4 Signs a Seawall Needs Repair

Posted on: 27 April 2020


1. The Seawall Has Buckling

If you notice that the seawall appears to stick out at the bottom, this is an indication that it's starting to deteriorate. The seawall may have cracks or corrosion that are impacting its ability to hold back water. This deterioration can be caused by multiple factors, including age, saltwater corrosion, and damage from strong weather events. Depending on the severity of the cracks or damage, it might be possible to repair the problem with epoxy and sealant. 

2. There are Erosion Holes Around Your Seawall

Look along the seawall to see if there are any areas where it appears that there are holes in the soil. These depressions are called erosion holes, and they occur when a seawall is allowing the soil to move through the seams of the wall. 

To fix this issue, it's necessary to reinforce the seawall's seams. This can be done by removing the earth behind the seawall and adding filter cloth over the seams. The cloth will prevent the soil from continuing to escape through the wall. 

3. The Sealant on Your Seawall Looks Flaky

Examine the texture of your seawall and look for areas where the finish appears to be flaking off. Flaky seawalls indicate that the seawall's sealant is starting to deteriorate. The sealant lends an extra layer of protection to the seawall against moisture and other potentially damaging items. Fortunately, a flaky seawall doesn't mean that there's anything structurally wrong with your seawall—it just means that it needs a fresh layer of sealant.

4. There are Cracks Along the Seawall

Cracking is another subtle sign that a seawall needs repair. When steel inside the seawall starts to rust, it begins to expand. This expansion causes the seawall's concrete to crack.

It's best to deal with cracks in your seawall as quickly as possible. If you don't fix them, moisture will make its way into the crack and make it even worse. When the moisture freezes and refreezes (which often happens during the winter months), this accelerates the damage. Cracks are often repaired by inserting epoxy into the crack and then capping the seawall. 

For more information or assistance, contact local seawall repair specialists. 


The Nature of Industry


Latest Posts