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.

Living in Florida comes with a number of great benefits, such as year-round warm weather and beautiful coastal views. Residents of Florida have a responsibility to help protect the state’s shorelines, both along the coasts and inland waterways. Seawalls installed on your property help protect the shorelines of Florida by preventing soil erosion. As you consider upgrading your existing seawall or installing a new seawall on recently purchase property, Gibson Marine encourages you to consider the benefits of vinyl piling seawalls.

Vinyl Seawalls are Cost Effective

Compared to other materials used in the construction of seawalls, vinyl pilings are a more cost-effective solution than rock or steel. Any seawall construction project is a major marine undertaking, and comes with a comparable financial commitment. However, selecting vinyl pilings as a construction material lowers the overall initial investment, and lowers the maintenance and repair costs in the future as well.

Vinyl is Sustainable and Long Lasting

Tampa is one of the sunniest places in the Sunshine State. There are an average of 101 sunny days each year, and an additional 143 partly sunny days. In total, there are an average of 244 days of sunshine each year. The sun’s UV rays, along with marine boring organisms and critters, have met their match in the form of vinyl piling seawalls. The wind and waves aren’t the only threat to the longevity of your seawall. Overtime, boring organisms, sea critters, and UV rays from the sun can weaken your seawall.

Vinyl is impervious to all of these threats. While other materials corrode under the onslaught of saltwater, opening holes that can be exploited by waterborne organisms and critters, vinyl stands strong. On average, vinyl often comes with a 50-year guaranty from manufacturers, who stand behind claims that vinyl won’t crack, break, or deteriorate.

Vinyl Pilings are Easier to Install than Other Materials

As a homeowner, you might not be concerned at first about the ease or difficulty involved in the installation of your new seawall. Compared to materials such as steel, vinyl is more impact resistant. This means crews can pound the pilings into the ground with greater ease, making it easier to complete your new seawall in a shorter period of time. Although it may not seem like a big deal, the ease of installation means your property can be put back in order sooner and the large, loud equipment will be gone.

Vinyl Seawalls have Unbeatable Manufacturer Warranties

Vinyl piling manufacturers stand behind their products with warranties that are unmatched by other material providers in the industry. Whether its UV damage and cracking or corrosion and rotting, manufacturers offer warranties up to 50 years on vinyl piling seawalls.

If you have more questions about the benefits of vinyl piling seawalls on your property, feel free to contact Gibson Marine. Not only do we use high-performance vinyl with a 50-year warranty, we backup our workmanship with a 25-year warranty. Your seawall will stand the test of time to protect the soil and shoreline on your property!

The Four Best Things About Vinyl Seawalls