Service Details
Over 40 Years of Seawall Construction Experience
A properly designed seawall can help protect waterfront property from erosion, soil loss, wave action, changing water levels, and Michigan’s seasonal weather.
Fleming Marine Construction has been building seawalls throughout Michigan since the early 1980s. We install both wood and vinyl seawalls, with each project designed around the shoreline, soil conditions, property layout, water activity, and long-term goals of the homeowner.
A new seawall can help stabilize the shoreline, preserve usable yard space, improve access to the water, and create a cleaner, more defined edge along the property.
Every shoreline is different, which is why we don’t recommend the same wall for every project. Our team evaluates the site, explains the available options, and helps homeowners choose the material and design that make the most sense for their property.
Vinyl Seawalls
Vinyl seawalls are a popular choice for homeowners who want a durable, clean-looking, and low-maintenance shoreline solution. Vinyl resists rot, rust, and insect damage, and it performs well in wet environments. It is also available in multiple colors, which allows homeowners to choose a finished appearance that complements the property.
Vinyl is often a strong fit for straight or consistent shoreline layouts. More complicated shorelines, sharp angles, or highly customized designs may require additional planning. Proper drainage is also essential, regardless of the material being used.
Wood Seawalls
Wood seawalls offer a more traditional appearance and can blend naturally with waterfront properties. They are highly adaptable and can often be designed around curves, corners, stairs, docks, and uneven shoreline conditions.
Wood systems can also allow for effective drainage and may be easier to modify or repair in sections. They do require more maintenance over time, and individual components may eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Their overall service life depends on the materials, water conditions, installation, drainage, and ongoing care.
Choosing the Right Seawall
There is no single material that is right for every property.
A vinyl seawall may be the better choice for someone who wants minimal maintenance and a clean, uniform appearance. A wood seawall may be better suited for a property with a complicated layout or for a homeowner who prefers a more natural look.
Before recommending a solution, Fleming Marine Construction considers the shoreline shape, soil conditions, drainage, water depth, wave activity, existing erosion, construction access, nearby structures, desired appearance, maintenance expectations, and project budget.
The goal is to build the right wall for the property rather than forcing the same system onto every shoreline.
Service Information
How Fleming Marine Builds Seawalls for Michigan Conditions
A seawall’s long-term performance depends on much more than the material visible above the water.
Michigan shorelines are exposed to changing water levels, heavy runoff, ice movement, waves, and repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. To withstand those conditions, the entire system needs to be designed and installed correctly.
With more than 40 years of experience, Fleming Marine Construction has developed construction methods focused on strength, stability, drainage, and long-term durability. We take extra care with the structural components hidden below the surface because those details often determine how well the wall performs over time.
Posts Installed Below the Frost Line
The vertical posts are among the most important structural components of a seawall. They support the wall and help hold it securely in place.
We install our posts below the frost line to reduce the risk of movement caused by freezing ground. Posts that are not installed deeply enough may shift, lean, or begin lifting as the surrounding soil repeatedly freezes and thaws.
Proper post depth creates a stronger foundation and helps the wall remain stable through Michigan’s changing seasons.
Reinforced Tieback Systems
Tiebacks, sometimes called deadmen, anchor the wall into the land behind it. They help resist pressure from the soil, backfill, water, and surrounding grade.
Our tieback systems are built with quality materials and durable fasteners. They are installed at the proper depth and distance behind the wall to provide leverage and dependable structural support.
The size, number, and placement of the tiebacks are determined by the design of the wall and the conditions of the property.
Deep Face-Sheet Installation
The material forming the water-facing side of the seawall is commonly called the face sheeting.
We install the face sheeting deep below the ground and lakebed level to help prevent soil from washing underneath the wall. That added depth improves stability and creates a stronger barrier between the shoreline and the water.
A significant portion of the wall’s structure may remain hidden below grade, where it helps protect against erosion, undercutting, and soil loss.
Drainage Built Into the Wall
Drainage is one of the most important and frequently overlooked parts of seawall construction.
Rain, runoff, waves, and changing water levels can cause water to collect in the soil behind the wall. When that trapped water freezes, it expands and creates additional pressure. Over time, that pressure can contribute to leaning, movement, cracking, or structural failure.
Our seawalls are designed with drainage systems that allow water to move away from the soil behind the wall. Depending on the project, this may include drain tile, drainage stone, filter fabric, and other materials selected to manage water flow and reduce pressure.
Proper Backfill and Final Grading
The material placed behind the wall also plays an important role in drainage and long-term stability.
After construction, we install appropriate backfill to support the wall and help water move through the drainage system. The surrounding area is then graded to help control surface runoff and reduce unnecessary pressure on the structure.
The wall, drainage, backfill, and surrounding grade all need to work together as one complete system.
Built Beyond What You Can See
A finished seawall may appear simple from the water, but much of its strength is hidden underground.
Post depth, tieback placement, face-sheet depth, drainage, backfill, and grading all work together to protect the wall and the surrounding property.
Fleming Marine Construction takes the time to build each of these elements correctly because lasting shoreline protection depends on more than the material visible above the water.
contact
Phone Number
(989) 386-2200
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Contact
office@flemingmarine.com
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