Living along the coast is a dream come true for many. The beach offers a fantastic view, and the rejuvenating sea breeze can be a poignant addition to your daily life. Besides the majestic sea and the stunning beaches, you may also have noticed a number of seawalls near the canals or bays. They keep protecting the surrounding waterfront properties as powerful waves crash against them.

If you are considering having a seawall built for your own property, one of the most important factors you’ll need to think about is the seawall material. The entire point of seawall construction is to use it to reduce the eroding impact of the waves. And, to protect the nearby land and its inhabitants. Based on these concepts and facts, it goes without saying that the seawall must be sturdy enough to withstand the harshest of elements. 

4 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Seawall Material

To make sure your seawall lasts a long time, you should be aware of the different types of seawall materials. And, of course, what each of them brings to the table:

Concrete Seawalls Can Last Up To 50 Years

Want a seawall that can last a lifetime and requires little to no maintenance? Concrete seawalls – if the seawall material has been reinforced with steel – are one of the strongest, most durables seawalls available today. These structures can withstand endless battering from the wind and the waves without fail for decades to come.

A concrete seawall is easy to customize as well, and doesn’t require any complicated maintenance.

Steel Seawalls Have High Initial Installation Costs 

Many marine construction contractors use steel to construct seawalls. They use it because it is considered one of the strongest materials for underwater projects. However, the initial installation costs of this seawall material can go pretty high. In addition, it requires a protective coating application on a regular basis.

With proper maintenance, a quality steel seawall can last more than 25 years. It is also easy to install (comparatively speaking), and doesn’t have any height limitations unlike an aluminum seawall.

Aluminum Seawalls Are Corrosion-Proof

While an aluminum seawall is resistant to corrosion, if the water is highly acidic (or has extremely low pH), it can succumb to corrosion in the future. Plus, aluminum is a relatively lightweight material. So, it may not be the best choice for an installation into a hard surface or for a tall wall design.

Vinyl or Plastic Seawalls Offer More Style Options

Vinyl is relatively new to the seawall material industry. But, they have begun to replace steel in many projects due to their exceptional lifespan – these walls can last more than 50 years. Unfortunately, plastic/vinyl material poses height limitations and can’t be driven into hard surfaces. But if you are specifically going for an aesthetically pleasing appearance, vinyl is a pivotal option.

Professional Concrete Seawall Design and Installation

Prince Bay Seawalls & Docks has helped many business and property owners protect their investments with superior quality seawalls that last a lifetime. We are a full-service marine construction company. And, we have built a strong reputation for quality – both in our products and customer service. 

If you have any questions about seawall materials or construction, feel free to call us at (954) 651-2185 or send us a message online.

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