If you're in the market for flood protection, you’ve likely seen many options available, including traditional sandbags, Dam Easy flood barriers, Tiger Dams, Flood Risk America flood panels, and more.
When you’re choosing the right flood prevention system, the first thing to know is that flood protection isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Every building is different, every risk is unique, and not all products are created equal. The right solution depends on your specific needs, your location, and the level of protection you’re looking for.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular flood protection options on the market, including sandbags, Dam Easy flood barriers, Tiger Dam, L-shaped barriers, and FRA flood panels, with honest pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
Sandbags
Sandbags are a traditional, affordable way to protect against flooding. Filled with sand and stacked to block or redirect water, they’re easy to use in emergencies but can be heavy, messy, and are best for short-term protection.
Pros:
- Low upfront cost – Cheap to buy in bulk.
- Readily available – Can be found at hardware stores or through local emergency services.
- Quick fix in an emergency – Better than nothing if flooding is imminent and you have no other options.
Cons:
- Labor-intensive – Heavy, time-consuming to fill, stack, and dispose of.
- Ineffective seal – Water often seeps through or around them.
- Single-use – Often contaminated and unusable after one flood.
- Environmental hazard – Difficult to dispose of and can become hazardous waste.
- No warranty or certification – Not tested, certified, or compliant with flood industry standards.
Dam Easy Flood Barriers
Dam Easy Flood Barriers are a quick and easy way to protect doors from flooding. They don’t require tools and can be set up in minutes using an expandable seal to block water. They are a reusable alternative to sandbags.
Pros:
- Tool-free installation – Designed for quick setup without professional help.
- Reusable – Can be used multiple times if well maintained.
- Compact storage – Easier to store than piles of sandbags.
- Better seal than sandbags – Uses a rubber gasket system for a more watertight fit.
Cons:
- Not custom-fit – One-size-fits-most approach may leave gaps or not work with all doorways.
- No site evaluation – No flood expert assesses your property or risk level.
- Limited flood height protection – Effective only for lower-level flooding.
- No FM approval or FEMA compliance – Not certified to industry standards.
What is FM Approval?
FM Global's approval, often referred to as "FM Approved," indicates that a product has been tested and certified to meet specific performance criteria for flood resistance. This certification provides assurance that the product is reliable and will perform as intended during a flood event.
FM Approved flood barriers are certified for their safety and effectiveness through rigorous testing, making them ideal for commercial and industrial use. While products like Dam Easy flood barriers can still be effective for residential protection, they do not meet the same testing standards as other, more robust barriers.
Tiger Dam™ Flood Control System
Tiger Dam Flood Control Systems are reusable, water-filled barriers that help block floodwaters. They’re quick to set up by filling them with water and are strong enough for use in commercial or emergency situations. FM Approved for safety and reliability, they’re a flexible, easy-to-use alternative to sandbags.
Pros:
- Rapid deployment – Can be filled and installed quickly with a water source, making it ideal for emergency response.
- Reusable – Designed for multiple deployments over years with proper care and storage.
- Scalable system – Can be linked together to protect large perimeters, roads, or infrastructure.
- FM Approved – Certified for flood mitigation, giving credibility and industry recognition.
- Minimal storage space – Collapses flat when empty, taking up less room than sandbags or permanent barriers.
- Eco-friendly – No sand or heavy materials to dispose of after use.
Cons:
- Requires water source and equipment – Needs access to water and pumps for deployment, which can delay setup in certain situations.
- Not suitable for all properties – Best for wide, flat areas and not ideal for protecting individual doorways or uneven terrain.
- High upfront cost – More expensive than smaller systems or DIY barriers, though cost-effective for large-scale protection.
- Can be displaced by debris – In fast-moving floodwaters, floating debris can potentially compromise the barrier if not properly anchored.
Water Baffle L-Shaped Barriers
Water Baffle L-Shaped Barriers are strong, reusable flood barriers that use their L-shape and the weight of water to stay in place. They’re easy to set up and connect, making them a reliable way to protect buildings and roads from flooding.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to deploy – Can be moved and positioned quickly before being filled with water or ballast.
- Modular and scalable – Designed to link together for extended protection over long distances.
- Reusable – Made from durable plastic materials that can be drained, stored, and reused for multiple flood events.
- Space-efficient – When empty, they’re stackable and take up minimal storage space.
- Multi-purpose – Can be used for flood control, traffic redirection, or crowd management.
- UV and weather resistant – Suitable for outdoor use and long-term deployment.
Cons:
- Limited flood height protection – Typically only effective for low to moderate flood depths (e.g., 1–3 feet).
- Not watertight – May allow seepage underneath or between units unless sealed properly, making them unreliable in high-risk or fast-flowing floodwaters.
- Not FM Approved or FEMA certified – Most models are not tested or certified by flood industry standards, which can be a concern for insurance or compliance.
- Not custom-fit – Generic design doesn’t contour to specific structures, so gaps or vulnerabilities may exist around buildings.
Flood Risk America Flood Panels
Flood Risk America flood panels are custom-designed barriers that protect buildings from water intrusion. Made from durable, high-quality materials, these panels are built to fit specific entry points like doors, windows, and vents. Easy to install and remove, they offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for both residential and commercial flood protection.
Pros:
- Customizable Protection - Panels are custom-fit and tailored to the specific property.
- Advanced Materials - Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, military-grade with patented technology.
- Easy to Use - Quick installation and removal - many can be set up in minutes.
- Full Support - Nationwide installation, deployment training, flood risk assessments, and prevention planning from a team of flood experts.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Cost - More expensive than traditional methods like sandbags.
- Maintenance Needed - Requires regular inspection to maintain effectiveness.
- Longer Lead Times - Because the panels are custom-made, there may be wait times for design, manufacturing, and delivery - especially during peak storm seasons or after major weather events.
Smarter Flood Protection Starts With Smarter Questions
While some flood protection companies will boast, “You don’t need a flood expert.” as a part of their product benefits, at Flood Risk America, we believe that your property deserves proper protection, and you deserve true peace of mind.
The reality is, it only takes an inch of water to create thousands of dollars in damage. Many property owners are unaware of their actual flood risk until they work with a flood expert and get a proper flood risk assessment. This is because flood maps are often outdated and don’t reflect the current conditions or the full extent of potential flood hazards.
That’s why it’s important to take the time to understand your options and work with experts who can guide you. Rather than providing the quickest and easiest way to protect your property from potentially devastating flood damage, we believe in asking better questions about your flood protection product:
- Is it tested under real-world conditions?
- Is it certified and FM Approved?
- Does it meet FEMA standards?
- Is the company recognized by the flood industry?
- Does the product come with a lifetime warranty?
- Will you have ongoing support if something goes wrong?
If the answer to any of those questions is "no" or "we're not sure," then you’re taking a gamble on your home or business.
Why Flood Risk America Sets the Standard in the Industry
At Flood Risk America, we don’t believe in cutting corners. Our products are not only engineer-designed and fully customizable, but they’re also backed by decades of flood mitigation experience. We're proud to offer:
- Certified, tested, and FEMA-compliant products
- FM Approved
- Custom-fitted barriers for complete perimeter protection
- Lifetime warranties
- And most importantly, a flood expert at every step
Our team doesn’t just sell you a product - we assess your property, analyze your unique flood risk, and design a solution that meets or exceeds industry standards. Because when you’re investing in something this important, “good enough” just isn’t good enough.
Choose smart. Choose certified. Choose Flood Risk America.
Want help understanding your flood risk? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and get expert advice from people who live and breathe flood protection.