Sandbags

What is a sandbag?

A sandbag is a flat bag, open on one narrow side, usually made of PP fabric or jute. As the name suggests, sandbags are filled with sand and are used in flood areas and flood times to create dams and barriers to keep water away from populated areas, such as residential and industrial areas.

What materials are sandbags made of and how do they differ?

As mentioned above, sandbags are generally made from two different materials. You can buy both types of sandbags from us!

PP sandbags - PP is the abbreviation for polypropylene. Polypropylene is a very environmentally friendly plastic based on carbon and hydrogen. Polypropylene fabric bags are significantly cheaper than jute flood bags. However, PP sandbags are more slippery and, therefore, less suitable for use on steep slopes compared to the much "grippier" bags made from jute. PP is more durable outdoors and less sensitive to water and moisture.

Jute bags - Jute is a natural product that is obtained from plants. The plant fibres are first used to make yarns, which are then used to make fabric. The finished jute sandbags that we know here in Europe are produced in a further step. Jute is somewhat more expensive than PP bags due to the more complex production process. However, the rough surface of jute bags makes them very suitable for use on steep embankments and slopes. Sisal sacks are much more sensitive to moisture than plastic sacks made of polypropylene.

Intended use

Sandbags are primarily used for dam construction, dykes and flood protection. Dams made of sandbags form a stable and secure barrier against flooding. However, our bags can also be used for all kinds of other purposes. They are also suitable for creating temporary barriers around houses and yards, cellars and other entrance points during heavy rainfall or in flood areas. Of course, the bags can also be used to store things. Jute sacks are also popular as a decorative item due to their natural and old-fashioned look.

Sandbags can also be used as sacks to weigh down film, fleece or other outdoor coverings. For example, professional and amateur gardeners and farmers use sandbags to weigh down fleece, perforated film or other materials. Sandbags are also used to collect contaminated extinguishing water during fire brigade operations.

Sandbags are also used worldwide for military purposes, such as building dams and ramparts to protect against shrapnel and bullets. In Europe, this use has fortunately and hopefully disappeared forever.

PP and jute sandbags are rarely used as silo sandbags for bunker silos, as there are special Silo Sandbags / Silo Bags for this purpose.

What sizes are there and what is the weight of filled sacks?

Sandbags are usually only available in two different sizes. All other fabric bag sizes are generally used for other purposes, as their large dimensions when full make them too heavy for practical handling. We offer the following sandbag sizes:

These are the other available fabric bag sizes (not suitable as sandbags due to the high filling weight):

How long are sandbags UV-resistant?

Bags made of PP ribbon fabric are UV-resistant for at least 12 months under typical Western European environmental conditions. If the fabric bags come into contact with chemicals (such as oils, etc.), this can greatly reduce the durability of the floodwater bags.

Jute bags have a slightly shorter shelf life due to their plant-based origin. We estimate a durability of less than one year. As this is a natural product, it is difficult to make a definite prediction.

How do I fill a sandbag?

Smaller quantities can easily be filled with a small garden shovel. If you need larger quantities or regularly fill sandbags, we recommend using a hopper to significantly speed up the process. In some emergency situations, however, the time factor is crucial. For this purpose, we also offer pre-filled sandbags from stock to our customers. The problem is that stocks often run out quickly in emergency situations, as many customers experience the same issue at the same time. Therefore, if you live in a flood-prone area, it is advisable to keep a sufficient supply of filled flood bags in stock to ensure you are prepared for an emergency. You can find out more about filled sandbags below.

How do I seal sandbags?

All sandbags from dm-folien are equipped with a drawstring or tie. Once the sandbag is filled, it only takes a few simple steps to close the bag with the tie. Sandbags can also be closed quickly and effectively using cable ties, wire bag fasteners or bag sewing machines.

Can I also buy pre-filled sandbags?

Yes, you can, of course, also buy filled sandbags from us. Filled sandbags are often used in emergency situations when time is pressing. We supply both filled PP fabric sacks and jute sacks. The disadvantage of filled floodwater bags is their heavy weight and the high transport and storage costs associated with them, which are reflected in the slightly higher price. For customers who do not have an immediate need, unfilled ballast bags are somewhat cheaper due to lower freight costs. Buy filled sandbags from us now!

Which customers need sandbags?

• Fire brigade
• THW
• Private customers, companies and organisations in flood areas
• Nurseries and hobby gardeners for weighting fleeces, films, etc.

Accessories and similar products

• Silo sandbags / Silo bags
  
• Wire bag closures / Twist wires and drilling equipment
• Woven sacks / Garden waste sacks
• Cable ties