Duncan Seawall Dock & Boat Lift LLC

How Often Should Commercial Seawalls be Replaced to Ensure Safety?

Written by Duncan Seawall | Oct 2, 2017 5:52:02 PM

Your commercial seawall is the most efficient way to protect your investment. Initially, you may think that maintaining a seawall is a hassle. However, allowing your seawall to fail can cause significant financial damage to your business, and surrounding properties. You can also be fined for allowing your seawall to fall into a state of disrepair.

Related Blog: How Long Does it Take to Replace a Commercial Seawall in Florida?

To a business or residence, a seawall can be the best defense against common damages caused by being located on the coast. Not only does a seawall protect your business and property from the damage caused by water, it can also protect your business from high-intensity storms. Over time, seawalls break down and begin to deteriorate. The tide, corrosion from salt water, and even over watering your lawn can damage your wall and cause it to break down. Ignoring the damage caused to them can cause devastating effects and potentially fines. To prevent the possibility of damage caused by a deteriorating commercial seawall, you should pay attention to the reasons they need to be repaired or replaced.

Materials Seawalls are Commonly Made Of

The material seawalls are made of will depend on the weather conditions in your area. It is also determined by the position on the coast, wave patterns, and the value of your property. Different seawalls are structured differently. While installing a seawall may cause some minor problems, including sediment disruption. Seawalls are composed of one or more of the following materials:

  • Vinyl
  • Aluminum
  • Fiberglass
  • Sandbags
  • Steel
  • Biodegradable/Renewable Options

Leaning and Bowing

Over time, your seawall may suffer from erosion. The steel begins to corrode, causing the wall to corrode, lean, or bow. Over time, the damage may allow water to seep behind the wall. Regular inspections can prevent the problem from developing to the point where erosion begins.

Cracking

Even though steel is durable, it can crack under the pressure that is put on it. The crack can cause the wall to lean or begin to bow. Cracks are a clear path for water to seep behind the wall, causing damage to your land, and breaking down the wall further. If cracks begin to form in your commercial seawall, you should have it repaired or replaced right away.

The Development of Sinkholes

If your seawall is protecting a landscaped area, erosion from a damaged seawall will be visibly evident. Over time, small sinkholes will begin to develop. Even through high grass, these holes will be noticeable when you are cutting the grass.

Failing Anchors

Just like a failing seawall can create leaning, bowing, and cracking, having a misaligned seawall can cause anchor failure. The salt water can break down the anchor rods when they are constantly exposed to it. If the wall has any sea water behind it, the anchors will corrode much faster, having disastrous effects on the structure. The excess weight load behind the seawall can cause an overload on the structure, straining the anchors and causing them to break.

The integrity of your commercial seawall is the only thing standing between the ocean and your property. It is the only thing preventing damage to your property. This is why you should ensure that your seawall remains strong and is inspected for damage regularly. By ensuring that your wall is in good condition, you protect your investment.

If your seawall is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced right away. Duncan Seawall is the most reputable company to call for commercial seawall repairs and replacement in Southwest Florida.