Damwand is a heavier form of shore protection and a water wall. It is a vertical structure that separates soil from water under pressure. The wall protects quays, canals and banks from wash and water pressure. Ordinary shore protection mainly stabilises the water line. Damwand takes a structural role beyond loose shore boards. It retains water, carries soil pressure and remains for many decades.
We supply two kinds at Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel. One kind is Azobe hardwood with a tongue and groove joint. The other kind is Prolock plastic damwand from old plastic. Azobe is tropical hardwood in class 1 by EN 350. It can sit in water for the full service life. It lasts more than 30 years in water without extra treat. Prolock is a recycled plastic wall system with a long service life. The life we quote is 50 to 60 years with almost no care.
In this article you read the definition of damwand in plain terms. You see which materials we stock and where the structure is applied. You also see the advantages, limits and how maintenance works.
Definition
What is damwand? Damwand is a straight wall that holds the bank and holds water. The planks or profiles lock into each other along the joint. Hardwood uses a tongue and groove joint for a closed face. Plastic uses a click system so the wall stays closed. That distinction separates damwand from loose shore boards. It does not only hold the face of the bank. It also holds back water under soil pressure.
The structure is installed between posts along the water line. For Prolock the post gap is no more than 150 cm. Because the profiles interlock, a continuous barrier is formed. That barrier takes soil pressure and holds back water. That is why we call it damwand: dam plus wall.
Materials
Damwand comes in two main materials. Each kind has its own price range and service life.
Azobe hardwood (tongue and groove) is tropical hardwood in class 1. It can sit in water for the full service life. We stock 30 to 50 mm thick and lengths from 2 to 5 m. The joint makes a closed wall along the bank. Life in water is more than 30 years. It carries a herkomst mark. Price is about EUR 200 to 400 per metre. That figure depends on thickness and height.
Prolock plastic damwand is a profile system from old plastic. Each piece is 50 cm wide in the wall. Heights run from 50 to 300 cm. Life is 50 to 60 years with almost no care. Post gap is no more than 150 cm. From our shop in Meppel we keep about 5000 m2 of Prolock in stock. Price is about EUR 73 to 183 per metre. For a full compare see plastic damwand vs. wood.
Applications
You use damwand where the wall must hold water or take a heavy load.
- Quay walls — straight walls along load and unload berths. Ships moor there and soil pressure is high.
- Waterways — close or bound ditches, canals and polder ditches.
- Shore protection — a heavier form of shore protection on weak or flowing banks.
- Ground water barrier — stops ground water that pushes up under yards and basements.
For most home and trade jobs our shore protection systems range is the start. For heavier quay and water jobs we point to Prolock shore protection or Azobe damwand.
Pros and cons
Azobe hardwood damwand
- Plus: long service life (more than 30 years in water), real timber, high density and strength, herkomst mark.
- Minus: heavy to lift, higher price (EUR 200 to 400 per m). The face goes grey later. That is only the look. The structure stays strong.
Prolock plastic damwand
- Plus: almost no care, 50 to 60 years, lighter weight, lower price (EUR 73 to 183 per m), made from old plastic.
- Minus: a plastic look does not fit every garden or quay. It feels less massive than hardwood.
Maintenance
Azobe damwand goes silver grey once it sits in water and light. That change is only the look of the face. The structure stays strong and does not need treat. If you want the warm hardwood colour, oil it now and then. Oil does not change how long the wall lasts.
Prolock damwand needs almost no care after you set it. No grey, no oil, no rot on the face. Once it is in, the wall stays for the full 50 to 60 years. Still check posts and fixings after very high water or a hit.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is damwand?
Damwand is a straight wall that holds back water under soil pressure. It is made from locked hardwood or plastic parts. It holds the bank and holds back water. You use it on quays, canals and ground water barriers.
Which material do I choose for damwand?
Pick Azobe hardwood for a warm look and high strength. Or pick Prolock plastic for a lower price, little care and 50 to 60 years. Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel (KvK 04062841, started 2000, 4,8 stars from 141 plus reviews) supplies both from its own stock. See shore protection systems.
How long does damwand last?
Azobe hardwood damwand lasts more than 30 years in lasting water contact. Prolock plastic damwand lasts 50 to 60 years and needs almost no care.
What does damwand cost per metre?
Azobe hardwood damwand is about EUR 200 to 400 per metre. Prolock plastic damwand is about EUR 73 to 183 per metre. That figure depends on height and how it is built.