Importance of Seawall Construction in Coastal Property Preservation
If you own coastal property, no one needs to explain to you how important seawall construction can be for your coastal property preservation efforts. What you may not realize is that there are different types of seawalls available. Making the right choices about seawall construction can have a substantial effect on how effective your coastal property preservation efforts become.
Seawalls, for instance, can be instrumental in helping to reduce short-term erosion of your property. Here’s what you need to know about seawall construction and the different types of seawalls you may choose.
Vinyl Seawall Construction
Vinyl seawalls are the most common and cost-effective seawalls available today. In areas that receive quite a bit of wave action, vinyl seawall construction can be an affordable choice that checks off all the boxes on your property preservation checklist. They are affordable, attractive, durable (lasting up to 20 years), and relatively easy to maintain. It doesn’t get much better than this for the average homeowner.
Additionally, the vinyl seawall can also provide some protection from wind (in addition to protecting your property from the loss of direct and rocks. One of the biggest benefits for homeowners, though, is the speed at which vinyl seawalls can be constructed on property allowing them to enjoy the benefits of these seawalls without a lengthy construction process.
Concrete Seawalls
Concrete seawall construction involves concrete and other metal reinforcements to provide one of the most stable and durable types of seawalls. These seawalls, once constructed, can easily last up to 50 years. They can be extremely pleasing, aesthetically, as the individual panels can be designed to reflect your home or business design needs. They also are relatively easy to maintain. It is the upfront costs that make these a little more problematic for some consumers.
Steel Seawall Construction
If strength is your primary interest, steel seawall construction is an excellent option to consider. These are constructed to withstand many different weather conditions and stand various tests of time. Because they are made of steel, it is important to note that rust and corrosion are rules, not exceptions. It will rust and corrode with the constant exposure to salt water. You should also be aware that heavy equipment is required to move and install these seawalls.
There are some concerns about the long-term cost-effectiveness of steel seawalls in spite of their strength and effectiveness. Some areas are seeking to enact legislation about the use of steel in seawall construction so keep this in mind when choosing materials for your seawall construction.
Cobblestone and Rip Rap
One of the more aesthetically pleasing seawall construction options, especially on lakefront property, is cobblestone and rip rap. These are often either stacked in a manner that allows water to flow through or combined with mortar to prevent water from flowing through. Either way, cobblestone and rip rap remain an attractive, though perhaps more labor-intensive seawall material option.
Seawall Construction in Coastal Property Preservation
In addition to various materials used for seawall construction, the design itself can be widely different with some people choosing vertical seawalls that extend into the air. Because of the vertical nature of these walls, they work best in calmer smoother water that doesn’t receive large amounts of wave action.
Curved seawalls not only work to prevent erosion by blocking the waves from the land but also serve to redirect wave action. While they are more effective at redirecting the waves and preserving your property, they must be uniquely designed for your property.
Stacked seawalls do not exactly create walls to protect your property. Instead, they act to slow the speed of the waves before they reach your property. However, if the wave action around your property is too “energetic,” this type of seawall can become a ramp for the waves worsening the erosion and requiring more frequent repairs and/or replacement. These types of seawalls, however, are ideal for preventing erosion to sloping soil landscapes.
The best seawall construction for your home may vary from one home to the next and depends on many factors including the landscape of your home, the types of wave action your property receives, and even the type of water your seawall is exposed to. Additionally, your budget can play a significant role in the short and long-term effectiveness of any type of seawall.
Because there are so many variations and different outcomes for each variation, it is important to work with experienced contractors who specialize in seawall construction for coastal property preservation like the talented team of professionals at Property Image. Contact Property Image today to learn more about how seawall construction can assist you in your coastal property preservation efforts and how we can help.