Planning a seawall repair project in Charleston? This comprehensive person checklist covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your project. Print it out, check off each item as you go, and use it to stay organized throughout the process. A well-planned project is a successful project — and this checklist helps you avoid the most common mistakes Charleston people make when undertaking seawall repair work.

Whether you are comparing provider quotes, preparing your property, or managing the work in progress, these steps will guide you through every phase. We have compiled this checklist based on feedback from hundreds of Charleston people and input from our network of seawall repair professionals. Each item represents a real lesson learned from actual projects in the Charleston area.

Complete Seawall Maintenance Checklist

Protect your waterfront investment. Follow this checklist to catch problems early.

After Every Major Storm

• Walk entire length — look for new cracks, leaning, displaced sections
• Check for soil erosion or sinkholes behind the wall
• Inspect tie-back rods for looseness or corrosion
• Check weep holes are not clogged — standing water accelerates failure
• Document with date-stamped photos for insurance records

Monthly Inspection

• Visual inspection of entire seawall for cracks, spalling, rust stains
• Check for leaning or bowing — use level or plumb line
• Inspect cap for cracks, shifting, separation from wall
• Check adjoining properties — their failure affects yours
• Verify all weep holes and drainage ports are clear
• Look for discoloration or rust stains indicating internal rebar corrosion
• Note any changes in water depth or bottom conditions near the wall

Quarterly / Seasonal

• Measure and record any cracks — mark endpoints with date
• Inspect toe of wall at low tide for undermining or scour
• Check rip-rap or armor stone for displacement
• Verify drainage behind wall — check for standing water after rain
• Inspect wooden elements (fender boards, pilings) for rot
• Clear vegetation growing within 3 feet of the wall

Annual Professional Inspection

• Hire licensed marine contractor for comprehensive structural assessment
• Request ultrasound or GPR to check for voids behind wall
• Have tie-back rods tension-tested
• Inspect below waterline — divers should check for scour and cracks
• Get written report with photos, measurements, and repair recommendations
• Budget for preventive maintenance — spot repairs save thousands

Warning Signs — Call Immediately

• Sudden leaning or bowing of any section
• Sinkholes or soil collapse behind wall
• Water seeping through cracks (not weep holes)
• Loud cracking or visible movement during storms
• Separation between cap and wall body
• Rust stains or exposed rebar — active corrosion