Seawall Inspection: A Complete Guide for South Florida Property Owners

If you own or manage waterfront property in South Florida, a seawall inspection isn't optional—it's essential. Regular inspections protect your investment, ensure code compliance, and help you avoid costly damage caused by erosion, tidal forces, and storm surge.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a seawall inspection involves, the signs your seawall may be failing, how often to schedule inspections, and what to do if damage is found. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate investor, or property manager, this guide was built to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Why Seawall Inspections Matter in South Florida

South Florida’s unique coastal environment makes seawalls a frontline defense against property loss. These structures bear the brunt of high tides, saltwater exposure, and increasingly strong hurricanes.

Benefits of Regular Seawall Inspections:

• Identify small issues before they become costly repairs

• Maintain regulatory compliance with city, county, and FEMA guidelines

• Protect your property value

• Ensure safety for residents and guests

• Reduce liability and avoid emergency replacements
  
  

What Is a Seawall Inspection?

A seawall inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your shoreline protection system. It is typically performed by a licensed structural engineer or a certified marine contractor to assess the structural integrity, stability, and lifespan of your seawall.

Key Components of a Professional Seawall Inspection:

• Visual inspection above and below the waterline

• Detection of cracks, voids, spalling, or joint failures

• Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning for hidden erosion

• Evaluation of drainage components and tie-back systems

• Inspection of caps, panels, piles, and footers

• Optional diver or sonar assessments for submerged portions

All inspection reports provided by Souffront Contractors are reviewed, signed, and sealed by a licensed structural engineer—ensuring full credibility with permitting agencies and insurance companies.

Signs You Need a Seawall Inspection

Ignoring early warning signs can lead to catastrophic failures, flooding, or legal penalties. If you notice any of the following, schedule an inspection immediately:

• Visible cracks or bulging in the wall

• Soil loss or sinkholes near the seawall

• Rust staining or exposed rebar

• Water leaking through seams or joints

• Misaligned caps or broken concrete sections

• Hollow sounds when tapping the wall surface
  
  

How Often Should Seawalls Be Inspected?

Routine inspections are critical to prolong the life of your seawall and minimize future repair costs.

Recommended Inspection Schedule:

• Annually for properties directly on the water or exposed to storm surge

• Every 2–3 years for newer seawalls in stable conditions

• After hurricanes or heavy storm events

• Before buying or selling waterfront real estate

🏠 Real estate agents: A seawall inspection during the due diligence phase can save your clients thousands in unexpected repair costs and protect your reputation.

What Happens After an Inspection?

You will receive a detailed seawall inspection report that includes:

• Structural condition ratings for each component

• High-resolution images and diagrams

• Specific repair or reinforcement recommendations

• Estimated timelines and costs for maintenance or restoration

• Engineer seal for official use with city permits or insurers
  
  

Repair Options Based on Inspection Findings

The type of repair recommended depends on the level of deterioration. Here are the most common solutions:

Minor Repairs

• Epoxy or polyurethane crack injection

• Weep hole installation for improved drainage

• Concrete patching and surface sealing
  
  

Moderate Repairs

• Replacement or reinforcement of caps

• Batter pile installation for lateral stability

• Grout injection to stabilize voids and soil loss
  
  

Major Restoration or Replacement

• Complete seawall panel or sheet pile replacement

• Installation of helical piles for foundation support

• Riprap placement to mitigate erosion and wave impact

For more information on how repairs are conducted, visit our in-depth service page on seawall inspections.

What Does a Seawall Inspection Cost?

Pricing depends on location, wall length, water access, and the level of detail required.

Average Pricing in South Florida:

• Basic visual inspections: $750–$1,000

• Engineering-grade inspections with report: Starting at $900

• Add-ons: Underwater inspection, GPR scanning, or permitting assistance

At Souffront Contractors, we offer fixed pricing with no hidden fees—and fast turnaround so you can plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓How long does a typical seawall inspection take?

Most inspections take 1–3 hours on site. Reports are delivered within 24–48 hours.

❓Do I need an inspection before repairing my seawall?

Yes. Most cities in South Florida require a structural report for permitting, and insurance carriers may request proof of structural integrity before approving claims.

❓Can I delay repairs if issues are found?

Delaying repairs can lead to rapid deterioration, code violations, or even collapse. If minor, some issues may be stabilized short term—but action should be taken as soon as possible.

❓Is underwater inspection necessary?

For older seawalls or those in deeper water, underwater inspections help identify issues not visible from above. We recommend them when signs of subsurface erosion are present.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve clients throughout South Florida, including:

• Miami-Dade County: Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Cutler Bay, North Miami

• Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pompano Beach

• Palm Beach County: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach

Whether it’s a private seawall, HOA property, or commercial marine structure, we’ve got you covered.

Protect Your Shoreline—Schedule a Seawall Inspection Today

Your seawall is your property’s first line of defense. Don’t wait for damage to surface—prevent it with a professional inspection from South Florida’s trusted experts.

✅ Call Souffront Contractors Today

📞 Office: 877-420-7220
🌐 Visit SeawallInspectionPro.com
🔗 Learn more about our seawall inspections

Protect your property. Ensure compliance. Gain peace of mind.