The tide, salt corrosion, and overwatered lawns can all cause serious damage to a seawall. Unfortunately, many people often ignore or overlook their seawalls. This can be disastrous as failure can result in the structures behind them being damaged. To keep this from happening, be on the lookout for indications that you need a new seawall. Signs that it's time to replace your steel seawall include:
Related Blog: 4 Reasons Seawalls Fail and How to Prevent it
Your seawall is supposed to protect your waterfront property from erosion. Over time, a steel seawall will start to corrode. If your seawall starts to bow or lean, it may move, which will allow water to get behind it. The water will cause erosion behind your seawall.
Despite steel's durability, cracks can occur in steel seawalls. Cracks may occur in seawalls that are bowing or leaning. These cracks are another avenue for water to get behind the seawall and erode soil.
If the area near your seawall is landscaped, the erosion that arises because of a failing seawall can be quite easy to identify. Small sinkholes are common symptoms of erosion. While overgrown grass may hide a sinkhole, it will be easy to spot them if you cut your lawn regularly.
The same voids that create sinkholes can also cause the soil around foundations to settle. Settling soil around structures near the wall is another common sign that your seawall needs to be replaced.
Like bowing or leaning, outward movement and misalignment of your seawall can result in its failure. One of the main causes of this type of failure is corrosion of the anchor rods. The anchor rods and fasteners will corrode when exposed to seawater for extended periods. If a wall that has been subjected to this corrosion is exposed to excess loading from behind, it can fail.
Your steel seawall's integrity is what stands between you and property damage. And that’s why you should invest in a seawall that is constructed to last. Our team at Duncan Seawall can help you find the best option for your property.