Regular checks can catch changes in the top of the wall, joints, drainage and nearby ground. Keeping dated photos and reports helps a professional spot problems and plan repairs.
From safe ground, note new holes, movement or damage and keep earlier reports. Do not clear drains, excavate, drill or try structural repairs yourself. Ask a professional which tasks are appropriate for your wall.
Worried about damage? Check the warning signs.Optional · 10 short questions · no contact details
Answer from what you already know. Stay on safe ground; do not go near the edge or into the water to check. You can choose “Not sure” for any question.
Tell us your community, how to reach you and anything you already know about the wall.
Discuss the wall’s condition, your priorities and the right next steps.
Agree on what will be checked, property access, written findings, follow-up and any extra costs.
Keep dated photos, reports, repairs and permit records together; ask when the next check should happen.
Know when to act sooner.
If the wall is moving or the ground is opening, keep people away and get prompt professional help. Those changes need attention sooner than a routine maintenance visit.
The City of Holmes Beach seawall manual gives general examples of wear, drainage and maintenance. Local rules in Port St. Lucie and the property’s approved design govern local work.
Common questions
How do I get started?
Tell us about your wall and the care you need. Discuss the options, schedule and price before you choose a plan.
How often should the wall be checked?
The right schedule depends on the wall’s age, condition and exposure. Ask the person assessing it to recommend when it should be checked again.
Are repairs included?
Ask which maintenance tasks and repairs are included in the plan and which would cost extra.
Is storm damage covered?
Ask whether the plan includes a post-storm check. Repairs and insurance claims are separate, so check your agreement and insurance policy for the details.
Will I receive a condition report?
Tell us if you need a written report. Ask for dated photos, the areas checked, any areas that could not be inspected and recommended next steps.
Can I use this for several properties?
Yes. Tell us which properties need care and who owns them. Discuss the checks and access needed at each location.
Keep a location-based condition log
Number the wall segments and choose repeat photo spots from safe ground. For each entry, record the date, recent storms or king tides, visible changes and who was told. Martin County’s 2026 king-tide windows run from September through December, a good time to photograph water against the cap.
Log the cap, joints, weep holes, toe and the yard behind the wall separately.
After storms, add observations when safe; report public drainage defects in Port St. Lucie to Public Works at 772-871-5100.
Keep the permit history from the city’s online portal with the log.
Have the agreement separate routine observation, a written assessment, authorized maintenance and structural repair. Ask whether underwater work, survey updates and post-storm visits are included. Keep original plans and repair records together, and add a new entry whenever a drain, joint or structural part changes.