Seawall Inspections 101: Mid-Summer Is the Perfect Time to Shore Up Your Defenses
July in Sarasota is all about boating, barbecues, and beautiful sunsets. But it also marks the midpoint of hurricane season. While you’re enjoying everything summer has to offer, now is the ideal time to give your seawall a little attention.
At Mariner Dock & Seawall, we often say that a seawall is only as strong as its last inspection. Mid-summer is the perfect time to assess, repair, and reinforce your seawall to ensure it’s ready for whatever the season brings. Here’s why an inspection now can make all the difference.
Why Seawalls Matter, Especially Now
Seawalls are the unsung heroes of your waterfront property. They prevent shoreline erosion, deflect storm surge, and protect your dock, landscaping, and home foundation. But these structures quietly take a beating year-round: from tides, wave energy, and shifting soil beneath the surface.
Over time, this exposure wears down even the best-built seawalls. Cracks may form, panels may bow, and tiebacks may fail. All of which can lead to erosion, flooding, or worse during a major storm. That’s why a mid-season seawall inspection is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment.
What to Look For (And When to Call the Pros)
Here are some signs your seawall may be in need of repair:
Visible cracks or separation between panels
Sinkholes or erosion near the base of the wall
Leaning or bowing seawall sections
Rust stains (a sign of tieback failure)
Water pooling behind the seawall after rain
Even if none of these issues are visible, age alone may warrant a check-up. If your seawall is more than 20 years old, or if it’s been several years since your last inspection, don’t wait until there’s a problem.
Our team at Mariner offers detailed assessments and expert seawall repair services to reinforce weak spots and extend the life of your structure.
Protecting What Connects to Your Seawall
In many Sarasota properties, seawalls are connected to docks, lifts, and walkways. A failing seawall doesn’t just put your shoreline at risk, it can compromise the stability of these adjoining structures.
If you’ve had issues with your dock shifting or sinking, or if your boat or jet ski lift isn’t operating properly, it could be due to seawall movement. We can inspect all connected systems and recommend a plan to repair or upgrade as needed.
Explore our full range of dock services and boat lift solutions to keep everything in sync.
Better Safe Than Sorry: Especially During Storm Season
We’re now in the most active part of hurricane season, when tropical storms can form with little warning. A structurally compromised seawall may not withstand the pressure of a high tide surge or strong winds.
Review our hurricane preparedness guide and make sure your seawall is part of your overall storm defense strategy.
Let Us Shore Things Up
At Mariner Dock & Seawall, we’ve been helping Sarasota homeowners protect their waterfront properties for over 25 years. Whether you need a routine inspection or urgent repairs, we’re here to make sure your seawall (and everything it supports) stands strong.
Contact us today to schedule your mid-summer seawall checkup and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Built for the Long Haul
We don’t just build seawalls—we build long-term protection. If you’re planning a new dock or considering upgrades to your lifts or accessories, we can ensure your seawall is up to the task. Let’s work together to see how we can help reinforce your shoreline, beautifully and effectively.