7 Important Qualities Every Sandbag Should Have

When you need a sandbag, you need something that works. Whether you’re looking to create a quick barrier, move water around effectively, or test out your engineering projects safely, you need your sandbags to be reliable.

Sandbags already have easy-use qualities. For example, bags for sand are typically inexpensive and, when they’re well made, are very good at getting simple jobs done quickly. However, when they’re not made well, the result can be catastrophic. 

Imagine, for example, that you’re working to control erosion and avert floods with sandbags that claim to have UV resistance but really aren’t able to stand up to the sun. After being exposed to the elements, the bags might wear away within a few short months, leaving your erosion control strategy in the dust. With thin fabric, poor stitching, or even incorrectly advertised weight capacities, you could find that your projects aren’t progressing the way you had planned. 

                                      Prolonged UV exposure can increase the likelihood of sandbag deterioration and failure.

It doesn’t have to be this way. With great sandbags, you can rely on superior performance. Here’s what to look for. 

Consider these 7 great qualities you’ll want to see in your sandbags.

Check for these seven attributes of a ready-to-perform sandbag, and you’ll be set up for long-term success. 

1. Durability

Sandbags aren’t typically purchased for delicate work. They need to be able to withstand pressure and work well out in the elements. To ensure that your sandbags are up for the job, steer clear of versions that are made of burlap or other similar fabrics. Instead, opt for a polypropylene version for increased reliability. 

2. UV Rating 

Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to get a higher UV rating than you think is necessary! You don’t want your bags deteriorating after long-term exposure to the sun. Purchase your bags from a reputable manufacturer, so you have confidence that the stated UV rating is accurate. 

3. Customizability

The standard garrison sandbag (SGB1) is 26 inches by 14 inches by 4 inches when filled. However, you may want your sandbags to be as specific to your industry and application—and even your company—as possible. Look for customization options that you will utilize as well as good optional features (e.g., labeling or different types of coating or tubular designs) that you see yourself using. 

4. Recycling Potential

If sustainability is one of your values, it’s always a good idea to see if the bag manufacturer or reseller offers a recycling program to collect their bags after use since many polypropylene sandbags are not biodegradable but can be repurposed through recycling.  

5. Longevity and Reusability

You don’t want to be making this same purchase again next year! Since most sandbag applications are temporary, a polypropylene sandbag is a great option for reuse as it can be emptied and stored. Just remember to store your bags in a cool, dry place without direct exposure to sunlight and UV rays.

6. High Performance

Your sandbags need to do well at their given jobs. Check for puncture-resistant fabric and use a fill material that aligns with  your required density and permeability and is best-suited to meet the challenges and demands that exist in your sandbags’ environment.

7. Ease of Use

Finally, you want to have an easy user experience with your sandbags, which is why you should understand how you will be using the bags before you make a purchase. Check out this helpful guide from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on proper sandbag stacking techniques. This one simple check can save you a lot of effort later, so it’s definitely not one you’ll want to skip! 

If you’re using your bags for technical engineering work or environmental work that requires specific stability ratings, it’s always best to check in with a professional from that industry. However, when you need high-quality sandbags, Conitex Sonoco is your contact for all the info you need. 

Order the right sandbags the right way to reduce cost.

One last piece of insider info: There are definitely specific ways to order your sandbags to reduce cost and meet all of your manufacturing standards. First, make sure that you know exactly which dimensions (such as height, volume, and safety factor) you need to specify before you begin the ordering process. 

Then, make sure that you find a manufacturer with a history of achieving high customer satisfaction and fulfilling orders on time. While there may be environmental reasons for delays in shipping, it’s always good to have a transparent relationship with a supplier you can trust. 

Finally, consider increasing the amount of stock you hold in inventory. Purchasing more stock at once can reduce headaches later on and may even help you achieve lower costs up front! 

Explore your options for high-quality sandbags with Conitex Sonoco.

As we’ve discussed, sandbags aren’t really the simple purchase you might have hoped for. Not all sandbags are made the same, and there are key bag attributes that you need to look for in order to ensure success. 

At Conitex Sonoco, our friendly team of bag experts will be able to answer many of the questions you may have, take time to learn about your project and your goals, and direct you toward a product that will help you in the way you need it. Give our team a call today to learn more about how we can serve you or to learn more about the high-quality sandbags we have to offer.