Owning a coastal property is a dream come true for many people. Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the ocean, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the salty sea breeze. However, coastal property ownership also entails its own challenges, one of which is dealing with erosion. Erosion can cause significant damage to your coastal property, jeopardizing your investment. One way to mitigate erosion's effects is to ensure the integrity of your seawall with regular inspections. 

What is a Seawall?

A seawall is a structure built along the shoreline to protect the adjacent land against erosion from the waves, tides, and currents. Seawalls can be made of various materials, including concrete, rock, wood, or steel. However, no matter the material used, seawalls are subject to wear and tear due to the harsh coastal environment.

Why is Seawall Inspection Necessary?

Seawalls are crucial in safeguarding your coastal property from erosion, but a deteriorating seawall can be equally damaging. Over time, seawalls can develop cracks, holes, and other defects that compromise their ability to protect your property. Seawall inspection involves a thorough examination of the seawall's condition, identifying potential defects early on and addressing them before they turn into significant problems. Regular seawall inspection can save you money in the long run by catching minor issues before they become major and require costly repairs.

What Happens During the Inspection?

The inspection process typically involves visually inspecting the seawall's exterior and interior surfaces, looking for cracks, rust, corrosion, and other signs of wear and tear. An inspector might also use scanning technology to detect defects invisible to the naked eye. Seawall inspection may also involve testing the seawall's structural integrity, such as checking for soil erosion behind the wall or performing load tests to assess the seawall's resistance against waves, tides, and storms.

How Often Should You Schedule a Seawall Inspection?

The frequency of seawall inspection depends on factors such as the seawall's age, condition, location, and exposure to waves and tides. As a general rule of thumb, seawall inspection should be done annually or bi-annually. However, if your property is in a highly erosive area or you notice signs of seawall deterioration, such as cracking or bulging, you should have the seawall inspected immediately.

Seawall inspection is an essential aspect of coastal property ownership. It helps protect your property from the damaging effects of erosion by detecting and addressing seawall defects before they lead to more significant problems. By having regular inspections, you can prolong the seawall's lifespan, save money on repairs, and ensure the safety and security of your coastal property.