Look Out for These Signs of Trouble

To do their job effectively, seawalls in the Clearwater area must be constructed to withstand extremely harsh conditions. The violent storms in our region subject seawalls to the corrosive effects of high winds mixed with salt water, a harrowing combination.

 

If your seawall wasn’t built to accommodate the Clearwater climate, it can’t provide your property with lasting protection when it comes to preventing your soil from eroding into the water. Not only are seawalls a vital source of protection for the integrity of your shoreline, but they also serve an important safety function, helping to keep your property secure. A strong seawall is essential to protect against coastal erosion.

 

A Clearwater professional marine contractor can help you to identify any potential problems with your seawall and assess the severity of any issues to determine whether or not repairs are required. Many issues can be prevented from worsening if caught in time. We can take care of deterioration with proactive care and preventative maintenance.

 

Seawalls: Signs of Trouble to Look For

 

Without a strong seawall to combat coastal erosion, you run the risk of significant land loss, flooding, and destruction of your property’s infrastructure. Energetic waves threaten your land when crashing against your banks, while tides may have a more gradual effect.

 

Be vigilant in checking for the slightest signs of damage so that you can take early action. Seawalls can fail and even collapse entirely when proper maintenance is neglected, or damage goes unnoticed and has a chance to take hold.

 

Five potential problems with Clearwater seawalls to always be on the lookout for are:

 

• Rust: If water is finding its way inside your seawall, it can cause the structural rebar to rust. Rust-colored streaks anywhere on your seawall can be an indication of a leak.

 

• Cracks: Cracks are a fairly obvious sign of trouble. Even a tiny crack is a definite indication that the integrity of your seawall is compromised. Water will enter through even the smallest crack, causing deterioration of the seawall’s materials.

 

• Swelling: Some seawalls are made from materials that will swell when water finds its way into places it shouldn’t be. This indicates a leak that needs to be investigated.

 

• Leaning or bowing: When seawalls start to lean or bow, it is usually not long before the shifting causes cracks to develop. The motion of this type can allow water to get in behind the seawall, which can lead to voids forming.

 

• Misalignment or outward movement: When seawalls move, it’s usually the result of aging. As is the case with leaning or bowing, a misaligned seawall can no longer be relied upon to provide your property with adequate protection from erosion.

 

Marine Contractor Specializing in Clearwater Seawalls

 

The Clearwater, Florida marine contractors at Priority Marine specialize in high-quality seawalls. We design and build seawalls guaranteed to stand up to Clearwater’s harsh conditions. If you have questions about the condition of your current seawall or would like to arrange for a professional evaluation, contact Priority Marine today at 727-447-1373.

 

The Pros and Cons of Rip Rap Seawalls

There are many different materials one can use to build a seawall, including vinyl, wood, concrete, and rip rap. Rip rap seawalls go by many other names, including shot rock, rubble, and rock armor. Regardless of the name, the walls use piles of rocks, rubble, boulders or other similar materials to protect the shoreline from water erosion. This is an effective option for safeguarding the shoreline in St. Petersburg, so what are the pros and cons of this type of wall?

The Pros of Rip Rap Seawalls

One of the main reasons that people choose rip rap seawalls is because they are one of the cheapest options available. It uses organic materials like boulders, rocks, stones, which are all naturally-occurring. Therefore, they are low on cost, and are simple to maintain. For maintenance, all you have to do is restack the piles if any rocks become scattered, and occasionally add to the pile to top it off. The organic materials can even help promote the regrowth of vegetation destroyed by erosion.

Another pro is that the rocks, stones, and other materials that these walls consist of provide a natural, organic look and feel. This makes them perfect for commercial and residential landowners who want to blend in with the surrounding environment and not detract from the natural beauty of St. Petersburg. In fact, that is another reason why people choose rip rap: it acts as a structure where local wildlife can hide, rest, eat, and thrive. Vertical walls made of materials like wood or vinyl don’t allow for vegetation and marine life to grow. However, the lower-profile stones and rocks do.

The Cons of Rip Rap Seawalls

Not every property in St. Petersburg is the right fit for rip rap seawalls. These walls are not the best option for shorelines that see a lot of erosion and weathering, whether from water or the weather. While not necessarily a con, some people choose other options like vinyl or concrete because they are sturdier and can stand up to hurricane-force weather. Plus, others may prefer the neat look of vinyl walls over the more natural, loose appearance of rip rap piles.

Rip rap also will not prevent adjacent land runoff. It also will not protect against flooding since the rocks don’t absorb water.

Choose a Professional for Rip Rap Seawall Installation

If you believe rip rap seawalls are a good fit for your residential or commercial property in St. Petersburg, consult with a professional marine contractor for installation. Priority Marine is a trusted marine construction company in Tampa Bay that builds high-quality, long-lasting seawalls. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to discuss your project.

Finding the Best Seawall Building Contractor in St. Petersburg

If you own shorefront property in St. Petersburg, you know how important it is to have safety procedures in place. Seawall building can offer you peace of mind as well as protection from the elements. With chaotic hurricane activity and natural erosion from the waves, your property could easily be compromised. Let the experienced professionals at Priority Marine Construction help you plan and execute the best security features for your property.

How Priority Marine Can Help You with Seawall Building

Weather and human impact are the leading causes of shoreline deterioration. Hurricanes and other large storm systems have a profound effect on the coast, often causing flooding and significant property damage. Usually, people have little to no control over the elements that affect the shoreline. Human interaction with a shoreline environment, such as dock building and boating, can also deteriorate the shore. You live on the water because you want to enjoy all it has to offer. Therefore, Priority Marine in St. Petersburg, has come up with solutions to protect your property and provide environmental protection. Their seawall building services provide a long-lasting barrier between the water and your property. The best part is you still get to enjoy all the benefits of waterfront living.

Years of Experience

Priority Marine has been serving the St. Petersburg area for over 30 years. They pride themselves on providing up-to-date, as well as high-quality, services for any of your marine construction needs. Over the years they’ve made an effort to stay current on the best practices and have updated repair services to suit these new developments. When it comes to seawall building, they offer many different options for construction materials to best suit your needs. Another benefit of seawall construction is that it adds value to your property, in addition to protecting it. If you have been looking for a marine construction company, contact them today to see how they can bring your plans to life.

Marine Construction Help for You in St. Petersburg

In addition to seawall building, Priority Marine offers a variety of other services to help protect your property in St. Petersburg. Some of the other construction services Priority Marine offers include:

• Seawall repair
• Boat dock construction
• Boat lift installation
• Routine maintenance

If your property could benefit from any of their services, contact them today to learn more! You can get in touch with them by calling their office at (727) 447-1373. You can also contact them online with any specific inquiries you have.

 

How Often Does My Commercial Seawall Need to be Replaced?

Commercial seawalls are essential for protecting and preserving your property in Clearwater. The value of these walls cannot be overstated: they protect your land from erosion caused by tides and waves from bodies of water. Plus, they also bolster the land and provide a safe area for people to enjoy your commercial establishment. These walls do not last forever, though. Eventually, they will need to be replaced by seawall contractors instead of repaired. Some materials last longer than others, but still, a time will come when you’ll need to build a new wall.

Why Do I Need to Replace My Seawall?

Eventually, repairs become costlier and more time-consuming than simply replacing the structure. After a certain period of time, maintenance becomes a hassle, and replacement is necessary for the safety and integrity of the structure and your property.

Certain areas charge landowners fines if their seawalls fall into disrepair, so contact seawall contractors in Clearwater before it becomes a problem. If you allow your wall to fail, it can cost you both in terms of money and safety.

How Long Can I Expect My Seawall to Last?

For the most part, a commercial seawall can last anywhere from thirty to fifty years so long as it is given the proper maintenance and care. Otherwise, they may last as few as fifteen or twenty years before you need a replacement.

There are signs you can be on the lookout for that will indicate your wall may need a replacement, including:

• Cracked or broken caps
• Soil loss beyond the wall
• Visible rust staining
• Failing stress beams
• Deteriorating or leaning slabs

Depending on the layout of your Clearwater property, if a wall fails and collapses, it could take your land and even a building with it. Therefore, it is critical to regularly examine your structure and have seawall contractors replace it when necessary.

Trust Professional Seawall Contractors

If your wall is deteriorating or getting up there in age, it’s time to call seawall contractors in Clearwater for an evaluation. Priority Marine has the resources and experience to ensure your wall’s longevity. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to request a quote.

Commercial Seawall Builders: Guide to Concrete Seawalls

Commercial seawall builders can help Clearwater clients construct the strongest walls to protect their property. Concrete is a long-lasting material that many clients prefer because it is affordable.

Concrete walls require an internal reinforcement made of steel. They also need caps and tieback rods to ensure they remain standing, even in hurricane weather. Most walls are about six to eight inches thick and can be anywhere from three to twenty feet tall, depending on the environment. Most clients of commercial seawall builders in Clearwater need taller walls that can ensure their shoreline doesn’t erode.

The Seawall Construction Process

The construction process begins with a consultation and planning session with your commercial seawall builders. They will discuss your needs, your land, and how certain designs are better suited for your needs. Once you have settled on a plan, you’ll need to get the right permits and pass inspections before building can begin. This can take a while because the approval committees and agencies in Clearwater can be backlogged. However, once you receive the necessary approvals, construction can begin.

Depending on the size of the wall, construction can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The concrete needs to cure, and to make sure it sets properly, your contractor needs to let it sit for a few weeks. This curing also ensures that the continuous steel rebar at the core of the wall is properly situated. With steel tiebacks and galvanized rods, you’ll have a concrete cap that lasts through storms and UV rays, looks good, and enhances your property value.

Commercial Seawall Builders in Clearwater

Commercial seawall builders in Clearwater can help protect your land from erosion, which is a major concern for waterfront properties in Tampa Bay. Seawalls protect property from tides, waves, storms, and other natural factors that eat away at the shoreline. There are a variety of different materials you can choose from other than concrete. Professional marine contractors can help you decide what is right for your property.

We recommend the professional team at Priority Marine Construction for their expertise and craftsmanship. They help clients from all over with their seawall construction needs as well as boat lifts, decks, docks, and more. They will discuss the necessary factors like location, soil, construction requirements, permits and ordinances, and equipment when planning your marine construction project. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to schedule a design consultation.

The Power of Concrete Seawalls

Clearwater residents that live near bodies of water need to take the necessary precautions to prevent the water from damaging their property. Most people rely on concrete seawalls because of their sturdiness, affordability, and reliability. These walls stand up to hurricanes, high and low tide, intense UV rays, and more. They outlast other options like rip rap or wood barriers because concrete is more durable.

What You Need to Know About Concrete Seawalls

Concrete seawalls are built to prevent the waves or tide from eroding the shoreline. They are typically engineered individually for each property in Clearwater and need professional installation for the longest lifetime. The walls are typically anywhere from ten to twenty feet tall and six to eight inches thick. The life expectancy of a professionally-installed wall is forty to fifty years or more.

Pros and Cons of Concrete

Like any material, there are pros and cons of concrete seawalls. Concrete is incredibly strong and lasts decades, even when exposed to marine environments. However, it does contain steel reinforcements at the core of the block, and without the bars, the wall would crumble. To increase the durability of the wall, they need caps and coverings to prevent moisture from rusting the steel reinforcements. So, while concrete is durable, it does require maintenance. Trust a professional marine contractor in Clearwater to keep your wall looking good as new.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Concrete Seawall?

There is no one answer that applies to every project in the Clearwater area. Building concrete seawalls can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on a number of factors. The actual construction shouldn’t take too long, but the overall process can take a while. You’ll have to consult with a contractor, finalize a layout and design, pass the inspections and get a permit, and then have the wall built. Therefore, it can be a quick, smooth process if all goes accordingly, or a lengthier process if you get hung up on steps like getting your permit. The construction may take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the weather, any complications that arise, the curing time, and the size of the wall.

Choose a Professional Marine Contractor in Clearwater

When you want to install concrete seawalls, or you need repairs or maintenance on a wall you already have, trust a professional. Marine pros have the experience, materials, and equipment to easily and reliably help clients with all their needs. In the Clearwater area, we recommend Priority Marine Construction. They have been in the industry for decades and know how to do a job well done. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to schedule a consultation.

How a Seawall Construction Company Can Help Prevent Seawall Failure

Seawalls are essential structures that prevent bodies of water from eroding your land and washing it away. Walls can help prevent land loss, shoreline erosion, and flooding, amongst other unwanted things. This marine structure is especially important in areas like St. Petersburg where there are bodies of water everywhere, there are many buildings and other structures on the shore, and the tides vary by the hour. Unfortunately, even with walls, failure happens. So here is how a seawall construction company can help detect and prevent seawall failure.

Routine Maintenance to Check for Signs of Failure

By hiring a seawall construction company to check on your wall on a regular basis, you can ensure that any signs of failure will be caught as soon as possible. You can inspect your own wall, but professionals have a keen eye for what to be on the lookout for. They can detect leaks, cracks, and failures early on. So the sooner you can catch the potential failure, the safer your property in St. Petersburg will be.

Seawall Construction Company Repairs and Maintenance Increases Longevity

With regular maintenance and professional repairs, a seawall construction company can vastly increase the longevity of your wall. Whether it is made of rip rap, concrete, vinyl, or another material, the right marine contractor can artfully patch and repair any cracks, corrosion, or leaks. In some cases, the internal rods may be so far corroded that they need replacement. When this is the case, your contractor can help you decide if you want to continue repairing the wall or replace it. Replacing it means you can choose a stronger, longer-lasting material like vinyl.

Preventing Human Error

With many years of experience and constant vigilance, professional marine contractors in St. Petersburg can ensure that your wall doesn’t fall victim to human error. Human error may include improper installation, repairs, or maintenance. It may also include changes to the landscaping, modifications to your living space (new structures), or changes to the waterfront (new docks).

Trust Priority Marine Contract in Tampa Bay

For St. Petersburg area residents looking to improve their waterfront property with seawalls, docks, decks, boat lifts, and more, trust Priority Marine. They have been in the marine construction industry for decades, and we trust them as the number one seawall construction company in Tampa Bay. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to discuss your needs.

Finding the Best Seawall Contractors for You in Clearwater

Deciding to have a seawall installed on your property in Clearwater is smart for several reasons. It can increase the value of your property, lower insurance costs, and protect your shorefront from erosion. When you are deciding whether your property could benefit from something, it’s best to talk to professionals in that field. At Priority Marine, their seawall contractors are the best around and can offer expert advice on what your property needs and the most cost-effective way to get it done.

What Makes the Best Seawall Contractors?

One thing that makes Priority Marine’s seawall contractors stand out from the competition is their knowledge and experience. They have clients and testimonials that go back thirty years. Their understanding of the field has grown over time, and they have seen what kind of construction holds up and what often needs repairs. Nothing can take the place of experience when it comes to marine construction, and theirs has been tested thoroughly. Their work has even been tested and approved by Clearwater Fire & Rescue. For more customer testimonials to back up their knowledge, visit their website.

Types of Seawalls

There are two types of building materials that you can choose from in construction: vinyl and concrete. Each kind has their own benefits, and many seawall contractors have their reasons for choosing one over the other in Clearwater. No matter which material you prefer, Priority Marine can provide expert installation. Some differences between the two are as follows:

Vinyl

Vinyl seawalls are typically less expensive and can be installed without the use of heavy machinery; they tend to be more popular for these reasons. Vinyl is also highly durable and doesn’t run the risk of rust or corrosion.

Concrete

Concrete seawalls tend to be more visually appealing. They are also more resistant to weather and the elements. They do, however, have a more involved manufacturing process and tend to be more expensive.

Other Services Offered at Priority Marine

Priority Marine’s mission is to provide the highest quality marine construction in the Clearwater area for both residential and commercial properties. In addition to their highly skilled seawall contractors, they also offer a variety of other services to meet client’s needs. The following are a few of the areas they are experienced in:

• Seawall construction and repair
• Boat dock construction
• Boat lift installations
• Repair services

If your home or business is shorefront property, it can be an excellent investment to hire Priority Marine’s professionals to upgrade your existing marine technology or to start from scratch entirely. Contact them today to get their expert opinion and begin construction on your dream shoreline.

The Best Contractors in Clearwater

The expert seawall contractors at Priority Marine in the Clearwater area know how important walls are for the look and value of a property. It’s their goal to provide clients with the highest quality materials and service for the most effective price. If you are looking to add onto your property, contact the professionals at Priority Marine today. You can set up a consultation by calling their office at (727) 447-1373, as well as leaving a message on their website.

How Can Sea Wall Services Protect Homes in Tampa Bay?

The primary source of damage to coastal homes is massive waves and salt water. Sea wall services can prevent your property from repeated losses and high insurance payments. The leading cause for builders and residents leaving a location is water damage. This is a particularly significant issue in Tampa Bay, which has the most number of storms per year than any other U.S. city.  It is vital that residents invest in ways to offset soil loss. Also, if you are trying to sell a home, potential buyers will be wary of locations without protection. Having protection and history not packed with water damage and repairs makes a home much more appealing. Priority Marine can handle all your marine construction needs.

When it comes to having a long-lasting barrier, do not rely on just any contractors in Tampa Bay. Marine contractors at Priority Marine have years of experience specifically dealing with designing and implementing coastal barriers. Rely on the professionals whether you require a new one as your first barrier or are replacing an old structure.

Why Replace Instead of Repair a Sea Wall?

Tampa Bay property owners may think their structure is sturdy and only needs patching. However, patchwork structures can be a problem. Large chunks of the barrier can fall off during a storm. Sea wall services direct waves away and reduces the effects of erosion. Even in areas of low wave strength, erosion can slowly leech away at foundations. Millions of dollars are spent each year to combat erosion and protect homes. Overall, some of the main reasons for replacements include:

• Old materials
• Wood and concrete deterioration
• Expanding location
• Ineffective designs

Damage and other Factors

If you are a property owner with an outdated seawall, get it checked. With sea wall services from Priority Marine, homeowners can find out if there are any instabilities. If you have a concrete structure that is cracking and falling apart, that is a clear sign it needs replacement.

Choose High-Quality Sea Wall Services in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay homeowners can rely on long-lasting vinyl and aluminum walls instead of weak timber. Priority Marine offers sea wall services that fit a customer’s home and needs. They also offer other services like boat lift installations. You can contact them today by going online or calling them at (727) 447-1373.

The Best Time of Year for Seawall Construction in Tampa

In the Tampa area, the weather permits people to enjoy the outdoors all year long. The sunshine, warmth, and clear skies give us plenty of time to spend outside doing the things we love, like boating or enjoying the ocean. However, there are good and bad times for certain construction projects, including seawall construction. Read on to discover when is a good time and when you should avoid building a wall to protect your waterfront property from shoreline erosion.

Avoid the Rainy Season

While rain will not prevent the successful building of a wall, it can slow down the process and create complications along the way. In Tampa, summers are known for being very humid and rainy, with an average rainfall of seven to eight inches. With frequent, almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, this can get in the way of construction projects. From June through September in Florida, you can expect upwards of more than 28 inches of rain, with lots of standing water and even flooding in some areas. This makes finishing projects like building a wall along the shoreline, complicated.

Avoid Hurricane Season

Ideally, you’ll have completed your seawall construction before hurricane season arrives to protect your property from the extreme waves and winds that storms bring to Tampa. Hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific Ocean begins on May 15^th and lasts through November 30^th. This is a long season, but most of the storms that occur hit between the months of August and October, with September being the peak month.

Choose Winter and Spring

The best time of year to complete a seawall construction project in Tampa is in the winter or spring. Schedule the project for December through early May, and you will have the best conditions for building. The weather will be at its mildest, which can prevent any delays from rain, storms, wind, or heat.

Consult the Professionals at Priority Marine for Seawall Construction in Tampa

When you want to build a wall to prevent the water from eroding your shoreline and eating away at your land, rely on the professionals at Priority Marine. They can help you schedule the perfect time for seawall construction so the process goes smoothly, on time, and on budget. Call them today at (727) 447-1373 or contact them online to discuss your project.