Why Reusing Sandbags is Not a good idea

Sandbags are a reliable, safe solution for shielding property from wind and storm damage. Filled with sand or soil, they provide a sturdy barrier around buildings to block water or debris from entering. This article provides key insights on sandbags and explains why reusing them may not be advisable. 

The majority of sandbags are either woven polypropylene or burlap sandbags and filled with sand or soil. In some cases Sandbags are also manufactured from hessian and nylon. The durability of these materials means they can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind and snow debris or any other kind of debris . 

When sandbags were first used most were manufactured from Burlap however, they proved not to be as durable as the polypropylene plastic, which was far more resistant due to the plastic component it contains . Sandbags are available in a variety of sizes , depending on need . As an average, a sandbag is typically 14-26 inches weighing between 40 and 50 pounds.

flood sandbag supply

Benefits of Using Sandbags 

Sandbags are routinely used to protect both commercial and domestic properties against the threat of flooding for a number of very good reasons

Ease of Use 

Sandbags are relatively easy to fill meaning  they can be prepared quickly in the case of an emergency such as a hurricane or flood.  It is easy to stack them where needed to form a ring of protection around your property and help keep it protected against damage. 

They are Inexpensive  

The material used to make sandbags is relatively inexpensive, making them a cost effective solution for both homes and businesses when it comes to flood protection. Most industrial suppliers will allow you to buy sandbags in bulk. This means they can be bought in advance and stored until needed.  Residential customers will usually be able to source sandbags at local DIY stores as and when they are needed. 

Sandbags are Reliable 

Sand bags that are correctly filled and stacked properly work to protect a property from damage caused by extreme weather conditions. Although they don’t provide you with complete protection against flooding  they can play a significant part in helping minimise any potential damage .

Why Can’t Sandbags be Reused  

If they have come into contact with contaminated water or other substances , it is not advisable to reuse sandbags.  As the main use of sandbags is to protect against floods ,and other natural disasters, there is a high probability that the water will contain contaminants such as oil, chemicals and septic waste. 

If this happens then the chemicals can break down the structure of the sandbag , and possibly spread the contamination further if they are reused. It is therefore better to dispose of the sandbag correctly using protective eyewear and gloves to ensure your safety is protected .

In Need of high Quality Sandbags ? Contact the Team Here at HBB Geosales

If you are looking for sandbags for use at your commercial property , then contact the team here at HBB Geosales. We supply filled sandbags to industrial and commercial customers throughout the UK. The fact we have our own in-house bag filling plant means we can not only react quickly to emergencies but have complete control over quality. 

We are highly experienced in emergency flood response, with pre-stocked supplies readily available. We can accommodate orders of any size, from bulk shipments to just a few bags for individual households.