shoreline Archives

Building and Maintaining a Seawall on the Lake

Posted on May 31, 2017November 13, 2019 Staff

Seawalls protect the land from erosion by a body of water. If you have seen a seawall on the beach, just know that seawalls on the lake serve the same purpose. Just on a much, much smaller scale! A seawall is usually made of wood, stone, steel or concrete.

In recent years, synthetic materials have become more popular. These structures serve three distinct purposes on the lake.

First of all, they protect property from erosion, flooding or poor drainage. Secondly, a seawall helps maintain water depth. This is especially important if you enjoy boating, fishing, or other similar activities on your piece of the lake. Finally, seawalls can give your property an attractive, finished look. Especially if your property is on a slope, it can make your property much more attractive.

If you own a home on the waterfront, you may be responsible for a seawall. Don’t let this intimidate you! Seawalls typically require very little upkeep. Periodic visual inspection and minor repairs should make up the majority of your “chores.”

You may want to build a seawall on your property. If so, check your local regulations. Most lakes have requirements for any shore construction. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority requires that you submit an application for any shore stabilization project.

Knowing regulations beforehand will help you avoid wasting money on a project you can’t finish. It can also give you guidelines on the most effective ways to construct your seawall.

Repairs and Maintenance

Inspect your seawall regularly in order to spot any problems before major issues arise.

If your seawall is new, be vigilant and make note of any sinkholes or cracks. Other defects may occur due to age.

Maintenance and repair techniques will differ depending on the materials used.

If you don’t know the local guidelines on maintaining a seawall, ask your neighbors. Most lake communities have resources available to help homeowners maintain their piece of the shoreline.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Seawall Materials

Seawalls can be built from very different materials.

Concrete: This is typical for many different seawalls. It will last around 30 years, if built properly. Simply patch any small holes or cracks in the concrete so that they don’t spread. If you find too much damage to repair on your own, call a professional.
Steel: Steel sheet piling is common for both seawalls and bulkheads. The material provides a amazing strength and will last around 25 years. It should be treated properly to ensure that it lasts through being subjected to water.
Wood: You will see wooden seawalls in more rural and residential areas. Just like steel, it should be treated properly in order to last.
Riprap: Many homeowners prefer riprap for its more natural look. Riprap is a barrier of very large stones along the waterline. The stone can be granite, limestone, concrete or other materials. Repair is very basic, and typically consists of replacing any broken or scattered riprap.
Vinyl or Plastic: This is a newer, more economical product. It offers about 50 years of life and comes in many different colors. On the downside, synthetic materials can be difficult to install. If you choose to install this type of seawall, hire a professional.

Stopping Erosion

Erosion happens to all land. Of course, this is especially true for those properties located by the water.

Rain, wind and the elements can eat away at any property over time. This can cause complications to any home on the shore.

Planting extra grass or vegetation can give your soil extra protection. Incidental erosion just beyond the seawall can happen, as well, so keep an eye out for water pooling behind it.

For more natural seawall materials, such as riprap, encourage natural vegetation. Plant growth will actually give your seawall stability, and help it blend in to the rest of your property.

After any major storm or flood, give your seawall a visual inspection to make sure it didn’t sustain any damage.

With just a little attention, this unassuming structure can protect you and your lake home for decades to come.

For more tips on improving your home, read more articles here.

Who Owns Your Lake?

Posted on May 19, 2017December 11, 2019 Staff

Who owns your lake? And what kind of lake regulations could the answer mean for you as a homeowner? This question doesn’t even occur to most people. But if you are considering buying a lake home, this is something you absolutely, positively need to know.

Contrary to popular belief, lakes are not undesignated public land. They are typically owned by the government or private entities. Each lays down its own set of rules and guidelines for homeowners. When shopping for a lake home, you can save a lot of stress by finding out who owns your lake, and the rules they have.

Most large, developed lakes in the United States are owned or maintained by utility companies or the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They may also own parts, or all, of the shoreline. Homeowners along the shoreline may own their land outright, or have it in a long-term lease.

Do your homework, and always read the fine print! Here is a play-by-play on the most common types of entities that control lakes in the United States.

Utility Companies

Beautiful lake sunrise on Lake Sam Rayburn — *Photo courtesy of* *Lake Sam Rayburn*.

Many of the larger lakes in the United States feed hydropower dams that generate electricity. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, there are currently more than 1,700 of these dams in the United States.

Famous hydropower lakes include Lake Mead in Arizona/Nevada, the Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas, and Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia/South Carolina.

These lakes are often, but not always, owned by the utility company that operates the dam. The company oftentimes owns a portion of the shoreline, as well, or retains property rights along the shoreline.

Family camping at lake — *Photo courtesy of* *Explore Georgia*.

Lake regulations on these properties typically focus on construction and shoreline maintenance. Some common types of regulations include:

Homeowners may need permits for new construction or improvements
Limits and material standards for dock construction
Landscaping, erosion control and seawall construction guidelines
Water usage for utilities (especially during drought conditions)
Warning systems, safety precautions and “off-limits” areas near the dam itself

Lakes that feed hydroelectric dams will often rise and fall with the seasons, as energy usage fluctuates.

Check with the utility company to check on the lake level. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority maintains a website to let visitors check on lake levels and planned water releases.

United States Army Corps of Engineers

United States Army Corps of Engineering creating a fish habitat out of trees — *Photo courtesy of* *USACOE*.

The US Army Corps of Engineers governs more than 450 lakes in 43 states.

They manage these for flood control, recreation, preserving natural wildlife and recreation. They manage many of the hydropower lakes, as well.

On these lakes, some, or all, of the homeowners’ land may be owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and leased to the homeowners. Leases can range from 20 to 99 years.

Take note: in these cases, mortgage lenders will never approve a mortgage longer than the lease. For example, banks will never approve a 30-year mortgage for property on land with a 25-year lease.

Here are some common lake regulations for Army Corps of Engineers lakes:

Serious restrictions on any portion of the property designated “public land.” This includes fence construction, roads, landscaping, gardening, etc.
Boat and dock size limits
“Off limits” areas near the dam or other utilities
Rules against destruction of wildlife habitat

Lake with trees lining shoreline during sunset — *Photo courtesy of* *USACOE*.

Part of the property may be designated as “flowage easement land.”

Agencies keep this land, usually defined as a certain distance from the shoreline, clear for flood control. It can be privately owned, but has certain restrictions in order to guarantee the flow of water during flood conditions.

Homeowners can typically use flowage easement land as they see fit, with three common exceptions:

No structures for human dwelling, such as guest houses
Installation of septic tanks, sewer lines or other underground utilities is severely limited
Landowners cannot build fences across flowage easement land; they can, however, build them up to the edge of it.

Homeowner’s Associations

Homeowner’s Associations control many of the smaller, private lakes in the United States.

These associations have very different concerns than the federal government or utility companies.

Their lakes don’t serve a major public interest. Rather, people use these lakes primarily for their beauty and personal enjoyment.

Because of this, regulations focus more on the lake’s aesthetics and culture. Homeowners often have more legal rights.

At the same time, they can run into problems if any improvements or usage don’t fit within the rules of the homeowner’s association.

Common lake regulations by homeowner’s associations include:

Association membership fees
Limits on boat or dock size
Limits on boat speed and other water activities
Approval required for new construction, especially those facing the water
Standards for upkeep, such as dock repair, landscaping and shoreline maintenance

Do Your Homework on Lake Regulations

Each lake is different.

Even if you have spent years visiting a lake, chances are you don’t know all the aspects of owning property there. Always do your homework before making an offer!

This is one reason to work with an agent who specialized in lake property, especially on your lake, when shopping for a lake home.

Real estate agents who specialize in lake property know their lake’s quirks, and can help you find the home of your dreams without all the headaches.

6 Reasons We Prefer a Lake Home to a Beach House

Posted on February 22, 2016January 13, 2020 Staff

Lake House VS Beach house what is the best for me | Lake Homes Realty

There are cat people and there are dog people. Chocolate or vanilla? Lake home or beach house? When it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer, but here are six reasons why we prefer a lake home to a beach house!

Reason #1: Sand

Sand. Sand everywhere.

If you spend time out on the beach, prepare to bring pounds of it back home with you.

You can rest assured that the hard-to-clean-up substance will end up in your shoes, your car, all around the house, and even in the bed.

Oh, and that’s without even mentioning sand spurs or sand gnats/flies!

Reason #2: Salt Water

Happy children playing in water at beach — *Photo courtesy of Safer Tourism Organization.*

Some may prefer the saltwater to the freshwater, but it’s nice to be able to look around underwater unaided by goggles and without burning your eyes.

Reason #3: Sharks

While not a completely rational fear, there is a percentage of the population who is afraid of sharks.

If that’s the case, come on over to the lake.

There are no freshwater sharks, with the exception of the bull shark, which can travel up rivers but generally stays near the coast.

Not to mention, there is no way for a bull shark to get over a man-made dam which almost all lakes of size are created by.

Reason #4: Rope Swings/Cliff Faces

Man swinging on rope swing at lake with dog

Beaches do not offer trees, nor does it offer a “deep area” where someone can just jump in the water from some height.

You are forced to wade into the shallow water until it gradually gets deeper.

On the other hand, lakes can be hundreds of feet deep right at the edge of the shoreline. This provides ample opportunity for cliff jumping, launching from a rope swing, or perfecting your dive!

Reason #5: Docks

Older retired man relaxing on dock at lake

A large portion of lakeside properties includes a private dock or the ability to construct one, whereas many beach homes do not.

Similar to reason 4, this can provide a platform to dive into the water, even from as high as 25 feet if you have a double-decker dock.

In addition to diving, the dock provides an excellent platform to fish from, and many species of fish will naturally take cover in the water under the dock.

It’s also the perfect place to relax or hang out.

You can grill out, sunbathe, read a book, or whatever you’d like, all the while enjoying the sounds and scenery of being right on the lake.

Reason #6: Cost/Availability

Historic Charleston lake community on Colonial Lake

While both freshwater and coastal shorelines can only provide a finite amount of real estate, there are actually many more miles of lake shoreline than coastal.

In fact, there are more lake shoreline miles in the state of Alabama than there are coastline miles on the entire Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico (in the U.S.) combined.

What does this boil down to? Supply and demand.

Both properties are more costly than your average primary home, but there is a much larger supply of lake property, making it a lower price point in many instances.

At the end of the day, both lake and beach properties make for fantastic getaways. And though we may be a little bit biased, there are pros and cons to each location.

We just choose to head to the lake.

Do you prefer the lake? If so let us know why in the comments below!