Facing Stronger for Longer Hurricanes

December 7, 2020 by gibson Leave a Comment

In a recent study conducted by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, researchers have concluded that hurricanes are staying “stronger for longer after hitting land.” Coastal property owners should take notice, as this can equate to more danger and property damage. Damage from a hurricane can happen a few different ways.

Hurricane Damage from Stronger Storm Surges

The rising water pushed toward the shore by forceful hurricane winds is called a storm surge. It can be a greater threat to human life – even more so than the powerful winds. And the crashing waves can cause severe damage to property, damaging boats, docks, and even buildings. With hurricanes staying stronger for longer, storm surges have the potential to become more violent, may cause water levels to rise and cause more damage.

Land Erosion and Land Loss Caused by Hurricanes

Hurricanes also cause damage via delivering torrential rains to an area. These severe rainstorms can cause rivers to flood, eroding the soil from the riverbanks. And torrential rains can create mudslides, leading to land loss and property damage. For example, scientists estimate that the amount of land lost due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita was approximately 73 square miles.

Seawalls and Retaining Walls Can Help Protect from Stronger for Longer Hurricanes

As of yet there is no way to stop a hurricane, but property owners can take steps to protect their land by investing in a seawall or retaining wall. They can serve as the first line of defense to protect property and help curb some of the damage caused by hurricanes. As hurricanes get stronger for longer, even property owners who have never considered a seawall or retaining may want to revisit the topic.

If you’re thinking about investing in a seawall or retaining wall, talk to our marine construction experts at Gibson Marine Construction. We’d be happy to discuss the benefits and how to best protect your property from hurricane damage caused by stronger for longer hurricanes. Contact Gibson Marine Construction today to learn more.

Enjoy the Beauty and Function of a Wood Retaining Wall or a Wood Seawall

November 13, 2020 by gibson Leave a Comment

Whether you’re in the market for a wood retaining wall (which holds back earth on one side of the wall) or a wood seawall (which retains earth on one side and water on the other side), there is no need to sacrifice aesthetics to get the job done. They can provide both beauty and function.

Why Choose a Wood Seawall or a Wood Retaining Wall?

Wood seawalls and wood retaining walls add rich, natural beauty to any landscape. And, choosing marine-grade wood material is an excellent way to protect your land from the tides, waves, and hurricanes, or to prevent land movement. Selecting wood for your marine construction structure can also be a cost effective choice at installation.

With that being said, it is important to know that wood does require more frequent inspections, repairs, and/or replacement. And it does hold up better in fresh water as opposed to salt water. Regardless, wooden seawall and wooden retaining wall owners will need to be more vigilant about the condition of their wooden marine construction structure. That’s why it’s important to choose professionals to do the job.

At Gibson Marine Construction we use marine-grade material for wood seawalls. Our wall construction consists of vertical 2” x 6” PT marine-grade lumber, a combination of 2” x 8” front and back wale system and a 2” x 12” PT marine grade cap. And depending on the environment, a wood wall can provide many years of service.

Questions About Starting Your Marine-Grade Wood Seawall or Wood Material Project?

If you’re thinking about a wood seawall or wood retaining wall to protect or prevent damage to your property, consider our specialists at Gibson Marine Construction to do the job. With over 30 years of experience our team will work with you to design and construct your wood seawall or wood retaining wall. Contact us today, we’d love to talk about the beauty and function that a wood retaining wall or wood seawall could bring to your property.

Our Five Favorite Things about Composite Decking

May 19, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

The classic look of a wooden dock is timeless and has been the preferred material of waterfront property owners for ages. Although it is a great material, lumber is actually prone to many wear and tear issues that can affect its longevity and leave you with a dock that is in a perpetual state of withering away, year after year.

If you’re planning to repair or replace an existing dock, or maybe you’re in the market for your first one, composite decking may be an option you’ll want to consider.

1. Wear and Tear

Marine environments are often unforgiving, especially to structures composed of lumber. Composite decking, however, is very durable and designed to tolerate the harsh conditions imposed by marine ecosystems. This ideal material is composed of recycled plastics and wood fibers that allow for it to remain more structurally sound and less prone to erosion in salt water. In spite of the fact that composite is not a natural material, it is available to be customized by texture and color to give it that wood-like quality.

2. Manufacturer Warranty

Not only are composite decks more durable, they often include great manufacturer warranties. With some ranging from about 20-25 years and potentially lifetime limited, you can rest assure you will get the desired mileage out of your new deck as well as peace of mind in the event damage occurs.

3. Geography

With the amount of waterfront locations in Florida, you must always take into consideration exactly where you are and what docking material is most suitable. For example, a simple floating wooden dock would do nicely on a fresh water lake and would require little maintenance. However, the same can’t be said if that same dock were to be placed in a more harsh salt water location. Thankfully, composite decks are very versatile and can be placed in nearly any type of marine environment and still hold firm at the end of the day.

4. The Look

The main apprehension with having a composite deck installed is its appearance. Being so used to wooden decks, you may think that composite decks only come in the phony, plastic PVC look that no one wants. But, composite decks can actually be customized in both texture and color to give it a nice wooden veneer without sacrificing material and structural integrity.

5. Worth and Cost

As is the case with many home-based expenses, you can pay upfront or when things take a sharp turn. Essentially, you may pay less than a composite deck for nice pressure treated wood, but after years of wear and tear you will most likely have to have it replaced or schedule some major repairs. Composite decks are more expensive upfront, certainly, but you pay for something that will last and be far less hassle in the long run.

After all is said and done, a professional consultation will help you find the exact answers you need to decide between wood and composite for your dock.