A seawall can be defined as a demarcation between your property and water. It is subjected to the changing tides and salt water. You should note that combination of salt water and changing tides is one of the major causes of soil erosion. Thus, you need to protect the integrity of seawalls.
Other than constructing a new seawall, there is a need to carry out routine repairs and inspections. The same thing with roof maintenance, you need to be ahead of the curve to avoid costly replacement. Thus, as a homeowner, you need to remain proactive. It is advisable to be cautious when you attempt to carry out inspection yourself. In the absence of the right tools and expertise, serious injuries are likely to result.
Seawall maintenance tips
As far as seawall inspections are concerned, the people carrying out the process ought to be known to carry out effective inspection.
Check growth
For instance, when you consider rip rap seawall, it is very effective, and it is aesthetic as it blends with the natural surroundings. Depending on certain conditions, it is likely to erode or lean. Moreover, vegetation that makes them a viable choice is likely to be undoing. These plants can intertwine with rocks and ought to be inspected. The traditional landscape shrubbery does make a positive contribution. However, weeds will proliferate, and roots keep going down and cause cracking.
Water holes
These are known as relief valves that are meant to relieve water pressure that can accumulate behind the seawall. Just like any filtration system, it is just good like its ability to flow. You need to check on a routine basis for natural debris that can clog these holes and make them ineffective. The ability of the sea wall to release water pressure is likely to cause cracks, which will result in crumbling and collapse of the seawall.
Foundation
As far as maintenance is concerned, there is a need to ensure that the support system is free of structural issues and cracks. Footers are considered to be a low-cost means of preventing erosion and the washout of the seawalls from intense water pressure, which can build up.
Types of seawalls
Different materials are used in building seawalls. This is the reason for a broad range of problems. For instance, treated specialty wood is known to be vulnerable. For such inspections, rather than cracking, you should look for the signs of rotting and splitting.
