A seawall is a barrier constructed on the shoreline of a body of water. It’s designed to protect the adjacent land from the destructive force of incoming waves and prevent erosion. Seawalls can be constructed using various materials such as concrete, stone, steel, and timber, and their design can vary depending on the location and type of coastline.

Seawalls serve multiple purposes, including protecting coastal cities and towns from flooding caused by storm surges, enhancing beach reclamation efforts, and providing a platform for recreation and leisure activities. They also offer protection for residential and commercial properties located along the coast.

One of the most common seawall problems in Florida is erosion. Saltwater can be incredibly corrosive, leading to the gradual deterioration of the concrete, steel, or timber that make up the wall. This issue is often compounded by exposure to storm surges during hurricanes or tropical storms. This can result in structural damage, requiring repairs or even complete seawall replacement.

Another common problem is seawall subsidence, where the wall sinks or settles due to changes in the underlying soil composition. This can cause significant structural issues, including cracks or bulges in the wall or even complete failure, leading to flooding and property damage. Factors such as soil compaction, underground water movement, and changes in the water table can all contribute to this problem.

Florida’s extensive coastline means that many different types of seawalls are in use, each with its own set of issues. For example, timber seawalls are often susceptible to rot and insect damage, while concrete seawalls can be impacted by the freeze-thaw cycles in some regions of the state.

Common Signs Of Seawall Failure

Seawall problems usually happen progressively. The longer you wait to have the problem fixed, the bigger the issue. That is why being able to recognize the common signs of seawall failure is so important. Here are a few to consider.

• Holes next to the Seawall: It is not uncommon to have small holes in the soil near the seawall when it is first built. If those holes continue to be a problem or if they are growing, it’s time to call Foundation Professionals of Florida for help.
• Blocked Weep Holes: When weep holes are blocked, they stop water from escaping the soil. As the water builds up, the pressure builds up as well. That pressure can damage a seawall over time, causing it to buckle or crack.
• Seawall Bowing or Leaning: Incompetent soil and poor drainage can result in hydrostatic pressure that pushes against the wall consistently. This will eventually cause the seawall to lean and could cause it to collapse.
• Seawall Deterioration: Seawalls can deteriorate over time due to weather, pressure from wet soil, wave action, and exposure to saltwater. The damage doesn’t happen all at one time but if it isn’t cared for, it could result in seawall failure.

The benefits of a seawall include the following:

• Prevents flooding – A seawall can prevent flooding in low-lying areas and reduce the damage caused by storm surges and hurricanes. The wall acts as a barrier, deflecting the energy of the waves and reducing their height and intensity. This helps to prevent the waves from washing away beaches, dunes, and other coastal habitats.
• Helps stabilize coastlines and prevent erosion – A seawall can protect shorelines by creating a barrier that reduces the energy the waves carry and provides a solid base for vegetation to grow on. This can help to reduce the rate of coastal erosion and prevent landslides caused by the erosion of cliffs and other steep slopes.
• Creates an environment for recreational activities – A seawall can provide a safe and stable environment for recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. These activities are enjoyed by people of all ages and can be a significant economic benefit for coastal communities.
• Enhance the beauty of coastal landscapes – A seawall can provide a visually appealing feature that can enhance the beauty of coastal landscapes. Seawalls can be designed to blend in with their surroundings and can be decorated with murals and other artistic elements, adding to the enjoyment of beach-goers and tourists.

One of the economically feasible alternatives to repairing a distressed or failed seawall structure is Targeted Grout Injection–also known as TGI. The TGI solution consists of injecting a polyurethane resin through a 3/8″- ID port to stop leaks and to fill underground voids.

Our products are extremely thin liquid resins and react with moisture when injected into soil, forming a rock hard, water-tight mass. Prime Flex 910 is used to stabilize loose soils or sands, stop underground water flows and leaking sea walls. Prime Resins Products are inert and harmless to our environment. These products are ANCI/NSF certified for use in potable water tanks.

At Foundation Professionals of Florida, we know seawalls. If yours is showing signs of damage, contact us today for a free quote. Our experienced personnel will assist you with your seawall repair issues.