vinyl seawalls Archives - Gibson Marine Construction

The Four Best Things About Vinyl Seawalls

July 28, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

Our Top Four Reasons for Loving Vinyl Seawalls

March 18, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

No, we do not play favorites when it comes to the materials we select for our premium marine construction in Tampa Bay!

Actually, multiple factors drive the decision about the materials to use – two of the most important ones of course being: what the customer wants and how that may be achieved within their budget based on whatever seawall type currently exists.

For example, with an existing wood wall, should a marine-grade material one in need of some repairs be ripped out in favor of a Rip Rap seawall? Or can we achieve that natural look by installing a landscape retaining wall that works with the repaired wood wall to give a unique effect without demolishing a perfectly solid structure? We need customers to be happy and bottom lines to make sense. That’s why our consultations are in-depth.

What Are Some of the Key Advantages of Vinyl Seawalls?

Vinyl seawalls (also referred to as PVC seawalls) offer some choice alternatives. If you haven’t considered this as a viable option, check them out as this week we salute these seawalls as something worth considering. Here at Gibson Marine Construction, our vinyl sheet piling carries a 50-year manufacturer warranty against UV damage, corrosion, rot and marine borer damage.

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, Gibson Marine Construction provides a 25-year workmanship warranty. Enough of the shameless plugs – here are our top four favorite things about vinyl seawalls – in no particular order of importance:

Vinyl Seawalls are Sustainable

Seawalls are subjected to a terrible trio endeavoring to undermine its integrity: the sun’s harmful UV rays, the punishing effects of all water types, and the creatures of the deep who feast. These elements are essentially relentless, yet on the other hand are the same features that make waterfront living so singular. Therefore, a peaceful co-existence is a vote for vinyl. The longer shelf life of this material simply makes it ideal to fend off such factors.

Manufacturer Warranty and Gibson Marine Construction’s Workmanship Warranty

Even the manufacturers are onboard. They can literally afford to be as magnanimous as they are because this product is one that does not easily fail and does not require the same level of tending other seawall materials do. They don’t tend to succumb quite as easily to corrosion, cracking, and rotting.

Vinyl Seawalls are Easy to Install

If you are having a pool installed, you are going to expect it to be a pretty invasive project, what with the excavation and the many steps required to make it safe and viable. The same is true in a sense for vinyl seawalls as care and calculation goes into their installation of course, but the duration of time it takes to erect and secure one, is generally of a shorter duration than a seawall made with other materials.

An Affordable Seawall Option

The price tag for these structures is reduced in part because the labor is typically reduced because they are easy to install. To add to that savings, the material itself is relatively inexpensive. Vinyl seawalls are also cost effective over time as they tend to last longer.

Florida Seawalls and the Materials That Support Them

February 11, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

In landscape architecture, retaining walls provide the function that retards erosion while adding style to the overall design. Concrete, brick, natural stone; their configurations are endless – some are truly inspired and lend an ornamental touch that distinguishes a front lawn or a backyard retreat.

Seawalls are a Super Retaining Wall that Retard Erosion

Their purpose is to retard erosion, but they are between a rock and a hard place so to speak. Seawalls are subjected to the relentless force of water trying to work against them. Not to say that these walls are less aesthetically pleasing than a wall whose purpose is to control moisture runoff and provide an effective drainage system.

Seawalls have come a long way from solid blocks of concrete devoid of character. As a weekend warrior you may wish to tackle an array of landscape design ideas, but when it comes to seawalls, you’re going to need a professional.

Florida Seawalls Function as an Extension of Your Property

In Florida, seawalls are not simply delineations, some provide a usable surface that almost acts as an extension of your property. (Not true necessarily of rip rap seawall, but those materials boast their own unique charm because of their ability to naturally integrate into the surrounding area.)

Vinyl Sheet Piling for Seawalls

The use of vinyl sheet piling for seawalls bestows a great deal of flexibility. Inherent in the composition of the material is an opportunity for the ultimate creativity. Even better, vinyl sheet piling offers an appealingly appearance, due in part by the flexibility of a vinyl seawall. They are resistant to damage caused by UV rays, and are impervious to rot and corrosion; and even the devastation caused by marine borers.

What else do we like as far as using vinyl in seawall installations? Overall, their installation is actually easier than that of other materials. Because it is more impact resistant, the installation is more efficient, and that gets us out of a client’s way sooner!

Rip Rap and Wood Seawalls

Again, your seawall installation should not only do the job, it should look the way you want it to. Beyond the design itself; the material makes a strong statement.

A rip rap seawall – constructed from stone – may appear like a jumbled collection, but those elements are intentionally placed to function optimally as they are laid atop an underlayment as a foundation. Rip rap provides a unique look and even acts as a natural environment for marine life.

Wood seawalls could be considered the most traditional. They do tend to be cost effective at first installation, but they do of course have their vulnerabilities. The seawall owner will need to be cognizant of the need for more frequent inspections and vigilance about repairs. Marine grade pressure treated woods are your first line of defense, but the beauty of that more organic look does come with a price of sorts: maintenance.

Tampa Bay, Florida’s Seawall Construction Specialists

As Florida marine construction specialists, we issue 25 year warranties against our labor, but you can’t beat the additional assurances from the manufacturers either. You can get up to 50 years on vinyl seawalls. If you need a seawall or are interested in making a change to one, give us a call for a consultation at 727-942-3111 or complete the website contact form. We can even support your landscaping vision!

Florida Seawalls: Functional Beauty

October 15, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

Our waters and climate lend themselves to a variety of options for seawall construction in Florida. Although seawalls support the function of protecting your waterfront home from the shoreline, it doesn’t mean they need to be unsightly, or industrial looking.

Also known as bulkheads or retaining walls, the use of vinyl sheet piling offers an opportunity for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, due in part by the flexibility of a vinyl seawall. Resistant to damage from UV rays, and the rot, corrosion, and destruction caused by marine borers, you can have your seawall and love the way it looks too!

Custom designs to suit individual tastes and the unique curvature of your property’s edge also make vinyl seawalls a flexible alternative. Although we install wood seawalls, rip rap seawalls and of course landscaping retaining walls, here are a few of our favorite things about vinyl seawalls:

Warranty: Vinyl Piling Seawalls carry an extraordinary warranty. The highest performance vinyl and composite sheet piling we install is backed with a 50-year warranty. (On top of that, you can add in Gibson Marine Construction’s 25-year workmanship warranty!)
Ease of Installation: Most homeowners look forward to the start of their renovation projects. You’ve gone through the evaluation of contractors, the proposal phase, and the selection process. By that time, you just want to get started and get it done already! While there’s the perfect seawall for every situation, there’s a good deal to be said about the speed with which vinyl seawalls can be erected. The ease of installation and the pliability of the material facilitates that installation. There’s a lot that goes into a seawall installation, but as a homeowner, you can get “back to normal” as soon as possible!
Cost effective: Comparatively speaking, you will find that this seawall material is less expensive than the alternatives; in part because the time spent on labor is decreased. In general, you will find the pricing on vinyl seawalls to be an attractive reason to select them.
Durability: Vinyl is a popular option for many residential and commercial projects because it lasts. It is designed to withstand all the elements that are the reason you need a seawall in the first place. Robust by definition, you will find that your vinyl seawall will remain impervious to the types of challenges other materials may eventually face, like: corrosion, insect infestation, and the wear and tear imposed by the sun, the tides, and the winds levied during Florida’s hurricane season.

Founded on variables including: wall height, sheet pile length and strength, foundation soil and tide; genuine craftsmanship and quality materials combine with advanced installation technologies to provide an effective barrier system.

Waterfront properties are coveted. If you are contemplating purchasing a home at the water’s edge or are already enjoying the spectacular views, they do come at a price. Not the dollars and cents kind necessarily as much as the awareness kind. Just as “good fences make good neighbors” so it is if you live next door to Mother Nature. There are times she will really try to get her way. Protect your property with the right seawall for the job. We’d be glad to assist!

Which Seawall Material is Right for You?

May 14, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

If you own a property on the water, you know just how important your seawall is to the safety and value of that property. It is important have a structure in place that will prevent erosion, 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 you? Perhaps these explanations will help you make a decision!

Rip Rap Seawall Material

A rip rap (or stone) wall adds stability 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 where 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 offers an ideal shelter for small marine animals.

It is important that rip rap is installed properly. Gibson Marine Construction installs an underlayment before installing. Once the underlayment is installed, Florida fieldstone or lime rock is installed at a 2:1 ratio with rock between 8” and 24”.

Wood as a Seawall Material Option

While this option provides a more natural look, and offers a lower initial installation cost, keep in mind that wood seawalls are prone to factors that could require more-frequent repairs or replacement. Depending on the environment, though, this option could provide many years of service.

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. 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 along.

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. 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 up front, and in the long run. Vinyl seawalls are resistant to the natural elements such as sun, wind and water, as well as marine-boring critters that target wood seawalls.

It may be clear why vinyl seawalls are a popular choice, but Gibson Marine Construction can install any option you choose. Whether it’s rip rap, wood, or vinyl, we can make your waterfront property safer and more beautiful with a new seawall!

Seawall Installation and Repair Experts in Tampa Bay, Florida

Does your seawall need a repair? We can help there too! Contact us today if you have any questions about our seawall materials or services.