Land erosion and Mother Nature are ever-growing concerns for homeowners near bodies of water. Seawalls protect your property from erosion. When they are built right they are extremely effective and long-lasting.
Concrete Seawalls:
The Pros
Concrete seawalls are strong and can last up to 30 years. The key to getting a concrete seawall to last is to protect the reinforcing steel from the harsh environment.
The Cons
Even the best concrete seawalls will need ongoing maintenance to protect them from natural damage. You will typically have to repair cracks in concrete seawalls. The concrete panels can separate at the joints which allows water to enter the wall.
Vinyl Seawalls:
The Pros
Vinyl has an estimated lifespan of 50 years, which is far longer than concrete. Vinyl also looks much more appealing to the eye when installed. They do not rust, crack or rarely fade.
Vinyl seawalls are often installed from concrete walls. Since vinyl weighs much less than concrete, it does not require as much heavy equipment that will tear your yard up.
The Cons
Traditional vinyl cannot be driven into hard surfaces and has height limitations. If you are in an area with a lot of water flow, a vinyl seawall may not be a good option for you.
