If you moved into a home with a pre-existing retaining wall, or your retaining wall has been around for a handful of years, you may start to see signs of deterioration before you recognize them or recognize how serious they are. But whether you call it terracing or retaining, they hold back a lot of dirt, and a collapsing retaining wall can cause a lot of damage. This is especially true in places like California and others built on hillsides and slopes.
What is a retaining wall?
Retaining walls are an important part of any landscaping project. They can help to prevent soil erosion, support slopes and can even be used to create beautiful gardens. However, before you start building a retaining wall, there are a few things you need to know.
If you have a pre-existing retaining wall, you may not need to do anything. However, if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to decide what type of retaining wall is best for your needs.
There are many different types of retaining walls, and the best one for you will depend on the size and slope of your property. There are many different options available, and the best choice for you will depend on your budget and the look you’re going for.
If you have a retaining wall, you want to pay attention to its condition. Signs of a failing retaining wall should mean immediate care. It’s one of those things that only gets costlier as the problem evolves.
Your retaining wall may need help.
Retaining walls are a great way to add both function and beauty to your landscape. They can be used to create level areas for entertaining or gardening, stop soil erosion, manage your slopes, or simply add some extra interest to your yard.
Unfortunately, retaining walls can also be susceptible to failure. Recognizing early signs of failure is important to prevent costly replacements. When you notice any of these four problems, it’s time to call in the professionals to find out your options.
Visible Cracks and Fractures
Cracks are among the most common signs of structural damage in retaining walls. They can be caused by several factors, including settlement, poor drainage, freeze-thaw cycles, and overloading.
If you notice any cracks in your wall, you should have them assessed by a professional as soon as possible. Hairline cracks that may look small can widen over time, compromising the wall’s integrity.
Bulging or Leaning Walls
Another sign that your retaining wall might fail is if it starts to lean or bulge outward. Bulging or leaning walls are usually caused by inadequate footing, not enough backfill, too much stress from water buildup behind the wall, or too much weight on the wall. If you see these signs, it’s important to contact a professional immediately.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is another common problem with retaining walls. It can be caused by a number of factors, including poor drainage, inadequate footing, and excessive moisture levels in the soil. If you notice any soil erosion around your wall, it’s important to have it assessed by a professional so that proper repairs can be made.
Water Accumulation and Drainage Issues
Water pooling at the base or behind the wall is a red flag. Excess moisture increases soil pressure and can lead to wall failure. Making sure there are adequate drainage systems, like perforated pipes or gravel backfill, is essential to maintain wall stability.
Here are 5 signs that it’s time to replace your retaining wall.
When it’s time to look at your options, below are # signs to look for when assessing the condition of your retaining wall.
1. Your retaining wall starts to tilt.
A poorly constructed retaining wall often begins to show signs of stress by starting to tilt outwards at the top. If the wall is made out of railroad ties or other organic material, this could be caused by deterioration or wood rot. If it’s poured concrete or stone, it could be that the footing was too small to begin with, producing a smaller-than-necessary foundation for the wall.
Another could be the soil. Standing water puts incredible pressure on the walls, causing them to tilt. Retaining walls need to have areas that let the pressure from water flow away from the wall. This could be through drainage weeps or porous backfill such as gravel.
2. Your retaining walls start to separate from adjoining walls.
If you have more than one side to your retaining wall, such as when the wall wraps around one side of the yard or the other, you may see one side start to separate from another. Much like when it starts to tilt, this is often a sign of being poorly constructed.
Walls take a lot of pressure, from the constantly eroding/sliding ground to water buildup. If the weight it was designed to support was miscalculated, the wall could push away from adjacent sections. Again, poor drainage or an inadequate connection to the adjoining walls could also be a culprit.
3. Your retaining wall is crumbling and cracking.
If your retaining wall is starting to crumble or cracks are appearing, this is a cause to have it fixed immediately. A crumbling wall is a safety hazard, especially if the crumbling/cracking is widespread. In this case, the wall may have a heavier load behind it than initially thought.
A crumbling concrete wall is often due to inadequate or improperly mixed concrete or poor-quality rebar.
4. You notice soil erosion and gaps.
If you notice soil washing away from the base or gaps forming between the wall and the soil, it indicates that the wall isn’t retaining the earth effectively. This can compromise the wall’s stability and should be addressed immediately.
5. You find displaced or loose materials.
Blocks, stones, or bricks that have shifted or become loose suggest that the wall’s structural integrity is compromised. This can be due to various factors, including water damage, soil movement, or inadequate construction.
Practice preventative maintenance with these four tips.
- Regular Inspections: Check for signs of wear, especially after heavy rains or seismic activity.
- Maintain Drainage Systems: Make sure weep holes and drainage pipes are clear of debris to prevent water buildup.
- Vegetation Management: Avoid planting large trees or shrubs near the wall, as roots can exert pressure and cause damage.
- Professional Assessments: Engage experts for periodic evaluations to identify and address potential issues early.
Are your retaining walls failing?
If your retaining walls are showing signs of deterioration, call Tamate Landscaping. We’ll review and let you know what needs to be done. Don’t let unnecessary damage occur to your retaining walls, property, and plants. Use these signs as a guideline, and make sure your backyard landscape stays pristine.
