Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admin January 3, 2023

Seawall Repair Network® is the only national, all-inclusive seawall repair and preservation network. We are a division of Alchemy-Spetec, the industry leader in seawall, leak seal, and ground engineering solutions. Here are answers to the top five questions we get from the public…

Q1: How Will You Repair My Seawall?

See the Seawall Stabilization and Seawall Preservation pages for an overview of the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process. That being said, each waterfront property, structure, and environment provide unique challenges and require appropriate repair and remediation procedures. A preferred marine contractor will create a custom repair plan for your seawall.

Q2: Will the Repair Process Damage My Property?

One of the many advantages of the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process is that it does not require excavation of your property. The majority of our projects require non-invasive repair procedures using light equipment.

Q3: Will the Repair Be Expensive?

The cost of repairing a seawall is generally 70% – 80% less than the cost of replacing a seawall. Seawall Repair Network® repair materials SW-RP1 and SW-RP6 are rock solid and last for the life of the structure.

Q4: Do You Repair All Types of Seawalls? (i.e., Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Composite, and Steel Sheet Pile)?

The hallmark of the Seawall Repair Network® advantage is the SW-RP1 repair material. SW-RP1 does not care what your seawall is made of, and does not care what type of seawall you have. This material will permanently bond to, seal, and stabilize your seawall regardless of type.

Q5: How Long Have You Been Repairing Seawalls?

Seawall Repair Network® was founded by technicians with decades of experience in the field. The SRN proprietary repair process was developed based on an in-depth understanding that only comes from years of on-site seawall repair work. SRN contractors are chosen based on their technical qualifications and proven experience. They are then thoroughly trained in the Seawall Repair Network® proprietary repair process.

Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Admin December 19, 2022

Devastating Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

In the blog post Water is Relentless!, we described the devastating effects hydrostatic pressure can have on a seawall:

“Excessive rainwater or floodwater build-up on the landward side of the wall (usually resulting from an inadequate or clogged weep hole system within the wall itself) will put untenable hydrostatic pressure on the structure. This pressure can cause parts of the wall to move and/or crack. Once the concrete is broken, landward side water will pull soil from your property through the wall and into the water on the other side, causing depressions or small sinkholes near the structure. In addition, steel rebar or mesh inside the wall is exposed to rust, resulting in rust stains appearing on the surface.”

Overview of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Fortunately, a pressure release system can be created by coring through the wall and the layer of SW-RP1 repair material that has been installed behind it during the initial part of the seawall stabilization process. Proprietary pressure release technology is then installed to regulate the release of hydrostatic pressure from any new water that may form behind the wall in the future. Because pressure release technology also stops landward-side soil from passing through the dewatering channels, it prevents new erosion and void formations. The support of high-strength SW-RP1 repair material combined with the regulation of hydrostatic pressure protects your seawall from subsequent movement, damage, or failure.

Components of the Hydrostatic Pressure Release System

Solidification of Soil with SW-RP1
The contractor injects SW-RP1 behind the wall on the landward side, transforming unstable soil into a permanent lightweight solid mass. This solidified soil provides the perfect supportive medium for the creation of de-watering channels.
Creation of De-Watering Channels
US Army Corps specifications for seawalls specifically require weep holes to relieve hydrostatic pressure. These channels are generally placed at the same height as the main waterline mark. If there are pre-existing weep holes, these new channels are usually created at those points.
Installation of Hydrostatic Pressure Release Filters
These filters allow water to pass back and forth to maintain an equilibrium of hydrostatic pressure while also preventing soil migration and void formation on the landward side.

In conclusion, this combined system of soil solidification, creation of de-watering channels, and installation of hydrostatic pressure release filters provides permanent stabilization of the seawall structure. This is all accomplished at 70-80% less than the cost of replacing a seawall. It’s also less destructive to the property because it requires no excavation. Seawalls require maintenance over time, and installation of this system can often be essential in preventing premature failure.

Seawall Repair Network is Hiring Regional Managers

Admin December 14, 2022

About Seawall Repair Network

Seawall Repair Network is a division of Alchemy-Spetec (an international leader in the manufacture and supply of chemical grouts for Seawall Repair, Geotechnical, and Leak Seal applications). Proven solutions and key partnerships have positioned Seawall Repair Network as the national leader in high-demand solutions related to soil and hydrostatic pressure regulation, concrete & steel repair/preservation, and protecting waterfront infrastructure and seawall structures.

About the Opportunity

Permanent full-time positions are available in the Southern, Western, and Northern United States.

We are expanding the Seawall Repair Network. The Regional Manager role is critical to our successful expansion. We are searching for a leader to facilitate this growth opportunity. You will report to the SRN Division Manager and take responsibility for locating and converting selected prospective clients, expanding existing clients, and networking with established Regional Managers to grow the SRN Business in your region.

Responsibilities

Generating new sales opportunities by finding and developing new customers in key markets.
Contacting prospective customers who have sent inquiries and converting them into customers.
Establishing relationships with local governments and engineering firms to develop new opportunities.
Delivering rapid growth and business revenue in the region through proactive sales activities.
Working with existing Regional Managers and Technical Support to meet territory goals.
Building regional networks of referral partners in support of our customers.
Working closely with the marketing team to provide content and leverage existing opportunities.

Locations & commitments

Remote-based office with travel throughout the region you manage.
Periodic Training and organizational meetings in Tucker, GA, and Reno, Nevada.
Estimated travel: 70%

Candidate requirements

Proven experience in business development and networking.
Experience in this industry sector (Marine Construction, Soil Management, and/or Enviro Chemical Applications).
Strong business, communication, and budgeting skills.
Professional, engaging, and determined personality.
Goal-oriented self-starter who requires little supervision.
The ability to track and achieve KPIs.

Benefits

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance

Contact us to apply

If you have a passion for business development and the coastline/shoreline resilience industry, then we would like to meet you. Consider becoming an important teammate of a growing organization that is dedicated to “Saving the Planet One Seawall at a Time.” Send your resume and cover letter to Ken Braunlich at kbraunlich@alchemy-spetec.com.

Water is Relentless!

Admin December 12, 2022

Water is relentless. This is a key fact that all waterfront property owners should thoroughly understand. The price of enjoying an oceanfront, riverfront, or lakeside view from the comfort of your own home is the inherent risk that comes with living right next to a large body of water.

Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure

If your residence is protected by a seawall, you should familiarize yourself with the four critical warning signs of seawall failure:

Soil Depressions Near the Seawall
Rust Stains on the Surface
Movement or Shifting of the Seawall
Cracks in the Concrete

Excessive rainwater or floodwater build-up on the landward side of the wall (usually resulting from an inadequate or clogged weep hole system within the wall itself) will put untenable hydrostatic pressure on the structure. This pressure can cause parts of the wall to move and/or crack. Once the concrete is broken, landward side water will pull soil from your property through the wall and into the water on the other side, causing depressions or small sinkholes near the structure. In addition, steel rebar or mesh inside the wall is exposed to rust, resulting in rust stains appearing on the surface.

Four Options for Dealing with Seawall Damage

Once aware of these problems, you’re faced with four options:

Ignore the Problem and Do Nothing
(If you go this route, the problem gets worse – and more expensive to repair – over time.)
Replace the Seawall
(This option is typically a lot more expensive than a repair, requires heavy equipment, and involves messy disruptive excavation.)
Repair with Inferior Methods
(Inferior repair materials such as hydraulic cement, slurry, and sodium silicate do not provide a permanent, long-term solution.)
Repair with proven Seawall Repair Network^® methods.
(More on this in the next section.)

You can read more about these four options on the Seawall & Bulkhead Replacement vs Repair page. Needless to say, any of the four critical warning signs should warrant a checkup from a qualified seawall repair contractor. Most contractors offer free professional assessments and repair estimates.

Fortunately, there are many effective methods at your disposal in the battle against water’s relentless onslaught. Seawall Repair Network^® preferred marine contractors provide two major types of repair – seawall stabilization and seawall preservation.

Seawall Stabilization

Stabilizing a cracked or shifting seawall is accomplished via these four methods:

Stabilizing Soil and Sealing Leaks with SW-RP1
(SW-RP1 repair material is stronger than crystalline bedrock and safe for the environment.)
Installing a Hydrostatic Pressure Control System
(Creation of pressure release channels with filters that allow water to move back and forth, maintaining an equilibrium of hydrostatic pressure. These filters also prevent soil migration and void formation on the landward side.)
Repairing Cracks in Seawall Caps
(Repairing the seawall caps with high-strength epoxy.)
Installing a Seawall Anchoring System – If Necessary
(When needed, steel tie-backs are installed to prevent future movement of the seawall.)

You can learn more about these methods on the Seawall Stabilization page.

Seawall Preservation

Treating the concrete with preservation solutions provides additional long-term protection. Preservation is accomplished via these three methods:

Inhibiting Corrosion with SW-Prevent
(SW-Prevent creates an insulating layer on the surface of any steel rebar or mesh inside the wall.)
Strengthening Surface Concrete with SW-Power
(SW-Power renders concrete surfaces resistant to air or water-born chemical damage.)
Protecting Surface Concrete with SW-Protect
(SW-Protect inhibits water penetration.)

You can learn more about these methods on the Seawall Preservation page.

Water is Relentless – But YOU Can Be Too!

There is no reason to be intimidated by water’s relentless onslaught. All you have to do is memorize the four critical warning signs, and then enlist a qualified seawall repair contractor when needed. With the proper stabilization and preservation support, your seawall can safely protect that beautiful waterfront view for generations to come.

Banner - Reasons to Work with Seawall Repair Network

Seven Reasons to Work with a Seawall Repair Network Contractor

Admin December 5, 2022

Your seawall, bulkhead, or revetment is essential for protecting your waterfront property. Because water is relentless, it’s critical for property owners to recognize the four warning signs of seawall failure and to contact a qualified marine contractor when/if any of these symptoms appear. But how do you know if a contractor is qualified? Untrained general contractors can do more harm than good by using ineffective repair materials and procedures on seawall jobs. Think about it: if you had a heart condition, would you want to consult a general practitioner or a cardiovascular specialist?

Why should you consult a Seawall Repair Network^® contractor? Here are seven good reasons…

1. Professional Assessments

SRN Contractors have completed a Manufacturer Geotechnical Certification Requirement. They are thoroughly trained and capable of assessing the problem, identifying ‘Modes of Failure,’ and selecting the correct materials and processes for a Professional Remediation Plan.

2. Access to Advanced Solutions

SRN contractors have exclusive access to the program’s high-quality repair materials and proprietary seawall stabilization and seawall preservation application procedures. These solutions are not available outside of Seawall Repair Network^®. This is a good thing for you, the property owner, as it ensures professional-grade quality control for your project.

3. Fast and Efficient

Seawall repair with these proprietary methods and materials is the equivalent of a surgical strike in military terms. It’s important to understand the difference between seawall repair and seawall replacement. One procedure requires minimal disruption and light equipment, while the other requires site excavation with heavy equipment. One procedure is fast and efficient, and the other is not.

4. Cost-Effective

Seawall repair typically costs 70% to 80% less than the price of replacement.

5. Government and Regulatory Requirements

Depending on the jurisdiction and/or the actual project scope of work, there may be permitting requirements for your project. You should not attempt to navigate the government and regulatory maze on your own unless you have extensive experience in this complicated realm. Your Seawall Repair Network^® contractor will take care of this process if it’s required.

6. All-Inclusive Program

Seawall Repair Network^® contractors are thoroughly equipped to handle your entire waterfront repair project. Labor, equipment, and materials are all included. There are no gaps in this program from start to finish.

7. You Can Relax

Working with a Seawall Repair Network^® contractor also means that you will not have to fret about the quality of the work being performed on your behalf. Our contractors are thoroughly trained and supported by the network. Sit back and relax while we repair your seawall.

Fort Myers Beach Condo Building Severely Damaged by Hurricane Ian is Still Standing

Admin November 29, 2022

Note: This article was originally posted on NBC-2.com.

By Gage Goulding, NBC 2 Fort Myers
Tue October 4, 2022

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Amid all the destruction and devastation on Fort Myers Beach, a condo building deemed ‘vulnerable’ by engineers is still standing. The Leonardo Arms condo number two at the south end of Estero Island is badly beaten and bruised. “It’s still standing, but you can see right through it,” John Galataro said, a resident of Fort Myers Beach. NBC2’s Gage Goulding has been following the battle residents have had to build a seawall.

A seawall wouldn’t have stopped the catastrophic storm surge, but it could’ve helped prevent the loss of the entire beach. Galataro said residents have been trying to get permission to build a seawall for their building’s protection, but because of turtle season, all they could use were sandbags. Now after Hurricane Ian’s demolition through Fort Myers Beach, just inches of sand stand between the condo building and the Gulf. “Now the problem is, they’re all stuck up there because all the stairwells are washed out. And they’re all falling into the water,” Galataro said.

Homes are Collapsing into the Ocean in Florida

Admin November 21, 2022

Note: This article was originally posted on CNN.com.

By Rachel Ramirez, CNN
Fri November 11, 2022

(CNN) — Homes and buildings are collapsing into the ocean and authorities have issued warnings to evacuate some areas as Tropical Storm Nicole pushes a huge volume of ocean water onshore in southeast Florida. Video from Volusia County shows homes crumbling, reduced to wreckage, as Nicole’s waves erode the coastline. Separate video shows the county’s beach safety office collapsing into the rising water. “Right now, ground zero is here,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told CNN affiliate WESH-TV on Wednesday as Nicole came ashore as a category 1 hurricane.

Three main factors are contributing to the dangerous situation on the coast. Nicole’s storm surge, which peaked at around 6 feet Thursday morning, is significant because of how massive the storm was as it approached Florida on Wednesday, with tropical storm-force winds stretching for more than 500 miles. That storm surge pushed ashore on top of exceptionally high tides associated with this week’s full moon. And behind it all, sea level in this part of Florida has risen more than a foot in the past 100 years, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and most of that rise has occurred in the past three decades.

Scientists and researchers have long warned that sea level rise is leading to more erosion and high-tide flooding — particularly during extreme coastal storms. This is putting even more stress on sea walls, which are meant to protect coastal communities from high waves and water levels. “We do gradually put more stress on [sea walls] with sea level rise,” Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, told CNN. “More and more of them are gradually, completely submerged in saltwater, which concrete does not like.”

McNoldy also noted that these walls are aging, and the back-to-back nature of storms is making seawalls more vulnerable. It was only six weeks ago that Hurricane Ian’s storm surge eroded parts of Florida’s eastern coast. “It doesn’t really take a strong storm – you just need high tides or storm-agitated tides to wash away or put extra stress on the walls,” he said. “Having these two storms six weeks apart, if you don’t give places any time to repair or replenish, each storm definitely leaves its mark.”

Miles of Ageing Seawalls

Admin November 14, 2022

“Often 20 feet tall or higher, these concrete behemoths are constructed to withstand the sustained assault of incoming waves and storm surges. Seawalls currently line 14 percent, or nearly 15,000 miles, of the United States coastline—a number that’s expected to grow in the coming decades as the sea level rises.”
– Audobon.org

There are thousands of miles of seawalls in use that were constructed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Over time, changes to these structures result in weakening structural integrity. Upon noticing any of the four critical warning signs of seawall failure, property owners must decide whether to enlist the assistance of a qualified seawall repair contractor or to delay action and risk failure and the high cost of replacement. Seawall Repair Network offers the most effective seawall stabilization and seawall preservation repair methods.

Seawall Repair Network® preferred marine contractors are carefully selected for their experience, integrity, reputation, and customer service record. Each contractor has been thoroughly trained in Seawall Repair Network® product and solution application methods. Seawall Repair Network® is the only national, all-inclusive seawall repair and preservation network.

The Oldest Known Seawall

Admin November 7, 2022

Humans have relied on waterfront protection barrier systems for a very long time. The oldest known seawall is at the edge of a 7,000-year-old village on the coast of Israel. This seawall was approximately 330 feet long and built in a dog-leg pattern with boulders transported from a nearby river. Although seawall engineering has advanced with time, protective waterfront structures have followed the same basic forms for centuries.

“During the time of occupation the area to the west of the seawall would have been a swash zone, a beach area that is alternately covered and exposed by up-rush and backwash of waves. This area is therefore exposed to spray and threatened by storm surge and wave run-up. Given its nature, location, and orientation, we propose that the boulder-built seawall was probably constructed to protect the Tel Hreiz settlement from swash-zone encroachment.” Read more here…
– PLOS ONE Journal

While that seawall has since deteriorated and only remnants remain, today’s seawall owners have access to the latest in seawall stabilization and preservation methods. Property owners should immediately take action upon noticing any of the four critical warning signs of seawall failure. These four warning signs are: soil depressions near the seawall, rust stains on the surface, movement or shifting of any part of the wall, and cracks in the concrete.

Banner - Importance of Shoreline Resilience

The Importance of Shoreline Resilience

Admin October 31, 2022

Our international population is rapidly approaching 8 billion people. According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, “almost 40 percent of the population lives in relatively high-population-density coastal areas, where sea level plays a role in flooding, shoreline erosion, and hazards from storms. Globally, eight of the world’s 10 largest cities are near a coast, according to the U.N. Atlas of the Oceans.” Read more here…

The international community must prepare and implement engineered design plans to contend with the severe forces of nature and ever-increasing water levels. Waterfront property and infrastructure must be resilient to the forces of mother nature.

New York City alone has a population of nearly 25 million citizens, in just roughly 300 square miles. This area is situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbors, with water covering 36.4% of its surface area. Providing resilient infrastructure to protect against rising water levels has become a priority for federal, city, county, and city planners over the last few years. (Pictured: Seawall Repair NetworkⓇ preferred marine contractors Mary Grubbs and Lou Marques of LJS Waterproofing and Northeast Seawall & Soil Stabilization.) Seawall Repair NetworkⓇ is committed to educating and working with all parties in meeting the difficult tasks associated with creating more resilient shoreline communities.