Although we want to keep our retaining walls at their best look and serve their benefits for a long time, there are several factors that may prevent it. Harsh weather conditions, poor drainage, foundation issues, and substandard construction are just some of the reasons for retaining wall problems. However, if you detect the initial points or the minor problems with your retaining walls before they escalated, there is a great chance that you can still rehabilitate and save them.
Did you notice your retaining walls starting to have tiny cracks and bows? Does it seem to lean or bulge in some sections? If yes, you may probably wonder what to do or who to call to have these things fixed. Worry no more because we will share with you below some of the processes in repairing retaining walls.
Warning Signs You Need to Repair Your Retaining Walls
Retaining walls can weaken through time because of the environmental factors it is exposed to. Besides that, the quality of the materials and how it is built can also affect its durability. For you to address the problems with your retaining wall quickly, here are some of the signs that you can look out for:
- walls are tilting or leaning forward
- there are several noticeable cracks
crumbling sections of the walls
- separated sections from the surrounding structure
- rotting or warping of wood or timber
Fixing Retaining Walls
If you addressed the issue in your retaining wall in its early stages, fixing it can be a lot easier too. It has not escalated yet to a retaining wall failure or, in simpler terms, a falling retaining wall. We will share with you below some simple remedies for your walls. However, in the case where you know that you can’t handle it on your own, it would be better to ask for professionals’ help to avoid further damage.
For those who may want to fix the issue by themselves, get your tools ready because here are the repair tips for your retaining walls:
For retaining walls that are tilting or leaning forward
If you notice your retaining walls leaning or tilting, the best solution is to dismantle and rebuild them. For residential retaining walls that are no more than four feet tall, you can treat this as your DIY project because all you have to do is dismantle, secure the footing, provide a proper foundation and rebuild it. However, for larger retaining walls, let the experts handle it because it can be dangerous to handle all the processes without other skilled workers’ assistance.
For retaining walls with cracks
Check if the cracks in your concrete wall are minor or caused by a structural problem. If it is just a slight crack, you can fix it using a concrete repair kit or epoxy. On the other hand, structural issues are complicated because they may include the foundation of the walls, so it would be best to ask for professionals’ help.
If your retaining walls are made of bricks or blocks, and you noticed some significant cracks on some of them, all you have to do is remove and replace them. Damaged bricks or blocks can be removed using a chisel. After removing the damaged materials, you can just easily replace them with new ones.
For retaining walls that suffer from warping or rotting
If your retaining walls are made of timber or wood, warping and rotting are inevitable. Due to moisture, faulty drainage, or insects, your walls can rot and warp after some years. You can opt to change the material to concrete, bricks, or stone. However, if you want to stick with timber or wood, make sure that you remove all the damaged areas and replace them with treated timber or wood.
Conclusion
Even though retaining walls are built to last, some things can affect their durability. Make sure to properly clean and maintain them. However, if you noticed some of the signs we listed above, resolve them as early as possible to prevent damaging your whole wall. You can opt to solve the issues yourself, but if you want some help, you consult professional landscape contractors or builders in Brisbane. They can efficiently aid you in fixing or rebuilding your retaining walls.
