Gibson Marine Construction

Which Seawall Material Is Right for You?

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If you own a property on the Florida waterfront, you know just how important your seawall is to the protection and value of your property. It’s essential to have a seawall structure in place that will prevent erosion, protect against storm damage, and even enhance the look of the property from the water.

Seawall Material Recommendations

With the variety of options for the materials used to build your seawall, how do you know which option is right for your property? These explanations can help you to make an informed decision.

Rip Rap Seawall Material

A rip rap (or stone) seawall adds stability to the shoreline while giving your property a natural look. The rip rap consists of rocks, stone or other material arranged to prevent erosion from water. While this option is most commonly used on shorelines of creeks and rivers, it can be used anywhere that erosion from water is a possibility.

Rip rap not only looks natural, but it also provides a great habitat for wildlife! Especially when the tide is high, rip rap seawall materials offer an ideal shelter for small marine animals.

It is important that rip rap is installed properly. Gibson Marine Construction installs an underlayment before adding the rip rap materials. This paramount layer provides stability and support. And, once the underlayment is installed, Florida fieldstone or lime rock is installed over it at a 2:1 ratio with rock between 8” and 24”.

Wood Seawalls and Wood Capped Seawall Material Options

Wood seawalls are another material option that can provide a natural look and has a lower initial installation cost. But it is important that properly treated wood is used at installation to avoid rot. Gibson Marine Construction uses all marine-grade material for our wood seawalls. Depending on the environment, this option could provide many years of service.

However, wood seawalls are prone to factors that could require more-frequent repairs or replacement, so alternative options may better suit your property. A wood capped seawall can provide the same esthetic, but with better supporting materials below the wood cap, it can also provide better stability and last longer.

Vinyl Seawall Material

Vinyl seawalls, also known as PVC seawalls, have many benefits that exceed the other two options. Although they don’t offer the natural look that rip rap or wood seawalls provide, vinyl seawalls do, however, provide much greater protection from the elements. Plus, our vinyl seawalls are backed by a 50-year warranty against rust, rot, corrosion, falling prey to marine bores, or UV damage from the sun.

Vinyl seawalls are typically easier to install and are extremely durable which could add up to cost savings both upfront, and over time. Vinyl seawalls are resistant to the natural elements such as sun, wind, and water, as well as marine-boring critters that target wood seawalls.

Seawall Installation and Repair Experts

No matter which seawall material you choose, Gibson Marine Construction can install any option. Whether it’s rip rap, wood, wood capped, or vinyl, we can make your waterfront property safer and more beautiful with a new seawall!

Or if your seawall is in need a repair, we can help there too! Contact us today if you have any questions about our seawall materials and services.

The Four Best Things About Vinyl Seawalls

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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.

Drone Video of the Seawall at Sand Key Park

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Protecting and Preserving Sand Key Park, Florida

According to the Pinellas County, Florida Parks and Preserves website, Sand Key Park is a public park comprised of ninety-five acres, located on Sand Key Island, a barrier island situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida mainland. It is a popular destination, welcoming more than one million visitors each year.

It is very important that Florida’s public parks, like Sand Key Park are protected and preserved. The seawall being constructed along the water way is a key component of the 2018 Sand Key and Treasure Island Nourishment Projects currently underway this summer.

Drone Video Showcasing the Seawall Construction Project at Sand Key Park

This drone video gives us a bird’s eye view of the project. The video starts in an area where work on the seawall has been completed and where you can see a man enjoying his afternoon of fishing. The video then continues down the waterway towards the areas of the seawall still under construction. This can gives us a peek at the all of the engineering and construction work that goes into building a stable seawall, capable of withstanding hurricanes, tropical storms, and the foot traffic of over one million park visitors each year.

Once the drone approaches the bridge spanning the waterway from Clearwater Beach to Sand Key Island, it turns around to head back in the direction from which it came. And if you look closely at this point, you can see quite a few dolphins enjoying their afternoon swimming in the waterway.

Call the Seawall Experts, Gibson Marine Construction

For more information about seawalls or seawall construction projects, contact Gibson Marine Construction. These seawall construction experts are happy to take on seawall construction projects, both large and small.

The Four Best Things About Vinyl Seawalls

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Bulkheads, retaining walls, seawalls…referred to as all of the above, these barriers maintain the integrity of commercial and private properties.

As such, they require consistent inspections and maintenance so they may continue to do the job they are designed to do.

What Are Florida Seawalls?

Available in a variety of materials including, wood seawalls, rip rap seawalls and of course landscaping retaining walls, vinyl sheet piling offers a sleek appearance while being flexible to install.

What’s So Great About Vinyl Seawalls?

  1. They’re Durable

Resistant to damage from 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, vinyl is a popular option for seawalls projects of all shapes and scopes because they have longevity. Their purpose being to withstand and resist the elements, particularly those harsh Florida ones, vinyl is a hearty material.

  1. They Offer Great Warranties

Because they are typically not the most inexpensive structures, vinyl seawalls are key because they carry exceptional warranties. With a reputable marine construction company like Gibson, you can add a 25-year workmanship warranty on top of that!

  1. Easier to Install

Most homeowners look forward to the start of their renovation projects. After going through making all the associated decisions and the selection process, these seawalls are erected with a speed that can’t be compared to the install of other materials. As invasive as any home construction projects can be, the design, installation and construction of seawalls can be done comparatively quickly.

  1. Vinyl Seawalls Are Cost Effective

In general, these are less expensive than the alternatives; and most of that reason is because the time spent on labor is less. As labor is generally the largest component of any project, this reduction in cost is a welcome one.

Seawall Restoration

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the criteria that must be met:

  • 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.

They also cite seawall alternatives including:

Alternatives to Seawalls:

  • 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.

What is a Seawall?

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Florida is fortunate to have droves of people leave their cold and land-locked states to revel in our sunny skies and the singular beauty of our waterfront properties. The one disadvantage to area newcomers is learning about the marine structures that potentially impact the security of these real estate investments.

Just as you would hire a home inspector to ensure the integrity of a property’s HVAC system and its insulation, in addition to scrutinizing for roof leaks, etc., so it should be with the structures that ultimately protect waterfront property from the water itself.

Besides careful awareness of the condition of decks, docks, and boat lifts, a seawall is the structure that needs to be particularly durable. While they can be repaired, it is the wise homebuyer who will have it professionally inspected prior to purchase.

What is a Seawall?

It is an embankment that defends the shoreline from erosion and potential flooding. While there is typically a coastal defense solution in place for seaside towns, a private seawall will provide that extra layer between your land and the water.

You could say a seawall is simply delaying the inevitable, but when you live waterfront, these are steps essential to co-exist with nature; learning to respect boundaries so to speak.

Seawalls are not necessarily going to prevent high waves and subsequent flooding in very severe weather, but they help prevent natural sand and soil erosion. They can even provide a surface area perpendicular to itself that can be used for other purposes: like strolling along the coastline, taking in the Florida sunshine from a lounge chair, and enjoying a favorite local pursuit like fishing.

The marine construction industry offers a variety of materials that can be used. Design alternatives also lend themselves to creating unique looks and styles to suit the locale and the property itself. More traditional (and older) seawalls are constructed from large rocks and pebbles, while contemporary seawall construction incorporates materials like concrete, vinyl, metal, and/or a combination of all of the above. Woods and plastics are always an option, but should be used judiciously as they are not necessarily the most resilient — unless they are appropriately treated and of high quality.

Additionally, depending on the natural formation of the coastline, the area’s climate, and its tide, seawalls can be designed to be curved. This helps retard the water’s energy to facilitate wave breaking. They can also be straight, have multiple layers, and even slope to the water’s edge with a blanket of stones, adding to the natural beauty while still serving to impede destruction.

Installing and/or Properly Maintaining a Sound Seawall is Probably One of the Best Investments You Can Make for Your Waterfront Home

Seawalls:

  • Serve as an embankment
  • Prevent soil erosion
  • Increase coastal defense

If you have ever been fortunate enough to appreciate water views from your own home; you know that it takes some maintenance and attention to marine structures to preserve and protect them.

If you are buying a waterfront home, we strongly suggest having it professionally inspected to ensure you are not inheriting breaches of any sort. Contact us for more information about how we can give you the peace of mind you should expect from a waterfront lifestyle.

Palm Harbor Community Seawall Upgrades are Par for the Course

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Palm Harbor Community Project Details

A local golf course recently received a much needed overhaul of their retaining walls and drainage on the golf course at Highland Lakes retirement community in Palm Harbor.  When Highland Lakes needed to replace their wood retaining walls on three of their holes, they turned to Gibson Marine Construction to do the job.

The golf course project consisted of replacing the wood retaining walls on three different holes with 800-feet of ESP 4.1 vinyl sheet piling, wood cap and anchoring system.  Gibson Marine Construction uses a high performance vinyl and composite sheet piling providing protection against corrosion, erosion and UV damage from the sun.  A retaining wall, also known as a bulkhead or seawall, keeps the water from eroding the soil back into the water. The team at Gibson Marine Construction also re-routed the drainage system by adding drain and catch pipes, stabilized the greens and t-boxes, plus sodded one of the holes.

The project took less than 4 weeks to complete and was constructed on-time and on-budget, a standard for all of Gibson Marine Construction’s projects.

Pleased with the Results

The Highland Oaks Homeowners Association Facilities superintendent is so pleased with the work they have completed, they have recently contracted Gibson for future work.

Gibson Marine Construction is a state certified general contractor and have over 30 years of local experience in building seawalls, docks and installing boat lifts for homeowners, resort communities, golf courses and developers.  Project Manager Mike Mittler has been working to expand the business into more housing communities and golf courses.  “We have recently expanded our services to reach more golf courses and housing communities from north Florida to Miami. Projects like Highland Lakes are a natural fit for us.”

Contact Gibson Marine to get a Quote for Your Seawall Upgrade Project

For more information about Gibson Marine Construction’s services and experience, please call 727-942-3111 or click here to contact us!


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2131 Range Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-942-3111 | gibson-marine.com Florida Certified General Contractor: CGC1514396