barriers?
Flood Barriers contain a wedge to prevent them
from rolling. When laying in position, be sure to
place the “mini channel” away from ooding water.
This will assure that as it grows, it acts as a wedge
to secure in position. Ideally, place Quick Dams
outdoors in the path of problem water & divert
it, before it becomes a problem. They can also be
used to absorb & contain a leak or spill.
Can these be used for Oil & Chemicals?
Quick Dams should be pre-activated with water to
create a barrier & then they can be used to control
other uids. They will not activate without the
presence of water.
I noticed some white crystals on the outside of the
product after I activated it. Is that normal?
Yes, this is normal. During our manufacturing
process the needles can pull the powder through
the stitched seam, which will cause crystals to
appear the rst time you activate the product.
The gelled water will wash away with water, degrade
over time & is non toxic & nonhazardous.
How long do Quick Dams last?
Un-activated: indenite as long as kept dry,
so store in their closed package until needed.
Activated: if left in position, they can last for
6-12 months.
Can I re-use them?
Yes, you can re-use them. Once activated, Quick
Dams will remain active until the water evaporates,
typically taking several weeks for complete
evaporation. If left in position, they will shrink while
evaporating and grow when re-exposed to water.
They seem to shrink. Is that normal?
Yes, as the water evaporates, they will get smaller.
If complete evaporation is desired, store Quick
Dams in a dry environment , like a garage or shed.
Over several weeks, Quick Dams will shrink &
become crunchy & ready to store away. Once re-
exposed to water, they will absorb & swell again.
What do I do with them when I’m done?
Quick Dams are environmentally friendly and can
be disposed of in the trash. Polymer contents will
degrade with UV exposure, pressure and time,
leaving an empty pouch that can be thrown in
the trash. Gelled contents can be cut out of bag &
spread on lawn or garden to provide temporary
moisture until degradation occurs, typically within
a few days. Contents will be VERY slippery, so keep
off of walkways to prevent slip & fall accidents.
THE NEXT GENERATION IN FLOOD PROTECTION
TM