How to Protect your Coastal Home from Erosion

From major weather events to waves, tides, storms, and wind exposure, finding a way to protect the beach from erosion is part of coastal home ownership.  Your home is one of your most prized possessions and knowing that there’s a very real exposure to flooding and storm surge may deter many from purchasing a beachfront property.  The management of the coastal home is not that difficult, and you can refer to our recommendation on coastal home insurance to provide peace of mind.  But there are many other ways to prevent erosion and to secure your property to minimize damage and keep your home and your future safe.

Coastal Erosion Prevention

Vegetation and Dune Planting

Planting native vegetation on the beach or dunes is a great first step as generally, roots help bind the soil and sand, preventing erosion. Establishing and maintaining a healthy dune system can act as a natural barrier as coastal habitats can slow waves, and reduce wave height.

Beach Nourishment

Periodical replenishment of the beach with additional sand or sediment can help widen the beach, absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact on the shoreline.

Seawalls and Bulkheads

Constructing seawalls or bulkheads to provide a physical barrier against wave action is likely to help you protect your.  While effective, these structures can have environmental impacts and may alter natural coastal processes.

Riprap or Coastal Armor

It’s recommended to use riprap (rock or other durable materials) to create a protective barrier along the shoreline. This helps dissipate wave energy and prevent direct erosion of the shoreline.

Another option is to create the use of breakwaters or groins (structures extending from the shore into the water) to reduce wave energy and trap sediment. These structures can also help build up and stabilize the beach.

Elevating Your Structure

If you are considering building a new home, elevating your structure on pilings or stilts will greatly reduce the risk of damage from storm surges and flooding. Often required in the coastal areas, this part will be a great investment when building a new home. Although it is not implemented to prevent erosion it can protect the structure from other coastal hazards.

The Wind

Windbreaks are always a great solution.  You will see them quite often in the coastal areas and they help protect the coastline from direct winds.

Regular monitoring of the condition of your property is a part of the management process.  If you notice any signs of early erosion, making initial improvements can help you prevent future issues.

No matter what steps you decide to take, following local regulations regarding coastal development and erosion control is a must-have knowledge. There is a possibility you will have to obtain necessary permits before implementing any erosion control measures.

Shoreline erosion is something to be expected and if you want to ensure the longevity of your home, take the appropriate steps.  If you are new to the area, chat with your neighbors about their experiences and use that knowledge to your advantage.

Owning a coastal property is an absolute dream of many and the coastal erosion process can be prevented or significantly slowed if you have a prevention plan in place.