Seawalls serve as important barriers against the relentless forces of water, which is a common occurrence on coastlines. But even the most durable structures can weaken over time (usually due to constant exposure to the elements). Seawalls are often affected by premature deterioration and failure because of the corrosive conditions to which they’re exposed. In many cases, it can fall victim to soil erosion.
If your seawall needs to be repaired, you should get the opinion of a qualified and trusted professional. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a quick fix so you can repeat the process soon afterward. In other words, it pays to get it right the first time.
When a Seawall Repair is Appropriate
Repairing a seawall isn’t always going to be the best solution to the problem. In some ways, it can be like patching up a critical wound. Repairing small parts of your seawall one at a time can become an ongoing maintenance issue where good money goes after the bad. If your seawall is relatively new and the damage was caused by a localized event, repairing it might be a good option. But you want to speak to a professional about what will be the best solution.
If the structure was built many years ago, changes in the general lay of the land and waterfront can make a difference in how much protection it will provide. A barrier that was built 20 years ago may no longer provide adequate protection. It also won’t be able to compete with new materials (such as vinyl sheet piling). It makes no sense to repair something that will fail sometime in the near future.
Regardless of the solution, you want to take care of a damaged seawall as soon as possible. Putting it off can lead to serious erosion of your property, which will get worse over time. It will also make your home more vulnerable to storms and high tides.
Causes of Seawall Decay
Every seawall will be subjected to some form of decay, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. The materials from which a seawall was constructed can make a difference in how well it can withstand these factors. Understanding the pitfalls associated with specific materials can help you determine whether your seawall needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
Wooden seawalls are often subjected to decay. It can also be affected by borers, which are tunneling creatures that feed on submerged timber. It can even deteriorate because of the constant motion of water and sand. When these types of seawalls start to collapse, replacing them with a wall that’s built from a superior material (such as co-extruded vinyl) will often be the best solution. Repairing wooden seawalls will need to be repeated, which will become a frustration.
Concrete seawalls have iron rebar that will start to rust, so a seawall that’s made of this material will eventually lose its reinforcement ability. Concrete seawalls will also start to crack and will eventually give way to the pressure of the land. Patching concrete below the water line won’t work, so any damage in this part of your seawall will have to be replaced.
Steel will also rust, become unsightly, and weaken (a process that you can’t reverse). Contrary to popular belief, the same is true for aluminum. Like steel, it will break down from constant exposure to saltwater. Replacing these seawalls with one that’s made from a more durable and attractive material may be a better long-term solution.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Seawall Repair
You may think that a DIY solution can save you money, but repeatedly fixing damage that gets worse over time can make professional seawall repair a more cost-effective solution over the long term. While it requires a higher upfront investment, it will give you more value. A professional will have access to a variety of methods that are more likely to fix the problem than a DIY repair ever could.
In many cases, a DIY repair won’t be able to take care of what’s causing the damage. So, it can lead to ongoing repair costs. A professional restoration will give you a more long-term solution, because it will make sure the seawall is stable. It will also reduce maintenance expenses and the chance of any unexpected property damage.
If you’re looking for one of the best seawall contractors in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.