Seawall Inspections

Seawall lifespan in Florida vary according to the walls design, material utilized in its initial construction, its exposure and its required maintenance. While most seawalls have a design life of 40 years, practical lifespans are more like 20 - 30 years. Most owners don’t know that their seawalls need regular and ongoing maintenance (just like their cars do) to allow these walls to achieve their expected lifespan. However, we find that a lack of seawall maintenance is the most frequent defect with our seawall inspections.  Seawall replacement for a wall similar to the one pictured here would cost about $500 per foot. Why have Square-One Inspection Service inspect this for you? Because our Seawall inspections conform to the Florida Association of Building Inspector (FABI) Standards and Practices.  Docks and Seawalls (optional) The inspector and the client may agree to the inspection of optional items. When this agreement is made the following standards shall apply.   The inspector shall:   Inspect: The seawall components, including but not limited to, the seawall cap, bulkhead, panels, footings, and any other component which is visible from the land side of the structure. (In-water inspection by walking on the bottom or diving is optional and is not considered a mandatory part of a seawall inspection). The land side components of the wall system for signs of settlement or soil loss by either visual means or probing The soil behind the seawall, or a combination of both. The dock structure, including but not limited to pilings, collars, stringers, joists, and decking. Boat house walls and roof, if present. (Standards of Practice for Roof Systems apply) Operation of mechanical boat lifts and davits. Visible components of water and electric service, if present. (Standards of Practice for Electrical Systems and Plumbing Systems apply) Describe: The method of marine construction and the materials used, to include type of seawall, bulkhead or panel material, visible reinforcements pilings, decks, etc.   Report: The evidence of structural deterioration, failure, or inadequacy in the seawall and dock components. Settlement or soil loss behind the seawall Fastener failures in dock and deck components Mechanical failures of boat lifts and davits   The inspector is NOT required to:   Dig or otherwise unearth tiebacks, anchors, retaining walls or other seawall or dock components below land side or waterside grade. Determine the load capacity of boat lifts Offer an opinion as to the structural adequacy, life expectancy, or expansion potential of any seawall or dock Inspect adjoining or contiguous seawall systems or storm sewers projecting through the bulkhead.