SEAWALLS

The life expectancy of a seawall is generally about 35 years on average. However, it can vary, depending on the following factors:

• Type of seawall (steel, vinyl, concrete, rip rap)
• Quality of installation
• Extent of maintenance

The installation process is critical! Improper seawall construction installation can reduce the seawall’s lifetime by 10-15 years. A major reason for seawall failure is that they are not deep enough. A seawall should be as deep as it is high in order to support itself. Thus, you should be careful about the seawall service you choose (we hope it’s Coast Seawall Dock & Boatlifts).

Seawall damage can be due to different reasons, but the signs of damage are generally quite noticeable. Still, the warning signs will depend on the type of seawall you have, so it might not be the same for everyone. This is exactly why you need a professional inspection of your seawall every now and then. Nevertheless, here are the things you need to look out for, depending on the type of seawall you have installed:

• Steel seawalls- leaks, corrosion, and cracks
• Rip rap- dislodged stones in need of replacement
• Concrete- separation between the slabs

We suggest you get professional help because preserving the longevity of a seawall requires the attention of a trained professional. We are here to help!

You can try and help maintain your seawall on your own, while still enlisting the aid of a professional every 5 years to get further inspection. A few ways to do self-maintenance on your seawall would be to seal minor cracks and holes with marine gout, watch for any plant growth, and make sure you don’t have any weep holes, especially clogged weep holes, to prevent your seawall from failing.

Seawall damage is not necessarily drastic. In fact, minor damage is fairly easy to fix during routine maintenance. The real problem begins when you prolong the time between damages and repair. For instance, a sagging steel seawall or a seawall with major breaches that allow the soil to drain into the water will require considerable repairs. If you notice major flexion in the wall or your land sliding toward the water, please give us a call before the situation becomes severe. When in doubt, make sure to schedule an appointment with one of our trained professionals!

There are various factors that can affect the cost of seawall construction in South Florida, including  –

• • Design
  • Material type
  • Height
  • Area
  • Ease of installation