As the heat of summer fades and the cooler months roll in, fall becomes a perfect time to catch up on property maintenance—especially for waterfront properties. The transition between seasons brings its own set of challenges: shifting water levels, heavier debris flow, and the wear and tear left behind by summer storms.
Taking proactive steps now can help protect your investment, extend the life of your seawall and drainage systems, and prepare your property for the wetter, windier months ahead.
1. Inspect Your Seawall for Cracks, Gaps, or Soil Loss
Start with a close inspection of your seawall. Look for any signs of surface cracking, leaning sections, or erosion behind the wall. These may indicate that water has been penetrating the structure or that soil has shifted from behind the wall—both of which can compromise the wall’s stability over time.
This is also a great time to schedule a professional assessment for seawall repair. Minor issues caught now can often be repaired quickly and affordably before they become major problems.
2. Clear Debris from Storm Drains and Catch Basins
Leaves, grass clippings, and sediment build up fast during fall and can block storm drains or catch basins. When this happens, water has nowhere to go, which leads to standing water, erosion, or backflow issues.
Clearing out these systems improves water flow and helps prevent flooding after heavy rains. Be sure to check grates, basins, and outlet pipes for blockages or visible damage.
3. Watch for Signs of Drainage Failure
During rainy spells, walk your property and observe how water moves. Are there areas where it pools or runs toward your seawall or building foundations? These flow patterns reveal trouble spots that could benefit from a drainage update or regrading.
It’s also worth inspecting your manholes and access points. Sinking or tilted covers, water pooling, or unpleasant odors can all point to problems below the surface.
4. Check for Soil Erosion and Shoreline Weakness
Autumn tides and wind can cause gradual erosion along the shoreline. Walk the perimeter of your waterfront property and look for signs of soft spots, slumping soil, or exposed roots. These indicators mean your shoreline may need reinforcement with riprap or structural repair.
Erosion can also lead to sediment entering your stormwater system, clogging pipes and increasing the risk of failure during peak rain events.
5. Schedule Repairs Before the Holidays and Winter Storms
Many property owners wait until something breaks to address it—but fall is a much smarter time to get ahead of costly repairs. Whether it’s sealing cracks in a seawall, rehabbing a manhole, or restoring a catch basin, acting now avoids delays and gives your property a strong foundation heading into the holiday season.
Take Action: Fall Is the Right Time for Waterfront Maintenance
At All State Civil Construction, we help homeowners, business owners, and municipalities protect their properties with expert infrastructure services. From seawall repairs and AV-275 Soilgrout injections to storm drain restoration and manhole rehabilitation, our team is ready to help you check off your fall maintenance list.
Call us today at (386) 465-2187 to schedule an inspection or service visit. Let’s prepare your property now—before the season changes again.
