Living near the ocean or other large bodies of water offers many benefits, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining your property's safety while enjoying the scenic views and accessibility to the water. This is particularly challenging when it comes to building, repairing, and maintaining a seawall, as the ever-changing forces of nature pose a constant threat to its stability.
Understanding Seawall Degradation
To understand why seawalls degrade, we need to grasp their primary function from the land side. Seawalls typically feature small weep holes in the geotextile fabric, allowing water from the land side to pass through the seawall layer and empty into the water. This process reduces back pressure, especially in areas with frequent precipitation.
Over time, soil shifts and creates small voids, weakening the structure as water fills these spaces during natural drainage. Hydrostatic pressure then leads to structural failure near each panel. If the cap, which holds the entire structure together, is damaged, overall failure soon follows. Weather patterns, storm surges, and tidal activity can accelerate this process.
Challenges in Diagnosing Seawall Issues
Diagnosing seawall issues can be difficult until significant signs of deterioration appear, such as large holes behind the seawall. By then, major damage has occurred, and the risk of losing the entire seawall is high. It is crucial to contact a qualified professional to address the damage promptly. This issue affects not only ocean seawalls but also those on lakes, where soil settling, rust, and cracking indicate erosion and water damage.
The Repair Process
Repairing a seawall involves more than just pouring new concrete.
Concrete repairs can present challenges, such as unnecessary stress from pouring concrete directly into voids, causing further cracks and soil destabilization. Additionally, as concrete cures, it can break apart if the underlying soil erodes, leading to incomplete repairs. Concrete poured directly into soil can also hinder successful water drainage over time, resulting in more costly repairs.
Long-Term Solutions
For long-term seawall repair, concrete must be treated to repel water while remaining porous for water displacement. It should also be resistant to UV rays and mold. Rebar or other support structures should be considered to prevent added wear from rust. Treated concrete functions as a permeable yet rigid structure, offering reliable, maintenance-free service in volatile conditions.
Wooden Seawalls
Wooden seawalls, while not as robust as concrete, are popular for lakefront homes and some oceanfront properties. These structures require treatment to repel UV rays and moisture, sealing natural cracks and holes in the wood. This treatment allows wooden seawalls to function almost as well as concrete without the added cost or need for rebar. Wooden seawalls are faster to install and often more visually appealing, making them a common choice for homeowners and attractive for prospective buyers.
At Sussan Allen Construction Marine Division, we specialize in seawall repair services for homeowners and commercial customers in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, Ponce Inlet, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Orlando. Protect your waterfront property with our professional services. Contact us today for a consultation and ensure the longevity of your seawall.
