Vinyl Seawalls - Warranty

Commercial 50-Year Product Warranty

Residential Lifetime Product Warranty

Impact modified, weatherable PVC, offers considerable advantages over traditional seawall materials. Each manufacturer of vinyl seawalls offer a warranty on their product line.

However, in reviewing those warranties, we’ve found that important differences in product warranties exist. Below is a list of issues that our review has identified as relevant to the long-term protection of your purchase decision. We recommend that you request and review manufacturer warranty documents prior to purchasing any material so you are aware of what your warranty will cover.

An important note: Manufacturers of vinyl sheet piling only warranty what they are responsible for and what they can control - which is the proper manufacturing of vinyl sheet piling. Since most manufacturers do not have control over the companies that install material, don't expect to see workmanship covered in a Product Warranty. If you are concerned about a Workmanship Warranty, discuss one with your professional marine contractor.

Main Concerns:

Ultra Violet (UV) rays - Some warranties state that the manufacturer guarantees that their product is "protected" with regard to damage caused by UV. This carefully worded statement only warrants that the manufacturer manufactured the product using UV stable material - it does not mean that the warranty would cover damage caused by UV. In this case, performance under the warranty would be left largely to the discretion of the manufacturer. To be sure you're properly protected, be sure that the warranty specifically states that the product is guaranteed against "damage" caused by UV.

Cap-Stock Warranty – Most vinyl sheet piling relies on a laminate called a "capstock" for protection against the harsh marine environment. Since capstock can sometimes delaminate from the part, exposing an inferior core, it’s important that delamination be properly covered in a Warranty. In addition, you should also insist that the product you buy is "contaminate free", which means that the manufacturer used good, clean pvc in the manufacturing of your product.  Contaminants can breach the capstock. Some manufactures will use contaminated material in their process to save money.  DON'T BE A VICTIM. SEAWALLS ARE EXPENSIVE. DON'T BUY SOMEONE ELSE'S SCRAP - UNLESS IT'S REALLY CHEAP AND THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT. If you are considering purchasing a co-extruded part, be sure you’re protected against delamination and contaminants in a written warranty. What is delamination of the capstock?

Life of Warranty - Check for pro-rated versus a full product warranty.

Transferability - Since the average home is sold every seven years, it's important to know that if you invest in a vinyl seawall and later decide to sell your home, you can also transfer the warranty to the new owner. This ability creates additional value in your waterfront property and could make a difference in the buyer's mind. However, if you plan on being in your home for awhile, transferability may not be as big of an issue.