June 15, 2016

A decade ago, vinyl bulkhead materials were considered too thin for most seawall projects. However, since that time there have been major overhauls in the design and manufacture of vinyl bulkhead materials. Vinyl bulkhead materials have improved in strength, thickness, shape, and resistance power which makes them the superior choice from durability and ease of installation.
But before you install vinyl bulkhead materials, consider these tips:

• Permit-first.  Begin this project by creating a detailed plan and blueprint of the proposed seawall. You can then go through the permitting process with your local municipality yourself, or work with a seawall construction firm.
• Rent a pump…  Use a trash or similar-style pump system during installation to suck water from the immediate waterfront, giving you room to operate.
• Rent an auger or jackhammer.  This equipment will enable you to quickly and efficiently dig appropriately-sized holes for the pilings.
• Half-in and half-out.  Measure and cut vinyl bulkhead material according to the installation rule of thumb: “half-in and half-out”. For instance, a 10ft bulkhead above ground will require 10ft below ground.
• No hammers.   Never hammer vinyl bulkhead materials into place as it can damage the material’s long-term durability. Instead, slowly push it into place.