Seawall Damage – Fix It or Replace It?

Admin August 22, 2023

Causes and Signs of Seawall Failure

Seawalls play a critical role in protecting coastal properties from erosion, storm surges, and other natural forces. However, over time, these structures can face various challenges that may compromise their effectiveness. Seawalls can fail due to a variety of factors, including natural forces, structural degradation, and poor construction. Here are potential ways a seawall can fail and how you can identify the signs and symptoms that might indicate the need for repair or replacement…

Erosion and Undermining

Failure: Gradual erosion of the soil behind the seawall can weaken its foundation, causing it to sink or collapse.
Signs and Symptoms: Visible subsidence of the seawall, soil erosion around the base, cracking or tilting of the seawall, or water seeping through gaps.

Wave Overtopping

Failure: Waves exceeding the height of the seawall can wash over it, eroding the soil behind it and compromising its effectiveness.
Signs and Symptoms: Frequent wave overtopping during storms, water damage to structures behind the seawall, or weakened soil along the wall’s backside.

Corrosion and Deterioration

Failure: Exposure to salt water and environmental conditions can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the materials, weakening the seawall’s structural integrity.
Signs and Symptoms: Rust or corrosion on metal components, visible deterioration of concrete or masonry, cracks, chips, or spalling.

Foundation Settlement

Failure: Uneven settling of the seawall’s foundation can result in structural instability and cracking.
Signs and Symptoms: Visible cracks in the seawall, differential settlement causing tilting or sinking, or gaps forming between the wall and the ground.

Seepage and Water Infiltration

Failure: Water seeping through cracks or gaps in the seawall can erode the soil behind it and compromise its stability.
Signs and Symptoms: Ongoing water seepage through the seawall, soil erosion behind the wall, or signs of water damage on the landward side.

Aging and Wear

Failure: Over time, the materials of the seawall may degrade naturally, reducing its strength and stability.
Signs and Symptoms: Visible signs of wear, weathering, or aging such as fading, cracking, or crumbling.

Infrequent Maintenance

Failure: Lack of regular maintenance can allow minor issues to escalate into major problems.
Signs and Symptoms: Accumulation of debris, vegetation growth, or the presence of visible damage that has gone unaddressed.

Environmental Changes

Failure: Changes in water levels, storm frequency, or coastal processes can lead to unexpected stress on the seawall.
Signs and Symptoms: Frequent storm damage, shoreline retreat, or increased susceptibility to erosion.

Regular inspections and prompt action in response to any of these signs are crucial to preventing seawall failures and ensuring the safety of coastal properties. We recommend at least an inspection by either yourself or a qualified professional from our network on a yearly basis.

Repair or Replacement?

Repairing a seawall using polyurethane grouting and soil stabilization is often considered when the damage is not extensive, and the structural integrity of the seawall can be effectively restored. However, the decision to repair versus replace a seawall depends on several factors. When trying to determine whether to repair or replace, consider these factors…

Seawall Repair

Cracks and Gaps: If the seawall has visible cracks, gaps, or voids, Seawall Repair Network®’s SW-RP1 can be effective in filling these voids and stabilizing the soil behind the seawall.
Erosion: When erosion is apparent in specific areas and the majority of the seawall structure is intact, the repair process can stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion.
Structural Stability: If the seawall’s structural integrity is still intact and it’s not at risk of imminent collapse, repair material can be used to reinforce and strengthen the existing structure.
Cost-Effectiveness: Repairing with the seawall stabilization process is more cost-effective (typically 90% less than the cost of replacement).

Seawall Replacement (Too Damaged for Repair)

Extensive Structural Damage: If the seawall has extensive structural damage such as widespread cracking, severe tilting, or signs of imminent collapse, it might be beyond the point of effective repair.
Foundation Instability: If the foundation of the seawall has suffered significant settlement or shifting, it could compromise the structural stability even after repair attempts.
Corrosion and Deterioration: If the seawall’s materials are severely corroded, deteriorated, or weakened, repair efforts might not provide a long-lasting solution.
Changes in Environmental Conditions: If the coastal environment has changed significantly, such as increased storm frequency or rising sea levels, the seawall might need to be replaced to better withstand these new conditions.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace a seawall should be made after a thorough assessment by a Seawall Repair Network® preferred marine contractor. Each network member has been trained to evaluate the extent of the damage, and the potential effectiveness of repair methods, and to offer a long-term sustainable solution. In some cases, a hybrid approach might be taken, where damaged sections are repaired while severely compromised sections are replaced.

Seawall Repair for Waterfront Property Managers

Admin August 1, 2023

Signs of Seawall Failure

Managing property with a seawall requires a specific understanding of waterfront barriers and how they work. It’s important to know how to spot any signs of structural decay. Let’s review this excerpt from our blog post Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure.:

Soil Depressions Near the Seawall

Soil depressions appear due to the loss of soil near the structure. Water is seeping through or underneath the seawall, weakening the structure and contributing to soil erosion. Strong surrounding soil is critical to a healthy seawall.

Rust Stains on the Surface

Rust stains are a sign of corroded rebar inside the concrete. Corroded rebar expands, cracking and destabilizing the structure.

Movement or Shifting of the Seawall

Hydrostatic pressure and/or lack of supporting soil around the structure can cause sections of the wall to move or shift over time.

Cracks in the Concrete

Cracks in the concrete can be caused by spalling due to rebar corrosion, or movement due to hydrostatic pressure and unstable soil.

Protect Your Seawall, Protect Your Waterfront Property

When a seawall is failing, the property it was constructed to protect is at risk. As a waterfront property manager, you now have a one-stop-shop seawall repair solution!

The Seawall Repair Network® 3-Step Property Preservation Plan

Contact an Expert
Fill out the contact form or call 888-834-4926.
Get a Detailed Repair Plan
A preferred marine contractor will schedule an evaluation.
Relax While We Save Your Seawall
Get back to your other priorities while we repair the seawall.

Managing property is challenging enough without having to deal with a failing seawall. Let us take that part off your plate, so you can get back to doing what you do best.

Seawall Erosion Control

Admin July 25, 2023

Seawall Erosion Control – Soil Stabilization

Seawalls are important structures that protect waterfront property from erosion and flooding. However, seawalls can deteriorate over time due to a variety of factors, including weathering, wave action, and soil erosion. When a seawall begins to show signs of damage, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and protect your property. Soil erosion is often a key factor in seawall failure. Seawalls depend on supporting soil for structural support. Contractors using SW-RP1 seawall repair material can stabilize surrounding soil, repairing leaking cracks in the process. This process permanently strengthens and repairs soil damage and prevents future erosion.

Additional Seawall Erosion Control Methods

The installation of a hydrostatic pressure control system, which automatically removes any future water that builds up behind the seawall. Unchecked water build-up causes hydrostatic pressure which cracks and damages even the strongest seawalls.
Seawall cap repair with high-strength epoxy and concrete repair materials. This process addresses surface cracks on top of the seawall and restores strength and integrity to the structure.
If necessary, the installation of a seawall anchoring system. When needed, steel tie-backs are installed to prevent future movement of the seawall in high-risk sections. The tie-backs lock into load-bearing solid soil behind the wall.

Seawall Erosion Control Contractors

Seawall erosion control is an art and a science, best performed by preferred marine contractors who have been thoroughly trained in the latest and most effective repair methods.

Seawall Repair for Real Estate Professionals

Admin July 10, 2023

As a real estate agent selling waterfront properties, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of seawalls and signs of potential problems. This knowledge will help you assist the property owner in upgrading the property for sale. In this article, we will discuss the four critical warning signs of structural decay in waterfront barriers.

Erosion and Depressions in the Ground

Keep an eye out for soil depressions near the property’s waterfront area. These depressions occur when soil erodes or is lost near the structure, indicating potential water seepage through or underneath the barriers. This seepage moves from the landward side, through the wall, and into the water – taking soil with it. The loss of supporting soil weakens the structure over time.

Presence of Rust Stains on Surfaces

Rust stains on the surface can be a clear indication of corroded reinforcement bars (rebar) inside the concrete structure. When rebar corrodes, it expands, causing cracks and destabilizing the overall structure.

Movement or Shifting of the Structure

Changes in hydrostatic pressure or the absence of adequate support from the surrounding soil can lead to some movement or shifting of sections of the seawall over time. These shifts can compromise the overall integrity of the structure, potentially putting the property at risk.

Cracks in the Concrete

Cracks in the concrete should never be ignored, as they can be caused by various factors such as spalling due to rebar corrosion or movement resulting from hydrostatic pressure and unstable soil. These cracks are visual indicators of potential weaknesses and should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage.

Upgrade the Seawall, Upgrade the Property

When seawalls show signs of deterioration, it puts the entire property at risk. As a real estate agent, you can offer your clients a comprehensive solution to address these concerns effectively.

The Seawall Repair Network® 3-Step Upgrade Plan

Contact an Expert
Fill out the contact form or call 888-834-4926.
Get a Detailed Repair Plan
A preferred marine contractor will schedule an evaluation.
Relax While We Save Your Client’s Seawall
Get back to your other priorities while we repair the seawall.

With our team at work, you can focus on your other priorities while we take care of the repair process, ensuring the seawall is restored to optimal condition. Let us handle the repair process, allowing you to focus on what you do best – assisting your clients with their real estate needs.

Spalling in Concrete Seawalls

Admin July 5, 2023

Seawalls protect your valuable waterfront property from the relentless forces of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Most seawalls are primarily made of concrete and are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. But even the strongest seawalls are not invincible. Let’s take a closer look at concrete spalling, an issue that can compromise the integrity of waterfront barriers.

Hidden Threat: Spalling in Concrete Seawalls

Spalling occurs when the surface of a concrete structure starts to crack, flake, or peel away. This damage can be caused by corrosion and swelling of steel reinforcement, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, or other forms of structural stress. Cracks, pits, and other types of surface and internal concrete damage weaken your seawall’s structure and make it more susceptible to further harm.

The Vulnerable Point: Seawall Caps

The seawall cap is a critical component that is particularly vulnerable to spalling. Typically made of steel-reinforced concrete, these caps form the top layer of a seawall. They play a crucial role in protecting the rest of your seawall from the elements and providing a safe and stable surface. Movement of your seawall can be triggered by factors like soil migration and will cause instability and shifting. The steel reinforcement in the seawall cap can become stressed, leading to spalling that causes the concrete to break apart and crumble.

The Need for Timely Intervention

Spalling of your seawall cap can worsen over time if left unattended, potentially resulting in more severe problems such as structural failure. It is crucial to enlist a qualified marine contractor to repair spalling as soon as it appears. The repair process typically involves removing the damaged sections of concrete and repairing them with cementitious patching material.

The Takeaway

Spalling is a very common issue. Understanding what it is and how it can be repaired is essential. For more information on spotting potential issues with your waterfront barrier, see the article Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure.

Ignore Signs of Seawall Distress at Your Own Peril

Admin June 13, 2023

Signs of Seawall Distress

As a waterfront property owner or manager, it’s important to be familiar with the four critical warning signs of seawall failure. Soil depressions near the wall, rust stains on the surface, panel movement, and cracks in the concrete are all serious signs of distress. It’s important to call in an expert to evaluate the situation if any of these problems appear. The before and after photos included in this article depict the type of catastrophic failure that often results from neglect.

Preventing Seawall Failure

Fortunately, the proprietary Seawall Repair Network® stabilization process was designed by experts to prevent failure in waterfront barriers showing these types of warning signs. Preferred marine contractors inject SW-RP1 repair material behind each panel joint in the seawall, filling all the voids while stabilizing the supporting soil. Next, the crew installs a pressure relief system consisting of weep hole channels drilled through the wall, the stabilized soil, and into the soil on the landward side. Pressure release technology is then installed to regulate hydrostatic pressure resulting from any new water build-up on the landward side of the wall. If necessary, seawall preservation treatments are also applied to the concrete. This comprehensive repair and prevention system stops seawall deterioration in its tracks and shores up your waterfront barrier for many years to come.

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Does Your Dysfunctional Seawall Need an Intervention?

Admin April 4, 2023

Seawall Damage Symptoms and Solutions

Has your seawall become unstable over time? When supporting soil on the landward side begins to erode, your once-reliable waterfront barrier may begin to show indications of dysfunction and distress. Watch for these signs of seawall failure:

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

Fortunately, supporting soil can be stabilized, cracks and leaks can be sealed, and the damage repaired in most cases. Seawall Repair Network® contractors trained in proprietary stabilization and preservation methods are standing by to provide you with a free estimate for a professional intervention!

Watch the Dysfunctional Seawall four-part mini-series below!

Don’t Let Your Property Sink Into Chaos

Your Seawall May Need an Intervention

SW-RP1 Is The Answer

Restoring Stability

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.

Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure

Admin October 20, 2022

Corrosion, tides, boat wakes, tropical storms, and hurricanes can all contribute to seawall damage and, ultimately, failure. Additional causes undermine the structure on the landward side. Rainfall creates more hydrostatic pressure than rising and falling tides. Every time it rains or the irrigation system runs (and every time the tide goes out) all of the groundwater above the waterline needs a place to go. Massive pressure can build up if that water is trapped on the landward side, putting immense stress on the structure. (Read more in the article, How Soil Instability Causes Seawall Damage.) That is a recipe for seawall failure that can be avoided if you know the signs.

Sunken Soil Near a Seawall

Rust Stains on a Seawall

Rust stains are a sign of corroded rebar inside the concrete. Corroded rebar expands, cracking and destabilizing the structure.

Movement or Shifting

Hydrostatic pressure and/or lack of supporting soil around the structure can cause sections of the wall to move or shift over time.

Cracks in the Concrete

Cracks in the concrete can be caused by spalling due to rebar corrosion, or movement due to hydrostatic pressure and unstable soil.

Additional Signs of Seawall Failure

Blocked or clogged weep holes (vents that are used for draining landward side water build-up to relieve hydrostatic pressure).
Sand or soil deposits at the bottom of the wall panel joints on the water side. This indicates sediment seeping through the joints from the landward side.
Damage to structures up to 100 feet away. Water infiltration on the landward side can expand a great distance when proper venting/drainage is not occurring. Look for sinkholes, depressions, and/or sunken concrete in the general area surrounding the seawall.

Seawall Repair Network’s Proprietary Repair Process

Let’s review the proprietary repair process used by Seawall Repair Network’s preferred marine contractors. First, crews perform deep injections of SW-RP1 repair material directly behind each panel joint in the seawall. This process fills all the voids while permeating and strengthening the soil. The permeated soil becomes as hard as crystalline bedrock. Next, a new pressure relief system is created by coring through weep hole channels and the layer of resin that has been installed behind them. These new channels extend through the permeated soil and into the soil on the landward side. 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. If needed, seawall preservation treatments can also be applied to the concrete. The support of high-strength SW-RP1 repair material, combined with the regulation of hydrostatic pressure and concrete preservation treatment protects the seawall from subsequent movement, damage, or failure.

Seawall Repair Network’s Patent-Pending Process

Admin November 23, 2021

Mother Nature’s oceans, lakes, and rivers can be so beautiful and calm. But over time, her natural forces will cause damage and eventual failure of your seawall. Seawalls are complicated structures made up of a variety of essential components. If one component fails, the entire seawall is at risk. In traditionally constructed seawalls, weep holes with a geotextile fabric filter allow water to flow from the landward side back into the ocean to prevent pressure build-up.

What Causes Seawall Failure?

What causes your seawall to fail? Over time, as the filter fabric fails, soil migration creates voids behind the wall, which causes structural instability. As the voids behind the wall fill up with water, hydrostatic pressure behind the seawall causes the wall panels to shift over time. The shifting panels damage the seawall cap, which holds the entire structure together. When this happens, failure of the seawall is imminent. If ignored, these problems only get worse.

Seawall Stabilization Repair Process

Water is RELENTLESS. But YOU can be too! Professionally trained contractors, armed with Seawall Repair Network’s patent-pending repair process, are ready to guide you to victory in this battle!

Causes and Signs of Seawall Failure

Erosion and Undermining

Wave Overtopping

Corrosion and Deterioration

Foundation Settlement

Seepage and Water Infiltration

Aging and Wear

Infrequent Maintenance

Environmental Changes

Repair or Replacement?

Seawall Repair

Seawall Replacement (Too Damaged for Repair)

Signs of Seawall Failure

Soil Depressions Near the Seawall

Rust Stains on the Surface

Movement or Shifting of the Seawall

Cracks in the Concrete

Protect Your Seawall, Protect Your Waterfront Property

The Seawall Repair Network® 3-Step Property Preservation Plan

Seawall Erosion Control – Soil Stabilization

Additional Seawall Erosion Control Methods

Seawall Erosion Control Contractors

Erosion and Depressions in the Ground

Presence of Rust Stains on Surfaces

Movement or Shifting of the Structure

Cracks in the Concrete

Upgrade the Seawall, Upgrade the Property

The Seawall Repair Network® 3-Step Upgrade Plan

Hidden Threat: Spalling in Concrete Seawalls

The Vulnerable Point: Seawall Caps

The Need for Timely Intervention

The Takeaway

Signs of Seawall Distress

Preventing Seawall Failure

Seawall Damage Symptoms and Solutions

Don’t Let Your Property Sink Into Chaos

Your Seawall May Need an Intervention

SW-RP1 Is The Answer

Restoring Stability

Four Critical Warning Signs of Seawall Failure

Four Options for Dealing with Seawall Damage

Seawall Stabilization

Seawall Preservation

Water is Relentless – But YOU Can Be Too!

Sunken Soil Near a Seawall

Rust Stains on a Seawall

Movement or Shifting

Cracks in the Concrete

Additional Signs of Seawall Failure

Seawall Repair Network’s Proprietary Repair Process

What Causes Seawall Failure?

Seawall Stabilization Repair Process

Watch the video below for a complete explanation of Seawall Repair Networks seawall stabilization process.

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