Q: My water company is suggesting that we invest in expandable flood barriers in case of flooding in our area, which has happened in previous monsoon seasons. Is this a good idea?
A: These devices are often called quick dams because they don’t require the time that sandbags take to set up around your house. You just take out the quick dams and set them up outside in front of doors, windows and foundations. As water comes up around the house, it activates an absorbent powder or other material inside the barrier that swells up when it gets wet. The expanding barrier then prevents water from getting close to your home. The only problem, of course, is where you will store the barriers, which can be somewhat bulky. It can also be expensive to buy enough of these barriers to cover the entire perimeter of your home.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
