Living in the state of Florida, there are many residential and commercial places that are built in coastal areas. Being able to enjoy waterfront property is one of the greatest benefits of being a resident of Florida, but these coastal areas or waterfront properties are not always safe.
Much building and ingenuity needs to be done in order for many of the coastal spots throughout the state to be safe and enjoyable. One of these items is known as a seawall.
Seawalls come in many different types, but all of which are designed to keep water from flooding the urbanized development in coastal areas. While seawalls are made from durable materials, they will not last forever. If you are someone who has a waterfront property, there is a decent chance that at some point in the future you may need professional seawall repair. Cocoa Beach residents often ask how long will their seawall typically last before it needs to be repaired or replaced, but that can depend on many different factors!
Do Homeowners Maintain Their Seawall Regularly?
Seawalls can last for many years without a homeowner needing to step in and correct any issues they may be experiencing. In fact, depending on the type of seawall, it is not uncommon for homeowners to go twenty-five to thirty years without ever dealing with major problems.
Yet, this is highly dependent on various environmental and weather conditions that homeowners may experience on a regular basis. For example, strong seasonal storms or hurricanes can easily cause significant damage to a seawall at any time, making it necessary to know who to contact for professional seawall repair. Cocoa Beach residents should know that they can actually mitigate some of the potential damage caused by a strong storm if they were to keep up with regular seawall maintenance.
Regular maintenance is not something that needs to be done every year, but on average, it is best for homeowners to consider getting a professional to come out and inspect your seawall’s condition every four or five years.
The Common Causes of Seawall Degradation
Seawalls can be damaged in more ways than one, but more often than not when it comes to a homeowner needing professional seawall repair, Cocoa Beach residents should be made aware that the typical cause of seawall damage is the result of erosion.
Even though seawalls are primarily constructed to protect land from water erosion over time, water erosion is not the only cause for seawall damage that can lead to bigger problems. Land erosion is also another serious concern for seawalls that can make them less functional and cause issues.
In the state of Florida, many locations have the right geological conditions in which sinkholes can form. A sinkhole that is the right size and the right location can significantly damage a seawall, making it unlikely that a homeowner will get twenty-five to thirty years out of their seawall without any issues.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Superior Stabilization Corp*
