April showers in Houston are more like “April’s torrential downpours.” While these massive thunderstorms still bring May flowers (and flash floods, and downed tree limbs), they also put immense pressure on your bulkhead.
In fact, this time of year is when your bulkhead is most vulnerable to erosion. Fortunately, a spring cleaning and inspection can make a big difference and help you avoid massive repairs.
Why are spring rains so dangerous for your bulkhead?
The primary threat to a bulkhead during a Houston spring isn’t the water in the lake or the bay.
It’s the water that gets trapped behind the wall.
When we experience heavy rainfall, the soil behind your bulkhead becomes saturated and heavy. This creates “hydrostatic pressure,” a force that pushes against the back of your wall.
Water’s got nowhere to go? It finds or creates a path of least resistance. Often that means it’s going to wash away all the soil your bulkhead is there to protect.
What are weep holes, and why do I need to check them?
Weep holes are there so your bulkhead can “breathe,” letting water drain from behind the wall, or from the soil into the body of water. That relieves hydrostatic pressure (the pressure from wet, heavy soil pressing up against the bulkhead wall).
A system that works well enough, except that during the winter they’re often clogged with silt, debris, or even nests.
Take a moment to clear them and drain them. You’ll thank yourself when you prevent a catastrophic wall failure later.
Are sinkholes a sign of problems with your bulkhead?
Yes. Any sinkholes or low spots near your bulkhead are major red flags that indicate it’s time to call dock experts like us right away.
What’s happening here?
The soil is being pulled through a gap in the bulkhead. We call the process “piping.” It’s a sign the filter fabric has failed, or a sign a joint in your piling has gotten separated.
That joint needs to be eased back into place, or that fabric has to be replaced. Either way, sinkholes are a bad sign.
What is the deadman system, and how do I check it?
The structural integrity of the bulkhead relies on its deadman system, also known as the tie-back system.
They’re a series of anchors, each buried deep in your yard. Their job? Hold your wall up.
During the rainy spring season, the ground can become soft, and those anchors can start to shift. Head to the top beam of the bulkhead, also known as the “cap.” Check to see if it’s bowing outward or leaning toward the water.
If you see a noticeable curve in the wall, get help. Even a few inches of movement can indicate your anchors or slipping or the rods have corroded, requiring immediate professional attention.
Get Help Today
Don’t just sit there worrying if you discover shifting soil, clogged drainage, or leaning walls. You want these problems fixed before the first major storm of the season. And early spring is a great time for repairs, since the ground is manageable and the weather is relatively mild.
If you need a bulkhead repair or replacement, reach out to the experts. Contact DreamBoat Docks to get started today.
