Seawall Problems May Be Exposed As The Lake Level Drops

In the next few weeks, the Lake level will reach its annual low point, and many lakefront homeowners may see for the first time that their seawalls have a problem. There's only a short window of time to fix it.

Seawall specialists at Midwest Basement Tech say they only have about eight weeks, during the winter at the Lake, to solve seawall problems before the water level rises again. According to owner Steve Jones, the time to act is now. Concrete problems do not solve themselves, he says, they only get worse with time and weather.

Ameren draws down the Lake of the Ozarks every winter, to allow for heavy spring rains. Currently the Lake is hovering around 657 feet. The guide used by Ameren prescribes the Lake level to drop until it reaches 654 feet, around early February.

Seawall damage requiring replacement costs $20,000 to $50,000, depending upon the size of the wall. Replacement also requires permits from Ameren and may or may not be approved.

Seawall Washout — Forces of nature can erode underneath a seawall at Lake of the Ozarks.
photo courtesy Midwest Basement Tech

So, repairing a seawall actually saves money. Average repair costs range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the damage. Typically, though, repairs are only a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Unlike basements and foundations, seawalls have no heavy load to bear down on them. Nevertheless, they settle, crack, leak, lean, and even sink. Nature is to blame. Waves, recent flooding, groundwater run-off, and soil erosion take their toll, often creating sinkholes behind and above the wall.

Midwest Basement Tech applies its own design solutions to shore up, strengthen, and repair the wall, using only patented, engineered products. But the folks at Midwest also know there is not just a one-sized fix for every problem: the company will customize solutions to meet the need.

Land Erosion Behind Seawall — Unlike basements and foundations, seawalls have no heavy load to bear down on them. Nevertheless, they settle, crack, leak, lean, and even sink. Nature is to blame. Waves, recent flooding, groundwater run-off, and soil erosion take their toll, often creating sinkholes behind and above the wall.
photo courtesy Midwest Basement Tech

With 39 years of experience in seawall, waterproofing, concrete, and foundation repair, Midwest experts know how to fix the problem the first time. Jones understands that owners don’t want to throw money at possible solutions. Midwest Basement Tech, with a trusted presence in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, delivers.

Jones is proud of Midwest’s reputation. A family-owned business, Midwest takes personal pride in the work. They deliver old-fashioned quality, and they care most about the results they produce. Furthermore, they offer free inspections.

Year-round, homeowners can rely on Midwest Basement Tech for basement and foundation waterproofing and repairs. The company is proud to offer permanent solutions with guarantees that can be transferred to the next owner. This is especially valuable in sealing the sales deal or handing over a Lake home to the family’s next generation.

Midwest Basement Tech, established in 1978, is fully insured and has been serving the Lake for decades. In 2008, Midwest established a branch office in Osage Beach at 4732 Osage Beach Parkway. There, customers will meet District Manager, David Taylor who is the face of Midwest Basement Tech in Osage Beach. The local office number is 573-693-9448.

Call as soon as the Lake’s water level exposes problems: save money and protect your investment.

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photography by Janet Dabbs and Lakefront businesses (posted on their Facebook pages)

Please contact lakeexpo@yahoo.com for copies of digital images for which we hold copyright.

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Cabana Jones' Facebook post:

"Indoor pool anyone?"

Cabana Jones' Lakeside Bar & Grill _ Facebook

Cabana Jones' Facebook post:

"Indoor pool anyone?"

Glencove Marina Facebook post:

"Rain, Rain, go away.. Don't come back another day!! We have water flooded onto the parking lot below but I'm not complaining. Docks are safe, boats are all safe, we are safe. I'm happy our office buildings are not right on the water front! Thank you Mike and Kenton for checking on the dock cables this morning!! Stay safe everybody."