How Seawalls Provide Flood Protection For Seafront Homes

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How Seawalls Provide Flood Protection For Seafront Homes

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Seawalls protect the land from erosion with a body of water. In case you have observed a seawall on the shore, just know that seawalls on the lake serve the same function. Just on a much, much smaller scale! A seawall is normally made of wood, stone, concrete or steel.

aluminum sheet pile

Recently, synthetic materials have become more popular. These structures serve three distinct purposes on the lake.

Second, a seawall helps maintain water depth. This is especially important if you like boating, fishing, or other similar tasks on your piece of the lake. In the end, seawalls may give your property an attractive, finished look. Especially if your property is on a slope, it can make your property much more attractive.

If you own a home on the waterfront, you might be responsible for a seawall. Don’t let this intimidate you! Seawalls typically require very little maintenance. Periodic visual inspection and minor fixes should compose the vast majority of your”chores.”

You might choose to build a seawall on your premises. If so, check the local regulations. Most lakes have prerequisites for any shore construction. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority requires that you submit an application for any shore stabilization project.

Knowing regulations beforehand will help you avoid wasting money on a project you can not finish. It can also provide you with guidelines on the very best ways to build your seawall.

Inspect your seawall regularly in order to identify any problems before major issues arise.

If your seawall is fresh, be cautious and be conscious of any sinkholes or cracks. Other defects may occur due to age.

Maintenance and repair techniques will differ based upon the materials used.

If you don’t know the regional guidelines on maintaining a seawall, ask your neighbors. Most lake communities have resources available to help homeowners maintain their piece of the shoreline.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Seawalls can be constructed from very different materials.

It will last around 30 years, if constructed correctly. Simply patch any small cracks or holes in the concrete so that they don’t spread. If you find too much damage to fix by yourself, call a professional.

Steel: Steel sheet piling is typical for both seawalls and bulkheads. The material provides a amazing strength and will last around 25 years. It should be treated properly to ensure that it continues through being exposed to water.

Wood: You will see wooden seawalls in more residential and rural areas. Just like steel, it should be treated properly in order to last.

Riprap: Many homeowners prefer riprap for its more natural look. Riprap is a barrier of very large stones along the waterline. The rock can be granite, limestone, concrete or other materials. Repair is very basic, and typically includes replacing any broken or scattered riprap.

Vinyl or Plastic: This is a newer, more economical product. It offers about 50 years of life and comes in several different colors. On the downside, synthetic materials can be hard to install. If you decide to install this type of seawall, hire an expert.

Flood Protection Barriers

Stopping Erosion

Erosion occurs to all land. Of course, this is especially true for those properties located by the water.

Rain, wind and the components can eat away at any property over time. This may result in complications to any home on the coast.

Planting extra plant or plant may give your soil additional protection. Incidental erosion just beyond the seawall can happen, too, so keep a look out for water pooling behind it.

For more natural seawall materials, such as riprap, encourage natural vegetation. Plant growth will actually give your seawall stability, and help it blend into the rest of your premises.

After any significant storm or flood, give your seawall a visual inspection to be certain it did not sustain any damage.