The University of Hull in the UK announced on October 15 that adhesive tape demonstrated superior flood prevention capabilities compared to traditional sandbags in an inundation experiment conducted using residential front doors.
The research was commissioned by Flood Re, which operates the UK's flood insurance scheme. Conducted at the University of Hull's dedicated experimental facility, the study compared the effectiveness of various flood prevention measures by raising water levels up to 60cm using six different types of front doors varying in material and structure.
The experiment revealed that applying synthetic rubber sealing tape to the exterior of a door reduced water leakage by 99% compared to taking no preventative measures. Even with "duct tape," a strong adhesive tape reinforced with fabric, a 97-98% reduction in water leakage was observed.
In contrast, traditional sandbag measures achieved only a 70% reduction in water leakage. Even the least effective adhesive tape tested recorded an 80% reduction rate, indicating that all tapes outperformed sandbags.
Furthermore, applying the tape to the exterior of the door proved more effective at preventing inundation than applying it to the interior.
The study also revealed that the amount of water ingress varied depending on the door's opening direction. Outward-opening doors experienced 74% less water leakage, even without any preventative measures, compared to inward-opening doors.
However, the experiment was designed for relatively shallow inundation, and the effectiveness may vary depending on the house's structure, water levels, and other factors. The research group presents tape as an inexpensive and easily prepared supplementary flood prevention measure.
