Seawall Repair

Florida is renowned for its picturesque coastlines and numerous waterways throughout the state. Despite the popularity of beach activities and living by the ocean, it is sometimes necessary to establish a barrier between land and sea to safeguard the health, safety, and stability of nearby communities and homes. Seawalls have become a standard solution to prevent the encroachment and erosion of water onto land. However, damage to these seawalls can lead to various issues for residential or commercial properties. Fortunately, BlueLadder Builders offers swift and efficient seawall repair services to protect your property from erosion and damage.

Common Signs of Neglect

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Our Solutions

Here are some of the seawall repair and preservation solutions that we offer.

Poly Resin

Repairs leaking cracks in the seawall. Stabilizes surrounding soil. Permanently strengthens and repairs soil damage. Prevents future erosion. Stronger than crystalline bedrock. Safe for the environment.

Seawall Concrete Preservation

Concrete is chemically formed through a process known as hydration/curing. Concrete deteriorates chemically under the influence of soil, water, and air-born contaminants, weathering action, and corrosion of the embedded steel reinforcement. BlueLadder Builders offers a complete solution to prevent, restore, and protect steel reinforced concrete by modifying its chemical and physical properties. By restoring the properties of your seawall’s existing concrete (as opposed to replacing it) BlueLadder Builders preservation system provides cost and time savings, while limiting disturbance to surrounding structures and property. These materials are environmentally safe and are intended for use in marine environments.

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HOW TO REPAIR DAMAGED SEAWALLS

When it comes to repairing a seawall at either a residential or commercial property, there are several options available. While some contractors may suggest replacing the weakened wall, others may prefer to excavate behind the wall to conduct repairs. However, at BlueLadder Builders LLC., we offer an alternative that avoids disruptive work and significant excavation costs. Our seawall repair process involves utilizing rigid polyurethane soil stabilization resin in a two-part approach, which effectively repairs the seawall and eliminates soil loss.

THE BASICS OF WEAK SOILS ZONES

Seawalls are constructed above normal tidal or current levels and must be adequately supported by compacted soil to withstand water pressure during high tides. However, as the tides change, the soil supporting the seawall may experience additional stress and pressure, leading to weak soil zones. If left unaddressed, these weak zones may expand, potentially resulting in separation or stress fractures that compromise the integrity of the seawall.

If the weak soil zones are not addressed early on, seawall replacement may become necessary. This involves the removal of the existing seawall and constructing a new one in its place. Seawall replacement can be a costly and time-consuming process that may require the approval of local authorities and permits. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and address weak soil zones in the early stages to avoid more extensive repairs.

To address weak soil zones in seawalls, various techniques can be employed, such as soil stabilization, reinforcement, or drainage systems. Soil stabilization involves the use of materials to improve soil characteristics and increase its load-bearing capacity. Reinforcement techniques involve the use of geosynthetic materials to enhance soil strength and stability. Drainage systems can be implemented to manage water flow and reduce the risk of erosion in weak soil zones.

Proper maintenance and inspection of seawalls can help identify weak soil zones and address them before they lead to more severe problems. Regular maintenance activities, such as cleaning, sealing, and repainting, can help extend the life of the seawall and prevent damage. By addressing weak soil zones in a timely and effective manner, seawall owners can ensure the safety and stability of their property and avoid costly repairs.

Before Repair

After Repair

Seawall 101

Seawalls serve the purpose of protecting the surrounding soil by repelling water and preventing erosion. However, they endure significant stress from various natural factors such as weather, gravity, tides, and fluctuations in water levels. Over time, this continuous wear and tear can pose potential dangers, particularly due to the erosion caused by voids in the soil.

These voids in the soil, often concealed beneath vegetation, can present hazards to individuals walking near the seawall and to nearby buildings as the erosion progresses and creates larger voids. The presence of hidden voids compromises the stability of the soil, making the seawall vulnerable to collapse or structural damage.

It is essential to be cautious when near a seawall affected by erosion and voids. The integrity of the seawall may be compromised, increasing the risk of accidents or potential damage to adjacent structures. Regular inspections and maintenance of seawalls are necessary to detect and address these voids in a timely manner, ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.

Proactive measures should be taken to mitigate the risks associated with erosion and voids near seawalls. This may involve removing vegetation that hides potential voids, conducting soil stabilization to address weakened areas, and implementing proper drainage systems to manage water runoff effectively.

By staying vigilant and addressing erosion and voids promptly, the potential dangers posed by these weakened areas near seawalls can be mitigated, ensuring the safety of individuals and the long-term stability of the surrounding structures.

Ignoring the warning signs can lead to catastrophic failure

YOU HAVE OPTIONS:

Option 1 - Ignore the Problem and do Nothing.

Burying your head in the sand is the most dangerous option. The problem will grow and the longer you wait, the more expensive the repair.

Option 2- Replace

Does heavy equipment tearing up your property sound like fun? Replacing a seawall can require the removal of nearby boardwalks, boat lifts, and other nearby structures. This can be messy, time consuming and expensive!

Option 3 -Repair with inferior methods.

Outdated repair materials such as hydraulic cement, slurry, crushed seashells, and sodium silicate do not address the underlying soil instability that puts unsustainable pressure on the seawall. These methods are similar to putting a band-aid on an infection. The problem will simply continue to get worse until the seawall fails completely.

Option 4 -Repair with BlueLadder Builder's Advanced Technology

Our seawall repair material is stronger than crystalline bedrock. Proprietary pressure release technology, which automatically prevents devastating water pressure from building up behind your seawall. Seawall cap and panel repair with high-strength epoxy. This process restores stability and integrity to the structure. Advanced permanent anchoring systems when they are needed for additional structural support.