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Best Practices for Seawall Maintenance in Winter

Seawalls have become an integral part of many shorelines in Indiana. Seawalls are the preferred method to prevent upland erosion and storm surge flooding.

Seawall maintenance depends on the type of wall installed. Seawall material are a key consideration.

The sturdiest seawall is made of steel. The major advantage of steel wall is the minimal maintenance required.

Vinyl is used for seawalls in areas where the bottom of the ocean is soft. It is long lasting but may need more maintenance and repairs as compared to a steel seawall.

Concrete is another long lasting material. Concrete is especially useful in areas where there is ice action. Walls made of concrete are known to be quite versatile and last quite a while with little maintenance.

You may want to use timber and rocks. These are usually more visually pleasing and blend well with park like surroundings. These are most commonly used in low-risk areas, especially in beach houses.

If you do choose to go with the rocks, you should get the services of an experienced professional to install the seawall. Rocks are laid out and lined with filter fabric. The size of rocks used depends on the levels of exposure of your shoreline. If ice and wave action seems like a risk, then large rocks are used.

 

Winter Seawall Maintenance

You may need to drill weep holes in your seawall. These are drilled to help balance the pressure on both sides. It also allows for free drainage of the sea water and makes your seawall last longer.

When your seawall has been up for awhile, it could become undermined and may need some support. Footers may need to be installed to shore up the seawall. Installing these should not take much time and effort.

Sand is another cause of seawall weakness. If your seawall is leaking sand and dirt, you should add hydraulic cement at the points where the wall meets the pilling. This will adequately prevent such leakages.

Need help with your seawall maintenance? Call Beyond Landscaping at (574) 527-7973

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