Bulkheads, retaining walls, and seawalls – all of these marine construction structures may be slightly different in structure, but these barriers all perform similar functions.
What is a Seawall?
A seawall is a type of coastal defense system designed to maintain the integrity of commercial and private waterfront properties. They help protect shorelines against erosion and surge flooding, often caused by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tidal waves, etc.
As such, they require regular inspections and maintenance so they may continue to do the job they are designed to do.
Seawall Materials
Gibson Marine seawalls are available in a variety of materials including:
- Rip rap seawalls (stone)
- Vinyl seawalls (PVC)
- Wood or wood-capped seawalls
Why are Vinyl Seawalls Good?
Vinyl sheet piling offers a sleek appearance that can withstand the test of time. It offers waterfront homeowners a quality product that is flexible and easier to install, thus reducing installation costs and timelines. Here are the four best things about vinyl seawalls making it a good choice:
Vinyl Seawalls are Durable
Vinyl seawalls are durable because of their resistance to damage from the harsh Florida elements, such as the intense UV rays of the sun, the rot associated with wood structures, the corrosion of traditional materials, and the destruction caused by marine borers. Thus, the heartiness of the material offers greater longevity. This makes it a popular choice for seawall projects of all shapes and scopes.
Vinyl Seawalls are Easier to Install
Most homeowners look forward to the start of their renovation projects. And after going through making all the decisions and the selection process, a big project like this can start to feel like its dragging on – never going to end. But that’s not the case with installing a vinyl seawall. Once the design and planning work is done, these seawalls are able to be erected with a speed that can’t be compared to the install of other materials.
Vinyl Seawalls Are Cost Effective
In general, vinyl seawalls are less expensive than their counterparts constructed from other materials. The main reason for this is because it requires less time and labor. With labor generally the largest component of any seawall project, this reduction in cost is a welcome one we are able to pass along to our clients
Warranty Offers Available on Vinyl Seawalls
Because they are typically not the most inexpensive structures, vinyl seawalls are also great because they carry exceptional warranties. With a reputable marine construction company like Gibson Marine, you can add a 25-year workmanship warranty on top of that! This can give you greater piece of mind.
Seawall Restoration Solutions
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection the criterion for restoring a seawall includes:
- Seawall to be replaced is functional (no cracks or breaks which allow water to flow through the wall)
- Replacement seawall is constructed at its previous location, upland of its previous location, or within one foot waterward of its previous location
- No filling done besides that used in the actual restoration of the seawall or riprap
- No construction is done without necessary title or leasehold interest, especially where private and public ownership boundaries have changed as a result of natural events such as deposition, erosion, or exposure of land due to a drop in water levels.
Alternative Solutions to Seawall Restoration
They also offer alternative options including:
- Retaining walls- identical to a seawall but all portions of the wall are in the uplands. Retaining walls may be built without a permit from DEP.
- Vegetation-nature’s way of preventing erosion along a shoreline. Plants can be used alone or in combination with other methods.
- Riprap slopes-loose boulders, rocks, or clean concrete rubble placed along the shoreline. A permit may be required for installation of riprap slopes.
To truly effect a resilient, functional yet beautiful barrier between the water and the land, it takes craftsmanship combined with quality materials for an effective barrier system that can resist corrosion, insect infestation, and the wear and tear imposed by the sun, the tides, and the winds levied during Florida’s hurricane season. This makes vinyl seawalls an ideal solution.
Gibson Marine’s Vinyl Seawall Solutions
If you are interested in adding a vinyl seawall to your Florida waterfront property or are looking for seawall restoration solutions, contact Gibson Marine Construction to learn more. Call today for a free quote.
