Seawall Damage: 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A seawall is a crucial defense against coastal erosion, storm surges, and high tides, protecting your waterfront property from flooding and structural damage. However, like any structure exposed to harsh marine conditions, seawalls deteriorate over time, leading to serious property risks if not properly maintained.

Ignoring early signs of seawall damage can result in costly repairs, structural instability, and potential land loss. Being proactive in identifying these warning signs will help ensure that your seawall remains strong and effective for years to come.

5 Warning Signs Your Seawall Needs Repairs

1. Cracks & Structural Shifts

Cracks, fractures, or tilting in your seawall are early indicators of structural weakness. Over time, exposure to water pressure, soil movement, and extreme weather conditions can cause the concrete to crack. If left untreated, these cracks can expand, leading to major structural failures.

What to Look For:

✔ Visible cracks along the surface of the seawall

✔ Sections of the seawall that appear leaning or shifting

✔ Gaps between seawall panels or displaced capstones

Why It Matters:

Cracks allow water intrusion, which weakens the wall’s internal structure and accelerates erosion. Addressing cracks early with proper sealing or reinforcement can extend the lifespan of your seawall.

2. Soil Loss Behind the Wall

One of the most serious signs of seawall failure is erosion or sinkholes forming behind the wall. If soil is disappearing from behind the seawall, water is likely seeping through, washing away the foundation.

What to Look For:

✔ Gaps or depressions in the ground behind the seawall

✔ Soil or mulch disappearing after heavy rain or high tides

✔ Small sinkholes forming along the edge of your property

Why It Matters:

When soil washes away, it compromises the stability of the entire structure. Without a solid foundation, sections of the seawall can collapse, leading to severe property damage. Installing a proper drainage system and sealing leaks can help prevent further soil loss.

3. Water Seepage & Pooled Water

If you notice puddles or standing water behind your seawall, it may indicate that water is leaking through cracks or drainage issues. This can lead to increased erosion and weaken the land behind the seawall, making it more prone to failure.

What to Look For:

✔ Pooling water behind the seawall, even when the tide is low

✔ Water trickling through cracks or joints in the seawall

✔ Damp or soggy soil after tides recede

Why It Matters:

Properly functioning seawalls should redirect water away from your property. When leaks occur, they create pressure imbalances that can cause the wall to deteriorate faster. Installing weep holes or drainage systems can help manage water flow and prevent damage.

4. Corroded Reinforcement Materials

Many seawalls contain internal reinforcement materials like steel rebar or metal tiebacks, which help keep the structure in place. Over time, exposure to saltwater and moisture can cause these reinforcements to rust and corrode, weakening the seawall’s integrity.

What to Look For:

✔ Rust stains on the surface of the seawall

✔ Exposed metal components that appear corroded

✔ Sections of the seawall showing signs of spalling (flaking concrete)

Why It Matters:

Corrosion weakens the internal strength of the seawall, reducing its ability to withstand water pressure and storm surges. If rusting is present, the seawall may need reinforcement or replacement before further deterioration occurs.

5. Wave Overtopping

If waves regularly wash over your seawall, it could mean that the structure is too low or has been weakened over time. Frequent overtopping can accelerate erosion behind the wall and increase the risk of flooding.

What to Look For:

✔ Water spilling over the top of the seawall during normal tide cycles

✔ Increased flooding or standing water after storms

✔ Signs of erosion behind the wall

Why It Matters:

A properly designed seawall should deflect wave energy and prevent water from breaching onto your property. If your seawall is too low, raising its height or reinforcing its foundation may be necessary.

How Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction Can Help

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's crucial to act fast before minor issues turn into major repairs. Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction specializes in seawall inspections, repairs, and custom-built seawalls, ensuring your waterfront property remains protected for years to come.

Why Choose Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction?

✅ Expert Seawall Inspections – Our team will assess the condition of your seawall and recommend the best solutions.

✅ Custom Seawall Construction – We build and reinforce seawalls using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand Florida’s coastal conditions.

✅ Erosion Control & Drainage Solutions – From drainage systems to riprap reinforcement, we prevent soil loss and water damage.

✅ Storm & Hurricane Protection – We design seawalls that can endure high tides, wave impacts, and storm surges.

✅ Long-Term Maintenance Plans – We provide ongoing maintenance to extend the life of your seawall and prevent costly replacements.

A damaged seawall can put your property, landscaping, and foundation at risk. Routine maintenance and professional inspections can prevent costly damage and ensure your seawall remains strong.

If you see cracks, soil loss, water seepage, or corrosion, don’t wait—schedule a seawall inspection with Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction today!

📞 Call us at (954) 564-3715🌐 Visit our website: www.AtlanticHarborMC.com

Your seawall is your first line of defense—let’s make sure it’s built to last!