Installing a seawall is a great investment in protecting and even beautifying a property that's adjacent to an ocean, a bay, or an inlet. Taking on such a marine construction job, though, presents several interesting challenges. Let's explore some of the issues you'll need to tackle when dealing with a marine construction seawall project.
Surveying the Area
The first thing you'll need to do is to figure out how high the tide gets at the highest tide. You can accomplish this by checking when the highest tides come in for your location. At that time, you can set out a measuring stick and mark where the high-water mark is as the tide rolls in.
It's also a good idea to have a property survey conducted, especially if you haven't had one done recently. This will ensure that you don't build anywhere that a neighbor might be upset about. It may be best to keep the new seawall a few yards away from the edge of your property just to keep the peace. This all also provides a buffer in case a later dispute process moves the property line out of your favor. With a survey in hand, you can begin putting in small poles every 8 feet to mark where the seawall is going.
Permits
Municipalities, counties, states, and even federal agencies may have a say in where your seawall goes and how it influences the surrounding area. Contact your local code compliance officer to learn what the building rules are in your area.
Getting Work Done
Referring back to your notes about the tides, it's a good idea to also take note of when the lowest tides will be. This is a good time to schedule any work you're planning. If you're hiring a contractor, try to coordinate with them.
Seawalls can be constructed using a variety of materials. Many people elect to sink metal pipes into the ground and attach boards to them with a combination of u-bolts and nuts. If you elect to use lumber for a seawall, you should conduct an annual inspection to identify where rot has occurred. Metal poles can also become corroded.
A more ambitious approach is to use concrete. Rather than sinking poles, most folks use rebar in this process. Quick-drying concrete is then installed around the rebar using wooden or plastic forms. Lastly, the forms are removed to complete the seawall.
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