Can Flex Seal Prevent Water Damage in Floods?

Since it came onto the DIY repair scene 13 years ago, Flex Seal has gone on to become the go-to product for making weatherproofing and waterproofing repairs around the home. I always keep some Flex Seal on hand and use it to fix leaky gutters, plumbing pipes and even my canoe.

In recent years, with the increase in extreme weather and corresponding floods, Flex Seal has taken on a more serious task: waterproofing your home. Read on for tips on using Flex Seal to prevent water damage in your home with Phil Swift, inventor and Chief Executive Officer of Flex Seal Family of Products.

What Is Flex Seal?

Flex Seal is a line of sealant and adhesive products that create a “watertight, flexible rubberized coating that stops leaks fast,” Swift says. Flex Seal can be used for all kinds of waterproofing and weatherproofing projects around the house.

Can Flex Seal Stop Water Damage in Floods?

All Flex Seal products can help seal your home from floodwaters. However, the company has recently launched a Flood Protection System specifically with low-level flooding in mind, “which accounts for 90 percent of all floodwater intrusion,” Swift says.

Where other Flex Seal products are meant to be permanent applications, the Flex Seal Flood Protection System is designed as a temporary barrier that can be easily removed after floodwaters have receded. The system comes in a spray, liquid, paste and tape. “When used in combination, they provide multiple layers of flood protection for a wide range of openings where water could enter, such as under and around doors and windows, thresholds, brick molding, door jambs, vents and ducts, basement windows, crawlspaces and more,” Swift says.

What Does Flex Seal Say About Using the Product to Prevent Water Damage?

Flex Seal can be used to prevent water damage to your home, but it has limitations. “Obviously, no solution can guarantee full flood prevention, particularly with huge storms like [Hurricanes] Helene and Milton,” Swift says. The Flex Seal Flood Protection System is not meant for use during flash floods. The products need 24 to 48 hours to cure before water exposure, so proper lead time is crucial for maximum effectiveness.

Tips for Using Flex Seal to Prevent Water Damage

Follow these tips to protect your home before the next storm hits.

• Be prepared: Make sure to plan ahead as Flex Seal needs time to properly cure. “Stay informed about incoming storms and weather events, so you have time to apply them before floodwaters arrive,” Swift says.
• Buy enough product: Make note of all doors, cracks or seams where water can enter, then purchase enough Flex Seal product to adequately cover all surfaces.
• Use multiple product layers: The Flood Protection System works best in multiple layers. For most openings, apply the paste first, then finish with liquid or spray formulas to seal any remaining gaps.
  
• Prepare surfaces: For the best adhesion, make sure all surfaces are clean and dry before applying Flex Seal.
• Apply overlapping layers: As you overlay products, make sure each layer is wider than the previous one. Make sure you allow for adequate dry time between layer applications.

About the Expert

Phil Swift is the inventor and Chief Executive Officer of Flex Seal Family of Products.

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