Tackling Seawall Issues and Seawall Repair

Seawall issues and repair

Seawall integrity is critical for waterside coastal properties. Seawalls protect property from erosion by any body of water including lakes, ponds, rivers, inlets, and the ocean. Seawalls also protect property from flooding and poor drainage. If the seawall on your property is failing, you could be risking serious property damage. If you suspect you are experiencing seawall issues and may need seawall repair, it’s important to call us for an on-site evaluation.

Here are some signs to look for to determine if your seawall issues are in need of repair:

  • Is the seawall moving away at the top or cap?
  • Are there signs of soil washing out from behind the wall?
  • Is the wall bowing or bulging in the middle from excess pressure buildup?
  • Is the wall kicking out at the bottom?
  • Is the seawall moving away from the deck?
  • Do you see excessive signs of erosion?

Causes of Damage to Seawalls

  1. Wave Action: The constant battering of waves can erode seawalls over time.
  2. Storm Surges: Storm surges exert immense pressure on seawalls, leading to erosion and damage.
  3. Rising Sea Levels: Increasing sea levels put seawalls at risk of breach and damage.
  4. Sediment Erosion: Persistent erosion around your seawall will further undermine its structural integrity, leading to increased damage and costly repairs down the line. Additionally, the contamination of clean water due to seawall erosion can have a substantial and detrimental impact on marine fisheries, shellfish populations, and more.
  5. Poor Construction and Maintenance: Seawalls can deteriorate if not constructed or maintained properly.
  6. Biological Growth: Marine life attaching to seawalls can weaken their structure.

Ram Jack’s Solutions for Seawall Repair

Commonly, homeowners resort to a temporary fix by continuously filling voids with soil, rocks, or concrete year after year. However, this approach merely masks the issue temporarily. If the leakage source is deep within the soil and inaccessible without excavation, the problem will persist. The ultimate solution involves digging down, installing a high-grade mesh to block soil outflow, and addressing the root cause of the deterioration. If your seawall is showing signs of wear and tear due to weather, subpar construction, or the passage of time, reach out to us for an on-site inspection and a detailed estimate.

Ram Jack offers specialized solutions for seawall repair and stabilization:

Poly Foam Injection:

Our approach involves injecting a penetrating substance along the inner surface of a seawall to prevent soil seepage into the ocean. This polyurethane permeation grout interacts with water, identifying pathways where it gently expands and solidifies, effectively acting as an adhesive seal to prevent further seepage.

With our versatile Poly Foam Injection solution, we can repair concrete, wooden, and vinyl seawalls, safeguarding them from ongoing structural damage. This solution is not only environmentally friendly but also has the ability to fill voids near your seawall and establish a watertight seal, reducing the impact of water intrusion. 

The video below shows how the polyurethane product that we utilize works on a seawall in Florida. 

 

Helical Anchors and Tie-Backs:

Helical anchors and tiebacks are used to stabilize slopes, seawalls, and other structures in coastal areas. These deep foundation solutions provide superior holding capacity and can be installed quickly with minimal disruption to your property. Our team will design and install helical anchors and tiebacks tailored to the specific needs of your project.

seawall repair with helical anchor

Coastal properties may be vulnerable to various natural forces, but with the right solutions, their structural integrity can be safeguarded. Ram Jack’s innovative approaches provide robust solutions for coastal foundation and seawall challenges. By understanding the causes of these issues and adopting the right solutions, coastal property owners can enjoy the beauty of the coast without compromising their investments. If you suspect you are experiencing seawall issues and may need seawall repair, it’s important to call us for an on-site evaluation.

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