One of the most important defenses for waterfront property owners is a sea wall, which acts as a barrier between land and water. Over time, however, sea walls become vulnerable to erosion, settlement and cracking, making sea wall repair critical. Fortunately, new technologies like HMI’s hydrophobic foams in Soil Link Grouts and our polyurethane system offer smarter, more cost-effective solutions than wall replacement.
The Water You Love Is Your Worst Enemy
Waves, tides, boat wakes and rainwater runoff continually beat against the sea wall, while the soil behind it slowly erodes. Over time, this phenomenon leads to voids forming behind the wall, causing the ground to cave in and creating visible depressions or sinkholes. If left unchecked, this process can undermine the sea wall’s foundation and structural integrity.
The Importance of Soil Stabilization for Stone Sea Walls
One of the biggest issues with stone sea walls is erosion caused by gaps between stones. When water seeps through these gaps, it carries soil with it, gradually washing it away. While some property owners and contractors attempt temporary fixes like packing the gaps with aggregate, this approach only delays the inevitable.
Without addressing the underlying soil instability, the problem will continue. Another concern is that sea wall maintenance and repair are expensive, especially if the sea wall isn’t easily accessible by land.
When approaching how to repair a sea wall with erosion issues, start by looking for early warning signs, like soil loss, cracks or sinkholes near the wall.
Improving Soil Stability With HMI’s Single-Component Grout
Effective sea wall maintenance requires stabilizing the soil behind the wall to restore and reinforce the barrier. HMI’s single-component grout is a soil stabilizer designed for permeation grouting, a viable method for sea wall repair. The hydro-activated polyurethane foam fills voids and gaps, creating a tight seal that stabilizes the soil and prevents water infiltration. It is less expansive than the RR600 soil stabilizer, which is better suited for filling large voids. As a result, it puts minimal pressure on the sea wall. The single component also has adjustable reaction times, making it easily adaptable to your project’s needs.
Sea wall erosion repair with HMI’s single-component grout solidifies the soil and prevents further loss before the damage becomes catastrophic.
Why HMI Hydrophobic Foams (HydroFOAM) Are the Best Alternative to Replacement
HMI’s hydrophobic foams — collectively known as HydroFOAM — are a game changer. This material is specifically designed to work in wet environments, making it ideal for sea wall repair projects. Unlike traditional repair methods, HydroFOAM can be injected directly into cracks and voids and behind sea walls using the HMI Deep Foamjection™ system. Once in place, the foam expands, displacing water, filling gaps and creating a watertight seal.
The benefits of HydroFOAM include:
- Displacing standing water
- Filling voids behind the wall
- Sealing cracks to prevent further erosion
- Restoring the structural integrity of the sea wall
For stone sea walls, combining aggregate fill with the HMI Soil Link Grout creates a hardened barrier that resists erosion and helps preserve the purpose of personal sea wall installations — protection for the property.
Get Support Every Step of the Way
HMI doesn’t just sell materials — we partner with business owners to ensure 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 sets contractors up for success. Ready to offer your customers the best in sea wall repair? Sign up for training or contact HMI today to learn more.