Flooding inside churches can cause catastrophis damage to ancient floors Flooding inside churches can cause catastrophis damage to ancient floors FloodSax are unique as they tackle flooding both inside and outside buildings FloodSax are unique as they tackle flooding both inside and outside buildings FloodSax are very flat with a large surface area so can even slip under floorboards to soak up escapes of water FloodSax are very flat with a large surface area so can even slip under floorboards to soak up escapes of water FloodSax saving the 100-year-old wooden floor at a church in South Africa FloodSax saving the 100-year-old wooden floor at a church in South Africa

The 5 reasons why churches are so vulnerable to flooding and how FloodSax can save them a fortune in flood damage

Churches are particularly vulnerable to flooding which can quickly lead to expensive water damage … but unique anti-flooding product FloodSax can deal with the problem both outside and in.

Many churches are notorious for having leaky roofs and windows with the water falling on ancient decorative floors and other priceless fixtures and fittings which have been there for centuries.

Here are the 5 reasons why churches are so vulnerable to water and flood damage.

  1. The materials used when they were built. Many churches are centuries old and built with materials like stone, lime plaster and timber that can be severely damaged by, or absorb, water.
  1. Churches can be very difficult to adapt to install modern flood protection devices. Many are listed buildings so need special permission which can often be complex to make permanent alterations, such as  installing barriers or changing drainage.
  2. Historic buildings often lack modern damp-proof courses, making them more vulnerable to rising damp during high water tables. Water often pools underneath floorboards and flagstones, causing long-term damage to the structure.
  1. Churches are challenging and difficult to maintain, especially with such high ceilings and roofs. The main problems are loose roof tiles, cracked windows and damaged lead flashings which are the typical reasons why water gets into churches, causing water damage inside. 
  2. Many churches are near rivers or in low-lying areas which greatly increases their risk of flooding from both rivers, streams and surface water flooding.

Why every church in the UK needs FloodSax to protect it from flooding and escapes of water

One very inexpensive way to deal with flooding and escapes of water is to have FloodSax alternative sandbags stored in the church so you’re ready for anything 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

In their dry state FloodSax are very flat with a large surface area so the gelling polymer inside them can soak up escapes of water, drips, leaks and internal floods even in the most inaccessible places such as beneath floorboards and flagstones in churches, as well as underneath sinks, pipes, radiators and boilers. They’re also vital for health and safety in public places to prevent people slipping on wet surfaces.

Once FloodSax are fully immersed in water the gelling polymer absorbs and retains it to expand to become an instant sandless sandbag. Several can then be used to build a protective barrier outside to prevent water getting into the building or to divert it down drains.

FloodSax saved a vintage wooden floor at a church in Durban, South Africa.

The church was badly flooded and worshippers feared their 100-year-old wooden floor had been damaged beyond repair.

But FloodSax saved the day by soaking up the water and now has sufficient FloodSax so it’s fully prepared for any future flooding emergencies.

The church leaders sent a thank you message to FloodSax, saying: "Our church is water free and will be safe from future water damage.''

FloodSax are the original sandless sandbags and are used by businesses - including major supermarket chains - facilities management companies, local councils, NHS trusts and homeowners.

FloodSax were devised by Yorkshire company Environmental Defence Systems Ltd (EDS) and more than 3 million have been sold worldwide.

EDS director Lucy Bailey said: “FloodSax are a very cost-effective solution to deal with flooding, leaks or escapes of water in churches and can prevent an awful lot of water damage.

“As they can be used both in their dry state to soak up water or as a sandless sandbag, it makes the product totally unique and multi-functional as the one-stop temporary solution for the very many ways water can have a detrimental impact on church buildings.

“It’s vital that churches are prepared for any kind of flooding so they can react immediately to any water emergency which could have a potentially catastrophic effect on the church’s heritage.’’

For more information go to the FloodSax website at www.floodsax.co.uk, email info@edslimited.co.uk or call 01484 641009.