Building a seawall is the best way to shelter your belongings from the ever changing temperament of the seas. Before you commence, these equipments will be necessary.
Required Tools and Materials
Metal pipe (4 ft long, 3 inches)
Concrete mix
2 x 10 lumber
Nuts
Silicone sealant
Washers
Reciprocating saw
Jackhammer
Threaded rebar (1/2 in)
Get Permission
A project of this kind needs permission from local authorities. Go to the local building permits office or a similar office. State your purpose. Try to be as specific as possible especially with the measurements.
Get all the paperwork done before you start any construction work. An inspector may come over to your house to see if building a seawall is feasible.
Get the Equipment Ready
The rebar must be U shaped. If it isn’t go to a metal worker and have the piece welded. You will need four of them. A jackhammer is expensive to buy but you can rent one.
Set the Posts
Designate the spots where the posts will be set. Intervals of 8 feet are recommended. Start excavating the area. Set the posts in place. Put the rebar so that it is oriented towards the water. Align the posts so that they are at equal levels. Use the concrete to firm up the posts. Give it 24 hours to dry completely.
Prepare the Lumber
Saw the lumber and fit them on the post. Drill as many holes as needed to continue building a seawall. Insert the lumber in the post. If necessary, curve the rebar. Fasten each one using the washers and the screws. Take the saw and cut off any excessive rebar. Apply some sealant to cover the rebar.
Note: get high quality lumber. Various types are sold and you need
to get the best one that you can afford.
Finishing Touches
Go over to the land side. Add stones, rocks and sand. You can also add the topsoil. These must be added in the ordered described. You can use riprap to keep water from corroding the structure.
Tips and Warnings
Account for the highest possible water levels. Nothing is more frustrating than a seawall that ends up underwater. It’s therefore important that you are well versed in the tides around the area. If you’re building a seawall but unsure of the climate, consult a local area expert.
Having someone to help you may be necessary. If the wall is big, someone should aid you in transporting and putting the walls in the right location. When building the structure, add some gravel if they’re available. Make sure that these are mixed properly.
Construction must be done in the summertime. With good weather, the concrete will dry up more quickly. You will also have plenty of time to get the soil and rocks ready. Stormy weather makes this task more difficult, if not almost impossible.
If your property is large, you can avail of professional services. There are some companies that can do this task for a fee.
Building a seawall will take time. But patience is needed here. After all, personal property is at stake.
