Trying to decide which method of seawall, bulkhead and retaining wall repairs or replacements are best? Keeping property safe from encroaching seawater is vital. Here are the facts you need to know about the different systems available for seawall, bulkhead and retaining wall repairs and replacements:
Materials:
- Wood Construction: While easy and attractive, wood is always subject to decay, insects and wear from sand and water. If you have wood construction, you are probably better off removing and replacing it with a sturdier and longer-lasting material.
- Steel: Steel is strong and resists insects, but it is also vulnerable to rust and can become unsightly as well as start to decay quickly and there is no way to reverse this.
- Aluminum: While aluminum is resistant to decay by freshwater, saltwater creates a chemical reaction that corrodes aluminum and breaks it down.
- Concrete Construction: Obviously concrete lasts longer than wood and most concrete contains rebar which reinforces the concrete and allows it to support the bending loads experienced by a seawall. However, concrete deteriorates in harsh marine conditions which eventually leads exposure of the rebar to saltwater and ultimately failure of the wall.
- Concrete in Vinyl Forms: A stronger and longer-lasting option is to make a seawall, bulkhead or retaining wall repair using vinyl barriers which contain concrete with rebar. The vinyl protects the concrete and rebar from corrosion while the concrete provides a stronger and more secure barrier than other options.
- Construction Issues:
- Equipment: You will also need to consider the equipment needed to build the seawall, bulkhead or retaining wall and how easy it will be to move the equipment into that area without damaging property and the area needing repair.
- Replace or Repair: Seawall, bulkhead or retaining wall repairs are costly, so it is important to get the help of experts in seawall construction to help you evaluate your project and decide whether repair or new construction would best help your situation.
- Durability and Timeline: How long do you need for your construction to last? How soon do you need it finished?
Finally, if you are in charge of making decisions about a seawall, bulkhead and retaining wall repairs, you will want to make sure you choose products that aren’t just a quick fix.
If you’re ready to start planning your seawall, bulkhead, or retaining wall project, contact the experts at Truline today.