University of Hull: Duct Tape Reduces Door Flood Leakage by 97-98%

Applying standard duct tape to the exterior of household doors reduces floodwater leakage by 97 to 98 percent in controlled tests, according to research conducted at the University of Hull. The findings offer a low-cost, temporary measure for homeowners preparing for property floods ahead of rising water levels.

Laboratory Tests Reveal Door Leakage Reduction

Stuart McLelland, deputy director of the Energy and Environment Institute at the University of Hull, and his colleagues tested modern wooden, uPVC, and composite household doors inside a laboratory setting. Trade professionals installed the doors before researchers increased water depth in 5-centimeter increments up to a maximum depth of 60 centimeters. A sealed enclosure behind each door captured any water that leaked through, allowing researchers to continuously measure the rate of water leakage.

For unprotected doors, leakage frequently reached thousands of litres per hour at the maximum 60-centimeter depth. When the same researcher applied duct tape across the exterior of the doors—taking between 10 and 20 minutes per door—leakage dropped by 97 to 98 percent. Specialist sealing tapes achieved even greater reductions during the evaluation.

Duct Tape Performance Versus Sandbags

Sandbags have traditionally served as a primary emergency response to rising floodwaters, but physical tests demonstrate practical limitations. Transporting sandbags is heavy work, deployment is labour-intensive, and disposal proves difficult after contact with contaminated floodwater. Most households do not keep a ready supply of sandbags on hand.

During the University of Hull trials, researchers stacked 54 sandbags with plastic sheeting placed between the sandbags and the door. At their most effective depth, sandbags reduced leakage by only 70 percent compared to unprotected doors. By contrast, a roll of duct tape costs £10 or less, making the tape-based sealing method substantially more affordable and accessible than traditional sandbag deployment.

Duct Tape Cannot Substitute for Professional Flood Barriers

University researchers emphasize that duct tape functions strictly as a temporary measure. It cannot substitute for professionally designed flood doors, permanent barriers, or a property-specific flood resilience plan. Tape reduces water entering through specific door gaps, but it does not guarantee a dry home or stop water from infiltrating through walls, floors, and drains.

The effectiveness of exterior tape depends heavily on the condition of the door and frame, the surface composition, the quality of the seal, and prevailing flood conditions. Properties facing significant flood risk still require professionally assessed protection measures. The UK government’s 2025 FloodReady Review previously called for practical, affordable measures to help households understand and prepare for flood risks.

Resilient households monitor flood warnings, maintain an emergency plan for valuables, and secure utilities ahead of time. Adding a roll of duct tape to an emergency flood kit provides an extra layer of defense, ensuring residents take proactive steps before floodwaters arrive.