Owning waterfront property is a special investment that offers a lifestyle of relaxation and comfort. However, it also comes with an additional set of unique responsibilities. Those include protecting the shoreline and adjacent structures from tides, wave action, storm surges and other factors that can compromise their integrity.
Seawalls play an important role in protecting coastline, but they must be repaired and maintained in order to continue providing safety and security to waterfront owners. When your seawall isn’t working properly, it can cause serious damage to your property.
Common Signs of a Failing Seawall
The first indication that your seawall needs repair is if it has cracks or breaks in the panel (or cap). These can be difficult to spot and often result from the soil shifting behind your wall caused by tidal and weather patterns.
Another indication of a failing seawall is if there are voids or sinkholes in the ground surrounding your seawall. These voids can create trip and fall hazards, while also damaging other nearby infrastructure like sidewalks, patios and pools.
These voids are created by erosion that is exacerbated by tidal activity and storm surges. Erosion causes the ground around your wall to move back and forth and fills voids with high water, causing your seawall to buckle and fall apart.
The solution to these erosion problems is to fill the voids with a solid material that can withstand hydrostatic pressure, storm surges and other factors that affect your seawall’s stability. This can be done by backfilling the voids with a closed cell foam that hardens when it contacts the water.