Coastal areas are prone to significant damage when a storm comes in. Whether it is a winter storm that involves ice and cold weather or a summer high-wind event, the damage is never predictable and often can be devastating to property owners. Coastal storm damage is not something you should put off having repaired.
Coastal areas are vulnerable to significant storm damage. Even with good prevention methods in place, any type of damage typically needs to be addressed, repaired, and updated as quickly as possible to prevent further erosion or unsafe conditions that could worsen over time.
Importance of Seawalls
Seawalls are the primary defense for storm surges and erosion along the coast. The pelting of the waves, coupled with the strength of wind and rain during a storm, can create a high risk for damage. Without some level of seawall protection in place, the structural supports for homes, roads, and property in general wear away. The function of the property is changed, and ultimately, the property loses its value as it is washed away.
As important as they are, seawall damage is common after a storm. The angle, velocity of the wind, and the overall movement of coastal waters can influence the amount and type of structural damage present. However, any indication of coastal storm damage means that seawall repair services should be immediately considered.
Signs to Look Out for in Seawall Damage
The only real way to understand the current damage and condition of a seawall is to have a professional inspection, called a seawall integrity assessment, completed. This process will pinpoint any storm damage to seawall structural components.
Property owners can also check for visual signs of damage. This includes:
- Cracking on the seawall, including smaller fractures
- Erosion of the property behind the seawall
- Shifts in the structure, such as movement of the wall itself, even if minor
Check the overall structural integrity for any changes after storms. They may be quite minor, but any change can warrant careful inspection.
Consequences of Delayed Seawall Repair
With professional seawall repairs in CT, you can minimize most of the damage and long-term implications of damage to these structures. However, putting off these repairs is not safe to do. In many ways, it can lead to long-term erosion – once that property is washed away, it is costly and time-consuming to make repairs to it.
When delaying any seawall repairs, consider the short- and long-term implications. Costs are likely to rise for repairs since more damage is likely to occur over time. More so, and perhaps most importantly, compromised structural integrity can worsen. Storm damage to seawalls that is not rectified will worsen over time, exposing the property to changes in structural stability. For this reason alone, an inspection should be conducted immediately after a significant storm to look for any signs of damage.
Keep in mind that most areas of Connecticut face storms on a routine basis. If you do not take the time to get professional support and repair a seawall, and if it does not happen right away, future damage from the next storm is likely to be worse.
Importance of Swift Action in Preserving Sewall
If you suspect any storm damage to seawall components after a storm, call a professional for repairs. Contacting a professional for an inspection is essential for coastal property protection and a core component of routine maintenance and upkeep of the home or property in general.
Seek out seawall maintenance in Connecticut as well. Done consistently, it can help to prevent storm damage from occurring in the first place.
Let K.E. Braza provide a formal inspection of your seawall after a storm comes through to ensure it remains structurally intact and working as it should.