Many seawalls along the northeastern United States are in a state of disrepair, for a wide variety of reasons. Rising water levels, corrosion, seasonal freeze/thaw cycles, storms, and extreme weather events all contribute to seawall deterioration over time. Properly built seawalls include a drainage system to handle the daily influx and outflow of water from rain, tides, and waves. Over time, these drainage systems can sometimes become clogged. Seawalls without an effective built-in drainage system face a unique problem in that the water has no way to escape except to force its way down and out from underneath the base of the wall. When this occurs, sinkholes will appear alongside the wall.
Seawall Repair Options
Property owners facing seawall deterioration have a few options:
- Do Nothing: The problem with this option is obvious – the longer you wait, the more expensive the eventual repair.
- Replace the Seawall: Rebuilding a seawall (or even a section of a seawall) can be messy, time-consuming, and expensive.
- Repair with Cement Grout: Cement grout seawall repair requires heavy equipment, large drill holes, and the use of weighty cement grout which may sink over time.
- Repair with Seawall Repair Network: Seawall Repair Network’s repair process is accomplished with small mobile equipment, proprietary SW-RP1 durable repair material that doesn’t sink, and small drill holes. This procedure is less messy and more efficient than replacing the seawall or repairing it with cement grout.
Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 is stronger than crystalline bedrock. Combined with proper drainage, seawall repair with SW-RP1 can greatly extend the life of the structure.
Environmentally Safe Seawall Repair in the Northeast
Seawall Repair Network’s SW-RP1 has received the official NSF seal of approval for contact with drinking water (this also protects water-dwelling wildlife as well). This designation ensures compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) and guarantees peace of mind for property owners and propery managers.