What A Seawall Inspector Looks For During A Routine Inspection

Posted on: 2 May 2022

If you're like most property owners, you want to do everything you can to protect your investment. If you live waterfront, one way to do that is by having a seawall inspection performed regularly. But what should you be looking for during a seawall inspection? That's where an expert comes in.

This article explores the main things that a seawall inspector looks for during a routine inspection.

Leaks and Drainage Issues 

One of the most obvious things that a seawall inspector will look for is any evidence of leaks or drainage issues. If there are cracks in your seawall, water can seep through and cause damage to your property. In addition, if the seawall isn't draining properly, it could lead to flooding.

To properly inspect a seawall for leaks and drainage issues, an experienced inspection expert will employ several diagnostic methods. First, they may use specialized tools such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to identify any irregularities in the structure's foundation that could potentially allow water to seep through.

They may also perform visual inspections using various imaging methods, to look for cracks or other signs of wear and tear that affect how well the wall can keep water out. In addition, they may use sensors to test how well the wall drains and whether there are any signs of blockage or buildup that can prevent excess water from flowing freely.

Through these types of careful and thorough inspection strategies, a seawall inspection expert can help ensure that any concerns about leaks and drainage issues are promptly identified and addressed.

Erosion and Scour Damage 

The inspector will also look for any signs of erosion around the base of the seawall. If the soil is too loose or there is too much water around the base of the seawall, it can cause the structure to erode over time. In addition, if there is too much water flowing past the seawall, it can create a scour hole.

Scour holes are created when the water around the seawall starts to flow more quickly than the surrounding soil can support. This causes a hole to form and the seawall can start to collapse into it. As the scour hole gets larger, it can put even more pressure on the seawall and cause even more damage.

To assess this type of damage, a seawall inspection expert will look for any signs of erosion around the base of the wall. They may also use sensors to measure the amount of water flowing past the seawall and to identify any potential scour holes. With these measures, the expert can help ensure that the seawall can withstand the elements and continue to protect your property.

If you're concerned about the condition of your seawall, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified expert. This, you can ensure that any potential problems are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

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Those who build things and repair things for a living are often referred to as contractors. This may seem like an odd term, but it traces back to the fact that these folks work on a contract-by-contract basis. First, they may work under a contract associated with your home. Then, they may take on another client under a new contract. Plumbers, HVAC repair teams, builders, painters — they are all contractors in some way. Construction workers are also contractors. We encourage you to read and learn more about their professions and what they involve here on this blog, where we'll post often.

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