How to Choose the Right Seawall for Your Property

If you own property next to a waterway or along the beach, you know that erosion can be a major concern. One of the smartest ways to deal with the impact of ever-changing tides is adding a seawall to stop waves from eroding your landscaping and affecting your property line.

A question we get often is, how do you know which type of seawall is best for your needs? Let’s dive deeper into the materials and structures of most seawalls to understand what features are most important for you.

Do You Need a Seawall?

Seawalls are self-explanatory; they act as a barrier between your property and the water. Most waterfront properties can benefit from a seawall as an extra layer of protection against wave damage, both from long-term exposure and storms. They typically are one of these three shapes:

Mounded – works well in gentle waters with a sloped or mounded pile of materials

Curved – redirects waves back into the water with a concave structure

Vertical – stops waves with a wall perpendicular to the water to absorb the waves’ energy

In addition to these three main shapes, there are also four main materials used for seawall construction:

• Wood, suitable for canals or small lakes with minimal waves

• Metal, such as steel, for heavy exposure to strong waves

• Concrete, with or without reinforced steel, to stand up to heavy waves

• Vinyl or composite, for low-impact waterfronts or as a replacement for damaged concrete walls

Determine which material works best in your setting; for example, you may not want to use wood or metal for oceanfront property, as the salinity and strength of the waves can damage both faster than they would for concrete or composite.

What Is the Level of Waterfront Activity?

The strength of the water and the impact of the waves are important factors when selecting a seawall, but you should also consider the amount of use along your waterfront. A home or business on a man-made body of water that serves as a retention pond or feature tends to be calm, which means a simple riprap mound wall would be sufficient.

On the other hand, if you live on a popular boating lake or own a deep-water property, you may see large wakes that can erode your shoreline. A stronger reinforced concrete wall may be necessary for the level of protection you require.

Need Your Seawall Repaired? Work With The Best.  

Keep in mind that you may need to investigate local or state guidelines for seawall construction before beginning any waterfront modification. Talk to the experts at All State Civil Construction to learn more about seawall repairs or maintenance. We can help you navigate the world of seawalls so that you can enjoy your waterfront property for years to come.

Contact us online, or call our team directly at (386) 465-2187 today!