Understanding the Challenges of Sea Wall Repairs

Sea walls are essential for protecting waterfront properties, but over time, they become vulnerable to erosion, settlement, and cracking. Timely repair is critical. Fortunately, advanced solutions like HMI’s hydrophobic foams, Soil Link Grouts, and polyurethane systems now offer smarter, more cost-effective alternatives to full wall replacement.

Water: The Double-Edged Sword

Waves, tides, boat wakes, and rainwater runoff constantly batter sea walls, while soil behind the wall gradually erodes. This process creates voids, leading to ground subsidence, visible depressions, or sinkholes. If left unaddressed, these issues can undermine the wall’s foundation and structural integrity.

The Importance of Soil Stabilization for Stone Sea Walls

Stone sea walls are especially prone to erosion due to gaps between stones. Water seeping through these gaps carries soil away, worsening instability. Temporary fixes like packing gaps with aggregate only delay the problem. Without stabilizing the underlying soil, erosion will persist—and repairs can be costly, especially in hard-to-access locations.

Early warning signs include soil loss, cracks, or sinkholes near the wall. Addressing these promptly is key to preventing major damage.

HMI’s Single-Component Grout: Improving Soil Stability

Effective sea wall maintenance starts with stabilizing the soil behind the wall. HMI’s single-component grout is designed for permeation grouting—a proven method for sea wall repair. This hydro-activated polyurethane foam fills voids and gaps, creating a tight seal that stabilizes soil and blocks water infiltration. It is less expansive than the RR600 soil stabilizer, making it ideal for smaller voids and minimizing pressure on the wall. Adjustable reaction times allow for project flexibility.

Using HMI’s single-component grout solidifies the soil and prevents further loss before damage becomes severe.

Why HMI Hydrophobic Foams (HydroFOAM) Are the Best Alternative to Replacement

HMI’s HydroFOAM is engineered for wet environments, making it ideal for sea wall repairs. Unlike traditional methods, HydroFOAM can be injected directly into cracks, voids, and behind sea walls using the HMI Deep Foamjection™ system. The foam expands to displace water, fill gaps, and create a watertight seal.

• Displaces standing water
• Fills voids behind the wall
• Seals cracks to prevent further erosion
• Restores structural integrity

For stone sea walls, combining aggregate fill with HMI Soil Link Grout forms a hardened, erosion-resistant barrier, preserving the wall’s protective function.

Comprehensive Support from HMI

HMI offers more than just materials—we partner with business owners for success. From hands-on training and equipment demonstrations to expert resources, HMI provides unmatched support.

With over 50 years of experience and industry-leading products like Foamjection™ and renewable-based poly foams, HMI empowers contractors to deliver the best in sea wall repair.

Ready to get started? Sign up for training or contact HMI to learn more.