While there is still some time left this summer, it’s not too early to think about seawall maintenance to make sure it’s ready for the off-season. Proper fall maintenance can help protect your property against the harsh winter weather that can cause damage and erosion. Pro-Tech Marine can build you a brand new seawall to protect your lakefront property, but there are measures you can take to prolong its life. Read further for tasks that should be completed to ensure that your seawall is ready for the colder months.

Why You Need a Seawall

Owning lakefront property is great, but it comes with some difficulties that can adversely affect your property. Between the constant ebb and flow of water and the harsh inclement weather, your property is prone to erosion, but the weather also poses a threat to your seawall. The unpredictability of Michigan winters makes it difficult to maintain your seawall against damage. Here are some ways in which you can maintain your seawall to prolong its life and ensure that it is effectively protecting your lakefront property.

Visual Inspection – your first line of defense is to routinely inspect your seawall for signs of damage like cracks, erosion, loose stones, or any other damage. The longer these issues go unnoticed, the more difficult they become to properly address.

Make Repairs and Reinforce the Seawall – through the use of proper sealants, you can fill any cracks you find in the seawall to keep water from getting in and furthering the damage. Riprap reinforcement is also necessary to help absorb the effects of the constant wave activity from the lake.

Manage Vegetation and Plant Growth – any unwanted plant growth around your seawall poses a risk to its structural integrity, as the longer the roots grow, the more likely they are to work their way into the seawall and gradually weaken the seawall structure.

Control Erosion – using erosion control fabric and a proper backfill, you can prevent erosion by fortifying the seawall. This is especially important in areas where there’s a higher water level.

Winterize the Seawall – any loose objects around your seawall should be secured to prevent any damage. Boats, furniture, and any other equipment should not be left around as they can be damaged during winter storms.

Pro-Tech Marine are experts when it comes to building and maintaining a proper seawall on your lakefront property. Contact us and let us know how we can help with your property on Lake Michigan or nearby inland lakes.