Seawall Replacement Or Repair? Here's When And How To Make The Decision
Seawalls play a critical role in protecting the foundation of homes and businesses across the U.S. Even though seawalls might last decades, they're exposed to harsh marine conditions and will wear down over time. Seawall repair or replacement can seem like difficult choices, but here's what you need to know when deciding on the best choice for your needs.
Inspect the Seawall
Before making any decisions about repairing or replacing your seawall, it's important to inspect it. You can use a video inspection system. This allows you to see what is going on underneath your seawall without even having to get in the water! If you notice that there are cracks in the seawall or other issues with the concrete itself, then it may be time for a full replacement rather than just a repair job. If you notice severe damage or erosion around the base of the wall, then this could also indicate that it needs to be replaced rather than repaired.
Check the Damage
The very first thing you should do is check out the condition of your seawall. This can be done by walking along it and looking for cracks in the mortar joints or concrete blocks. If there are any areas where water has leaked in between the bricks or blocks, you'll need to repair those areas before anything else.
Check the Foundation
The first step in evaluating whether or how much you need to replace your seawall is checking your foundation. If it's damaged, it will need to be repaired before anything else can be done. If the foundation has been damaged by erosion or other factors, it may be better to replace the foundation entirely rather than just repair the walls.
Repair or Replace?
When you're thinking about repairing or replacing a seawall, the first thing to consider is whether the seawall needs to be replaced or repaired in the first place. If you have a seawall that's been damaged by erosion, storm surge, or other natural disasters, it will need to be repaired. If your seawall has simply worn out over time and is no longer providing adequate protection for your property, you'll want to replace it with a newer model.
If your seawall has suffered damage from natural forces like storms, erosion, and flooding, then repairing it may be necessary. This is especially true if the breakage is minimal and just needs some TLC (like adding concrete to shore up weak spots) or if there are only small sections of missing bricks (which can be replaced).
If your home's seawall has become structurally unsound over time due to wear and tear (like missing bricks), then replacing it with a new one may be necessary.
It's important to follow these steps on a routine basis to ensure your seawall is working properly and protecting your property. Contact a seawall inspection service to find out more about what needs to be done to protect your property.
