Waterfront properties give people an opportunity to live near the water where they can enjoy the beauty of nature and their favorite water sports. The seawall on your property plays a role in helping to preserve the integrity of your house by protecting it from potential storm surges and natural erosion of the land. Your seawall might also serve as a safe place to dock your boat, and it helps to define the boundary between the land and water so that people stay safe. 

While seawalls are designed to last for many years, they are subject to a tremendous amount of stress that comes from constantly being hit by the waves of water. Most seawalls need occasional repairs and maintenance to help them make it to the maximum limit for their longevity. Watch for these signs that you need to arrange for seawall repairs to prevent having to have it completely rebuilt.

You See Soil Loss Behind the Seawall

One of the primary purposes of a seawall is to stop erosion from the land on your property. Seeing soil loss behind the seawall is a sign that something is preventing it from doing its job. Soil erosion might have the appearance of small holes that look like animal burrows, or you might see different kinds of sand in your landscape.

The Slabs Are Visibly Leaning

The seawall slabs bear the brunt of the pressure from being between the land and the water. Once they begin to lean, there is likely some type of problem that is causing a pressure imbalance. Seawall repair specialists can identify what is making the slabs lean, and then they can use their expertise to put them back into the right positions.

The Cap Is Cracked or Has Chunks Missing

The cap is the part that goes over the top of the seawall. Most caps are made from concrete with steel rebar inside to serve as reinforcement. Take time to check the cap periodically for signs of damage such as cracks or chunks that are missing. You are most likely to see this type of damage on the water-facing side of the cap. If you see chunks missing, then the inside of the cap could be exposed. Repairing this area stops further deterioration.

You Spot Rust Stains on the Wall

The wall might occasionally accumulate discolorations from being exposed to the water and humidity. However, you should not see rust stains. Rust on the seawall could just be caused by a minor issues such as a decoration degrading. However, it could also be a sign that more critical parts are corroding. A seawall specialist can find out where the rust is coming from to help you plan for repairs.

To learn more, contact a seawall repair specialist.