Maintaining your seawalls is a great way to protect your shoreline. A seawall is the epitome of durability and stability. Seawalls are strong, but they can only take so much abuse before maintenance is required. Failure to maintain and inspect your seawall can lead to structural failures and costly repairs. We don’t want you to deal with this headache! This maintenance tips will help you maintain your seawall. It will tell you how long your wall should last, what to look out for, and what you can do to maintain it.
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How long can I expect my seawall to last?
The life expectancy is very important. It is an important investment, and you will want to be sure that it will pay off in the long run. In general, there are three factors that determine the longevity of a seawall:
1. Types of Wall
2. Installation of high quality
3. What is the extent of seawall repair?
How long do different types of seawalls last?
Let’s first look at the expected life of three types of seawalls – steel seawalls (outcropping), riprap, and other. A steel seawall will last on average 35 years. If they are galvanized, however, they can last for a few more years. Since they are made of rocks and stones, outcroppings and riprap usually last longer than their steel counterparts. These seawalls can last a lifetime if they are properly maintained and given the right attention.
The composition of a seawall is not the only factor that determines its durability. Seawalls are compact and cost-effective. The construction of seawalls takes up less space than any other type of shoreline protection. For example, dikes use up more space on your property. A compact seawall gives you more space to enjoy. Another benefit is that seawalls are cheaper than many other land-protection projects. Seawalls cost less than other land protection projects. The money you save can be used to enjoy the protected land.
What is the impact of quality on the life expectancy of a seawall?
Quality installation is important, whether you are getting a brand new seawall installed or inheriting one. Poorly installed seawalls will require repairs 10-15 years earlier than if they were built correctly. Seawall repairs can be expensive! Make sure to hire the best people for your seawall installation. If you are considering purchasing a house with a seawall already installed, make sure that the seawall is inspected prior to purchase.
It’s impossible to count the number of homeowners who have bought a house with a poor seawall. Unfortunately, they ended up paying much more than expected for their humble home. Unfortunately, scammers exist. Seawalls are often installed with poor-quality materials and sloppy methods. Some contractors install seawalls that are not deep enough. This is one of the worst tricks. This shortcut is used to save on material costs. They will fail because the seawalls are not firmly rooted in the ground. As a rule, a seawall must be at least as high as it is deep. An inspector who is trustworthy will not have any trouble verifying this.
How can I maintain my seawall?
It is your responsibility to maintain a properly installed seawall. To ensure proper maintenance, experts recommend having your seawall checked by professionals every 5-6 years. You can still do some basic things to maintain your wall. Some problems are easily fixable and obvious. For example, you can seal minor cracks or holes in the seawall using marine grout. These repairs will prevent water from flowing behind the seawall and eroding the soil and sand underneath.

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Plants are the problem
Our first seawall maintenance tips is to make sure clear your wall from plant life. Be sure to keep an eye on the growth of all plants around your seawall. Some seawalls include plant life to create a natural aesthetic. However, not all growth on a seawall is good. You should kill them with weed killer before they cause any damage. Be sure to use weed killer on them before they cause any damage.
Watching Weep Holes
Weep holes are holes that let water filter from behind a seawall. Water pressure can be increased if weep hole debris is clogged. This will cause the wall to crack and crumble. To prevent damage, you should inspect your weep holes often and remove any obstructions.
Waterproofing
Some owners spray on waterproofing solutions to their seawalls as an additional layer of protection. This may also be an option depending on the type of seawall that you have.
What are the major signs of trouble?
You should inspect your seawall regularly for any damage. Inspections are particularly important after major runoff events such as storms or flooding. What you need to look out for depends on what type of seawall you have.
Steel seawall – Be on the lookout for corrosion, leaks, and cracks. Watch out for stones that have been dislodged and need replacing. Check the joint between the slabs for separation. These types of damages can require different attention and should be determined by a professional inspection.

How do I know if it’s an urgent problem?
Basic tools can fix minor damage. Nevertheless, some issues require more than routine maintenance. More extreme cases may require excavation. If your steel seawall is sagging or bending outwards, you may need to replace it. If you notice indentations or pits near the seawall, then there may be a hole in the wall that allows soil to drain into the water. The wall will need to be repaired in this situation.
In conclusion, maintaining your seawall is essential for protecting your shoreline and avoiding costly repairs. Factors such as the type of wall, quality of installation, and extent of repair can affect the longevity of your seawall. By properly maintaining your seawall and following those maintenance tips, conducting regular inspections, and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure its durability and maximize its lifespan. Remember to hire reputable professionals for installation or inspection and stay vigilant in monitoring plant growth, checking weep holes, and addressing any signs of damage. With proper care and maintenance, your seawall can provide long-lasting protection for your property and give you peace of mind along the shoreline.
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