{
  "title": "Sandbags vs fitted aluminum flood barriers (Florida homeowner TCO)",
  "updated_at": "2026-05-28",
  "disclaimer": "Illustrative comparison for decision-making. Rubicon does not publish fixed barrier prices online. Sandbag estimates vary by opening width and target height.",
  "dimensions": [
    {
      "factor": "Bags needed",
      "sandbags": "80–120 per garage opening",
      "fitted_barrier": "Measured panel set — sized once"
    },
    {
      "factor": "People needed",
      "sandbags": "2–3 each storm",
      "fitted_barrier": "1–2 to deploy stored panels"
    },
    {
      "factor": "Time needed",
      "sandbags": "3–5 hours setup",
      "fitted_barrier": "Under 1 hour when pre-staged"
    },
    {
      "factor": "Transport & storage",
      "sandbags": "Pickup loads + driveway pallets",
      "fitted_barrier": "Panels stored on-site in SWFL garage"
    },
    {
      "factor": "After the storm",
      "sandbags": "Wet disposal / haul-off",
      "fitted_barrier": "Rinse, inspect, reuse next season"
    }
  ],
  "additional_rows": [
    {
      "factor": "Repeat use",
      "sandbags": "New fill / disposal each event",
      "fitted_barrier": "Panels rinsed, inspected, redeployed"
    },
    {
      "factor": "Florida heat & humidity",
      "sandbags": "Wet bags degrade; mold and weight",
      "fitted_barrier": "6063 T6 aluminum + EPDM seals — designed for FL climate"
    },
    {
      "factor": "Quote path",
      "sandbags": "Low upfront cost; high recurring labor",
      "fitted_barrier": "Measurement-based quote; lower seasonal labor"
    }
  ],
  "internal_links": [
    "https://rubiconflood.com/flood-barriers-vs-sandbags",
    "https://rubiconflood.com/sandbag-calculator",
    "https://rubiconflood.com/flood-barrier-cost"
  ],
  "schema_types": [
    "Dataset",
    "ItemList"
  ],
  "entity_id": "https://rubiconflood.com/feeds/comparison-matrix.json#dataset",
  "distribution": "https://rubiconflood.com/feeds/comparison-matrix.json"
}