---
title: "What Is Seawall? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "A seawall is a vertical wall along a shoreline or canal that holds back water and protects the land behind it."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/seawall
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Home office behind a steel-framed glass wall next to the stair](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/ladoga-office.Dn6ZH9BQ_Z1H6zSM.avif)

# Seawall

A seawall is a vertical wall along a shoreline or canal that holds back water and protects the land behind it.

A seawall holds the shoreline in place and blocks waves from the land behind it. A 2021 City of Tampa report says coastal armoring has its limits as a mitigation strategy. Groundwater rises along with sea level, so a wall does not keep all water out.

A seawall does not replace a proper floor height. A home still has to meet the [design flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-flood-elevation) and handle [storm surge](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/storm-surge). The City asks owners to check with Construction Services before grading, filling or building on a property. See [building in a flood zone](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-in-a-flood-zone-tampa).

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Storm surge](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/storm-surge)
-   [Design flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/design-flood-elevation)
-   [Base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation)
-   [Special flood hazard area](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/special-flood-hazard-area)

## Sources

1.  [City of Tampa: A Homeowner's Best Practices Manual (2021)](https://www.tampa.gov/sites/default/files/document/2021/Report%20VII%20Homeowners%20Guide.pdf)
2.  [City of Tampa: Flood Information](https://www.tampa.gov/tss-stormwater/info/flood)

![Aerial view of waterfront homes on Tampa Bay with the downtown Tampa skyline in the distance](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/aerial-skyline.Bt8UN67d_ZwicJ3.avif)

## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)