Docks by Dean

Do I need any permits to build a seawall?
Yes! You need a Permit issued from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and depending on the County you live in, a Soil Erosion Permit as well. We take care of both of these Permits free of charge as a courtesy to our customers.

How long does it take for the DEQ and Soil Erosion Permit to be approved?
The DEQ Permit can take a maximum of 90 days to be approved. The Soil Erosion Permit is usually approved within a few days.

I have lost a lot of property over the years without a seawall, how much land can I reclaim?
The DEQ allows you to build your seawall approximately 1 foot from the EXISTING shoreline.

What is a seawall?
A seawall is a solid barrier built between the water and land to prevent erosion of the property. There are many different kinds: concrete, steel, vinyl, rock, and wood.

What type of seawall do you build and how does it compare against others?
Just like no two cars are the same, no two seawalls are the same. Every seawall will protect your shoreline from erosion, but the real question is for how long? Concrete walls work exceptionally well, until muskrats dig underneath the footings and the water begins to seep underneath the wall eroding the foundation, causing the wall to collapse. Steel walls are exceptionally strong, but over time (25-30 years) will begin to rust through and you will have to replace the wall. On a rock seawall, the rocks break the wave action of the water, but the water still washes past the rocks and eventually erodes the ground away. We specialize in the construction of Vinyl seawalls. Vinyl will not rust, fade, or crack. It can be tailored to any height or length with interlocking sheet piling that once installed, permanently stops the erosion of land at the waters edge. Our Vinyl has a 50-year guarantee against cracking and fading.

How well does a Vinyl seawall withstand the ice?
When it comes to Mother Nature, no seawall is invincible. A Vinyl seawall will stand up to the ice just as well as any other solidly constructed seawall. Great care is taken during the construction of the seawall to make sure there are no voids behind the seawall and that the backfill material is adequately compacted. A correctly backfilled seawall, will increase the life and strength of the wall during the harsh winter seasons.

What is Riprap?
Riprap is field stone 6-12" in diameter which is placed at the toe of the wall along the water's edge and is typically required by the DEQ along 60% of the seawall. Riprap helps to create a habitat for the indigenous wildlife such as turtles and frogs that dwell along shorelines.

How much does a Vinyl Seawall cost?
Every seawall is different! Costs can vary greatly from job to job depending on location, wall size, wall height, backfill, etc. Please call for an estimate.