Tag Archives: seawall

Seawall Construction for Different Shorelines

We love getting on the water to fish, enjoy our boats, and maybe take a dive. But we often forget some of the most important parts of our waterfront experience. That is, how do we actually reach the water itself? Before we even start to think about our docks, we’ve got to take a look at the shoreline.

About Seawall Construction

Managing your shoreline isn’t all that glamorous, but it’s a necessary part of your overall waterfront experience. If you don’t have a solid shoreline in place, the rest of your property will start to suffer. To have your waterfront looking great for years to come, you often need a seawall to protect your land from erosion.

Seawalls are essentially retaining walls. When built properly, they work to keep your land steady, so your property doesn’t start to slide into the water. But they serve more than one purpose. Just as they keep your land out of the water, they also keep the water off of your land by limiting flooding. They also work to give you a reliable water depth, which we all need for boating. Lastly, seawalls give waterfront property a more finished look. They can be both practical and attractive.

The Different Seawall Types

Seawall construction can utilize a variety of different materials, including concrete or vinyl, but we tend to focus on two other seawall building options. For a true long-term solution, we’re advocates of steel sheet piling seawalls. If you need a permeable barrier, then we go with a rip rap seawall. Both have their benefits.

Steel sheet piling seawalls are great for shorelines that need extra stability. Because they’re so durable, they also work to create additional space for your waterfront. We often see steel sheet piling seawalls at marinas, commercial sites, and larger public areas and parks. It’s easy to turn the land behind the seawall into a picnic area or grassy spot to enjoy looking out on the water. These structures are more expensive, but they can also give you a better all-around value—even for private property. Plus, they tend to last longer than rip rap barriers.

That isn’t to say that a rip rap seawall is a bad choice. They just serve a different purpose. Rip rap is basically a rocky barrier that’s added in to reinforce a waterfront. Unlike a permanent seawall, these structures allow some water to reach the shoreline. It offers more gradual variations with the shoreline depth, so it’s the better option for local wildlife. They also have the benefit of creating a more natural look along the water.

Protecting Your Shoreline

Choosing the right seawall for your shoreline depends on the slope to the water, the activity on your waterfront, and the area’s natural elements. For example, a rip rap seawall might work just fine for a gentle slope, especially if the soil has a lot of clay and there aren’t strong currents. A steep slope, on the other hand, would probably require a steel sheet piling seawall. Shorelines with a lot of sand can also benefit from these stronger structures. The same goes for areas that have a lot of waterfront activity. Busy shorelines might need a permanent barrier for safety reasons.

Of course, the best way to determine what seawall type you should go with comes down to a consultation. Talking with your local waterfront experts will give you a better idea of what your site needs. And if your shoreline is starting to slide, or your current seawall construction is failing, the sooner you can talk with a crew, the better. You might be able to get by with a seawall repair instead of a total replacement.

If you’d like our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services to weigh in on your options, feel free to send us a message. We have experience with both commercial seawalls and residential structures. Let us know if we can schedule a video call or in-person visit to discuss your needs. For any and all seawall questions, we’re here to help!

How We Work: Deaton’s Waterfront Services

We want every client to have a positive experience working with the Deaton’s Waterfront Services team. Whether you’re contacting us about repairs to your floating dock, need a new seawall installed, or you have questions about your boat lift, our crew is here to help. In this post, we’re reviewing some of the features that set our crew apart. No matter what type of project you need, we like to follow these guiding principles in our work.

Great Communication

Solid communication goes both ways in any relationship. That’s why our team works hard to listen to all of our clients. Every project takes our full concentration, and we’re proud to be able to supply great results. Our years of experience and commitment to good communication (and great listening skills) help make that possible.

That being said, it’s always helpful when clients let us know their hopes and concerns for a new waterfront project. We like to understand what questions you have early on, so we can do everything in our power to alleviate your concerns and meet your expectations. It’s also worthwhile to know other details ahead of time. For example, telling us that you have a dog on the property can be useful if we’re coming out to do a waterfront site evaluation. Good communication also means we’ll also work to update you along the way for our own progress. This type of reciprocity helps make your next project a success.

Video Consultations

We try to be flexible in how we consult with clients. Since it can sometimes be challenging to find a good time to meet in person, we like to make video consultations available for clients. Whether you want to talk about your Indiana dock or you’re located elsewhere in our service area (including Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, or Missouri), we’re always happy to schedule a video chat with you to discuss your project needs.

Our clients appreciate this option for their design and repair consultations because it gives them information faster. Sometimes, repairs are relatively minor. Knowing what you’re facing before we come for an onsite visit can help you plan accordingly and give you a little more time to make a final decision. It’s easy to get the input your need with a video call. That’s why we like to encourage all of our residential, commercial, and government waterfront services clients to consider this option whenever it makes sense. We’re happy to work with you in whatever way works best!

Accurate Designs

Striving for top-of-the-line service is always one of our goals. Usually, this starts in the design phase. Covering all of the necessary details before the physical project begins helps keep our projects on-time. Plus, it helps makes the entire process more enjoyable for everyone involved.

With over 30 years of expertise in the industry, Deaton’s Waterfront Services aims to provide quality at every step of your project. From boat docks to boat houses, we like to offer clients clear designs to make sure all of your needs are met. This is just as important for residential dock projects as it is for our larger commercial and municipal waterfront assignments. When we can agree on a set design before we bring materials out to your site, it’s easier for us to avoid unnecessary delays and confusion. Our clients appreciate this attention to detail, and we know you will, too!

If you’re ready to continue the conversation of how Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help with your next project, please send us a message. We’d be happy to discuss your design options, repairs, or installation during a video call or onsite visit. Or, give us a call at (317) 747-4933 to learn more!