Waterfront properties are some of the most beautiful homes on the market. With their brilliant colors and waterside proximity, these properties offer comfort and beauty. The nearby water provides many fun opportunities, from swimming to waterskiing.
But being close to the water also brings challenges. Waterfront properties often encounter severe storms, and these can damage homes. Whether it’s wind damage or flooding, your waterfront home faces risks. And rising water levels break up land, causing erosion.
That’s where retaining walls come in. Retaining walls, or seawalls, divert water away from your home to avoid erosion or flooding. Constructing a retaining wall is a great way to protect your home from unfavorable weather.
Here’s everything you need to know about retaining walls.
Retaining walls are structures that protect water-facing homes from water damage. Retaining walls are also called seawalls or embankments. They’re usually constructed in a parallel line across the shore. They protect against erosion by directing the water into safer areas. You can construct a waterfront retaining wall using many different materials, from stone to concrete.
Depending on the design, retaining walls can also offer a new aesthetic to your property. The many colors and styles allow you to choose a wall that both guards your home and adds a new design. Overall, seawalls offer a strong defense against water intrusion for your waterfront home.
Adding a retaining wall to your property could be the addition you need. With the walls’ protective properties and variety of styles, these structures offer many benefits for your home near the water.
Some advantages of a retaining wall include the following:
Natural water flow and constant boat wakes can cause shorelines to recede. As the water pushes against the earth and moves away, the shore begins to break up and eventually erodes. And as the years pass, shorelines gradually become smaller. This reduction of land is a significant problem for waterfront homeowners because the receding land threatens to hurt their property.
Luckily, retaining walls offer strong protection against land erosion. The wall separates the land from encroaching water and protects it from damage. With this barrier in place, you can enjoy your waterfront home without thinking about receding shorelines.
During rainfall or storms, water can rise quickly and potentially flood homes. Floodwaters are dangerous for both your home and physical health due to the toxins they carry. Flooding can cause long-term damage to the flooring, furniture and other essential elements of your home. Streams of water can sweep away cars and other possessions located outside.
Retaining walls provide shielding from floods. The durable materials, such as stone, withstand heavy amounts of water and keep it from overflowing onto your property. These walls also give you more time to make preparations in the case of an emergency.
When constructed correctly, retaining walls can last for many decades. Materials like steel and stone allow your wall to protect your property firmly. The retaining wall becomes a long-term investment for your property with proper maintenance and attention. Think of the retaining wall as a layer of protection that will last for future generations.
Seawalls also add property value. They accentuate property lines and define the width of docks and other waterfront elements. The added level of protection against flooding also increases the value of your home.
Another benefit of retaining walls is the ease of construction. To build a seawall, you don’t need much space. You can construct one in most waterside areas with little difficulty. Because retaining wall lengths are often small, the overall cost of construction is relatively low. You get a strong source of protection against flooding and erosion at a typically low price.
To accommodate for various tastes and needs, retaining walls are available in many styles. Each style has its pros and cons, so it’s best to research which type suits your personal needs. All can work as strong shields for your waterfront property.
The three major types of retaining walls include:
Vertical seawalls sit in an upright position right on the shore to prevent erosion from waves. They extend straight up into the air, similar to the structure of a fence. Vertical retaining walls are popular due to their strong form and reliability.
Here are more advantages of vertical seawalls:
These are some potential disadvantages of vertical seawalls:
Curved seawalls, also called stepped seawalls, are another retaining wall style. Designers construct these walls with a large, inward curve toward the center of the wall. The curve works naturally to redirect water, as it mimics a wave’s shape.
Here are several pros of having a curved seawall:
Here are some things to keep in mind about curved seawalls:
Mound seawalls are slightly different from the other two options. They’re made of concrete blocks, rocks and other stones. Instead of facing the wave directly, mound retaining walls disperse the wave upon contact.
These are some benefits of mound seawalls:
And mound seawalls come with these considerations:
You can build a seawall with a variety of materials. Similar to the styles of retaining walls, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. You might choose a particular material depending on what’s most important to you. If you want the seawall to match a specific aesthetic, you might single out the material that matches it best. Or, if durability is the most essential factor for you, you might choose the strongest substance.
Some common materials used for retaining walls include:
Ask professionals for help on how to build a retaining wall. They can recommend the right materials for your needs.
Once you decide to install a retaining wall for your property, choosing from the many options takes some time. The best way to select a seawall style is to consider your circumstances and what type suits them best.
Here are some things to consider as you select the best seawall for you.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a retaining wall is the body of water it will border. The size and volume of the water should inform your selection. The water’s tendencies will affect how long your seawall lasts.
Consider these water qualities:
You should also think about the shoreline conditions and how often people use the water for recreation. Both of these elements impact how much wear the wall will endure:
Consider how important seawall appearance is to you. Some retaining walls offer aesthetic beauty, while others don’t have many design options. If you want a seawall that matches your home or another design, take into account how customizable each option is.
For instance, vinyl and composite materials are available in many colors, but wood or timber seawalls are harder to customize. And some seawalls are overall more attractive than others, like cobblestone. Consider how crucial the seawall’s image is and weigh that with your other needs.
You might also think about eco-friendliness. If this is a make-or-break component for your decision, research which styles use the most sustainable materials. Seawalls affect sea life and the surrounding earth, so it’s important to consider this as you select your wall.
Riprap consists of all-natural materials and doesn’t block organisms from reaching the shore. This design makes it the most environmentally friendly option. And vinyl and composite, while highly durable and customizable, don’t use entirely sustainable materials.
Your finances are also an essential factor in your decision. Some options are pricier than others, so try to keep that in mind as you finalize a retaining wall choice. You should also try to weigh quality with your budget. Don’t immediately opt for the lowest price to save money, because it could need more costly replacements later. But don’t select a seawall that’s way out of your price range, either. Try to find a balance between your monetary lengths and the best retaining wall style.
Once you install the best retaining wall for you, it’s essential to regularly maintain and repair it. Here’s an overview of steps to take for seawall maintenance.
The best way to make sure your seawall is in good shape is by regularly checking for holes or other imperfections. The earlier you spot these problems, the less long-term damage occurs to your wall. These are some things to look for during your inspections:
In many cases, you can fix some of the smaller retaining wall issues yourself. Use simple fixes to get your retaining wall back to its best shape. Some quick ways to solve minor problems in your seawall include:
While you can resolve some seawall problems yourself, sometimes the issues require maintenance professionals. Knowing the difference between a minor problem and a big one helps you understand when to call for help or when to handle it on your own.
Signs of a seawall needing major repairs could be:
If you notice any of these signs or other major issues, contact a professional maintenance team. These teams can assess the extent of your seawall damage and provide the necessary repairs. If you have any concerns about your seawall, you might consider calling experts to ensure you take the right next steps.
A retaining wall is just one way to upgrade your waterside property. Docks, ports, launches and other accessories give you access to fun on the water. EZ Dock has provided premier water products for our customers since 1991. We are a leader in floating docks and other water products, perfect for waterfront properties.
Contact us or request a quote today to learn more about the long-term investments we can provide for your waterfront home.
For more information vinyl retaining walls, please get in touch with us!