Recognizing the Signs of Seawall Failure: Protect Your Property Before It's Too Late

January 30, 2023

Recognizing the Signs of Seawall Failure: Protect Your Property Before It's Too Late

Seawalls are an essential tool for protecting your property from the relentless forces of water. However, even the strongest seawalls can experience failures over time. It's important to recognize the signs of seawall failure and take action before it's too late. In this article, we'll discuss the common signs of seawall failure and what you can do to protect your property.

Before and after Seawall failure

Common Signs of Seawall Failure

  1. Cracks and holes in the wall: Over time, seawalls can experience wear and tear, which can result in cracks and holes forming in the wall. If left unrepaired, these cracks and holes can become bigger and more severe, leading to the wall collapsing.
  2. Leaks: If water is seeping through the seawall, this is a sign of a leak. Leaks can weaken the wall and cause it to fail, so it's important to have them repaired as soon as possible.
  3. Bowing or leaning: If the seawall is bowing or leaning, this is a sign that it's not as strong as it once was. This can be caused by soil erosion, water damage, or other factors.
  4. Sinking or settling: If the seawall is sinking or settling, this is a sign that the foundation is not stable. This can be caused by soil erosion, poor construction, or other factors.
  5. Rust or corrosion: If the seawall is rusting or corroding, this is a sign that it's not as durable as it once was. This can be caused by exposure to salt water, high humidity, or other environmental factors.

What to Do if Your Seawall is Failing

If you notice any of the above signs of seawall failure, it's important to take action as soon as possible. The first step is to contact a seawall expert who can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. This may involve repairing the seawall, replacing it, or installing a new one.

It's also important to maintain your seawall on a regular basis. This includes checking for cracks and holes, repairing leaks, and making sure that the wall is stable and secure. By taking care of your seawall, you can protect your property from the relentless forces of water and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.

At Gernatt Seawall and Soil Stabilization we offer a variety of solutions to stopping seawall failure before it happens. We offer a variety of Seawall repair solutions such as, cap & panel repairs with high-strength epoxy; advanced permanent anchoring system installations and full structural replacements with reinforced concrete when needed for additional support. We also offer Seawall stabilization solutions that utilize the patent pending stabilization process using SW-RP1. Finally we can also use preemptive measure of Seawall Preservation.

Conclusion

Seawalls are an essential tool for protecting your property from the relentless forces of water, but even the strongest seawalls can experience failures over time. It's important to recognize the signs of seawall failure and take action before it's too late. By keeping an eye out for the common signs of failure and taking steps to maintain your seawall, you can protect your property and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.