Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
Lab tests find duct tape cut water leaks through doors by up to 98%
Researchers at the University of Hull tested flood protection for household doors in a laboratory.
They applied duct tape to the outside of doors and increased the water depth to test how much leaked through.
Duct tape reduced leakage by 97-98% in the tests, while sandbags reduced it by no more than 70% at their most effective.
A roll of duct tape can cost £10 or less, while sandbags take more effort and expense to transport and deploy.
The tape is only a temporary measure, and it cannot stop water entering through walls, floors or drains.
The findings point to preparing before floodwater arrives, while homes at significant risk still need professionally assessed protection.
Laboratory tests found that duct tape applied to the outside of household doors reduced water leakage by 97% to 98%.
The tests were conducted by researchers at the University of Hull on modern wooden, uPVC and composite doors.
Sandbags reduced leakage by up to 70% in the tests, and performed less effectively than the tape-based methods.
The researchers said duct tape is a temporary measure, not a substitute for professionally designed flood protection.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of Hull conducted the tests.
- What
- Laboratory tests found that duct tape reduced water leakage through doors by 97% to 98%.
- When
- The article was published on October 22, 2026. The testing date is not stated.
- Where
- University of Hull laboratory.
- Why
- The tests assessed how much water could enter through household doorways and how different protections could limit leakage.
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- Leakage reduction with duct tape
- 97% to 98%
- Sandbag leakage reduction
- Up to 70%
- Maximum water depth tested
- 60 cm
- Tape application time
- About 10–20 minutes per door
- Research institution
- University of Hull