Sea Walls can take a variety of sizes, shapes and forms. The basic materials used to construct sea walls in this local area are wood, vinyl, aluminum, and stone. Wood, vinyl and aluminum are all very similar in that they are all what is termed "vertical bulkheads". A vertical bulkhead is simply a retaining wall that helps to arrest the erosion process at the shoreline.
Vinyl is another good choice for a vertical bulkhead. Vinyl sheet pile is available from several different manufactures, all of it being basically the same product. The difference lies in the thickness and the configuration of the sheet pile. After studying the different companies and their products, we have decided to recommend the "North Star" brand of vinyl sheet pile. They have a good quality versus price ratio. They have two or three different thickness and strengths to choose from and they provide a good warranty backed by a policy of service after the sale. Vinyl is impervious to borer attacks and does not rot or corrode.
Aluminum is an extremely good selection for a vertical sheet pile wall. Aluminum has much more tensile strength than vinyl, is virtually the same price as vinyl or wood and is also impervious to borer attacks. Aluminum has one minor flaw that normally is not a factor in this area. If the Ph in the soil is acidic, such as there you have certain types of acidic clay, it may corrode.
The salt water does not corrode the aluminum. I may also corrode if placed directly against marine treated lumber due to the fact that the lumber has a high concentration of copper, chrome and salt. This problem may be solved simply by placing a membrane such as filterweave between the lumber and the aluminum. However, the problem with acidic clay is not so easily solved. We would recommend a vinyl wall in instances where acidic clay is present. Otherwise, aluminum is an extremely good product for the money.
The salt water does not corrode the aluminum. I may also corrode if placed directly against marine treated lumber due to the fact that the lumber has a high concentration of copper, chrome and salt. This problem may be solved simply by placing a membrane such as filterweave between the lumber and the aluminum. However, the problem with acidic clay is not so easily solved. We would recommend a vinyl wall in instances where acidic clay is present. Otherwise, aluminum is an extremely good product for the money.
Wood is a very eye appealing product and it is readily available; however, it has a few inherent problems. Although the lumber is treated and is supposed too last for year and years, marine boreres can still attack it at the sand line. The reason for this attack is that the chemicals will not go into the wood wherever there are knots or heartwood. The knots or heartwood are already permeated with sap and will not allow the penetration of the chemicals. Therefore, anywhere you have heartwood or knots, the chemicals are absent which allow borer attacks.
