Categories: Uncategorized

Tips for Retaining Wall Maintenance

Life expectancy

– Check for Cracks, Gaps, and Shifts: Look for any visible cracks, chips, or signs of shifting. Small cracks can be repaired early, preventing further damage. If you notice large cracks or large gaps, it may indicate structural issues that require professional attention.
– Look for Leaning or Bulging: Any bulging or leaning of the wall is a red flag, indicating that the wall is under excess pressure from behind or that the foundation may be compromised.
– Monitor Settling or Tilting: Check if parts of the wall have shifted or tilted. This can be caused by settling soil or water pressure behind the wall.

– Clear Weep Holes: Weep holes are essential for allowing water to drain from behind the wall. Blocked weep holes can cause water buildup, increasing pressure and potentially damaging the wall. Clear any debris or soil from these holes to ensure proper water flow.
– Check Drainage Pipes: If your wall has a drainage system (e.g., French drain or perforated pipe), check to make sure it’s clear and functioning. Clogs or blockages can lead to water accumulation behind the wall, which can lead to bulging, cracking, or shifting.
– Inspect the Area Around the Wall for Water Pooling: Ensure that water is not pooling at the base of the wall or behind it. Regrade the surrounding soil if necessary to direct water away from the wall.

– Re-grade Settled Soil: Over time, the soil behind the wall may settle, which can cause uneven pressure on the wall. If you notice gaps or unevenness, add and compact soil behind the wall to restore a stable foundation.
– Prevent Soil Erosion: Erosion behind the wall can weaken its structure. Planting ground cover, using erosion control fabrics, or installing retaining grids can help keep the soil in place and prevent erosion from weakening the wall over time.

– Trim Plants and Shrubs: Keep plants, shrubs, and vines trimmed so they don’t grow too close to the wall. Overgrown vegetation can trap moisture against the wall, encouraging mold growth, rot, or decay. Roots from trees and large shrubs can also damage the wall.
– Monitor Root Growth: Avoid planting large trees or shrubs too close to the wall, as their roots can infiltrate and disrupt the structure. If you notice roots growing near or through the wall, take action to prune or remove them before they cause significant damage.

– Fix Small Cracks or Chips: If you notice small cracks or chips in the surface, repair them promptly using concrete filler or mortar. This will help prevent moisture from entering the wall and causing further damage.
– Reset Shifting Stones or Blocks: For walls made of stacked stones or concrete blocks, check for any that have shifted or become loose. Reset any misplaced blocks and use mortar or adhesive to secure them.
– Seal Cracks: For concrete walls, consider sealing small cracks with a concrete crack filler or sealant. This will prevent water from infiltrating and further damaging the wall over time.

– Ensure Proper Slope: Ensure that the surrounding land slopes away from the retaining wall to encourage water runoff. Water should never collect directly behind or at the base of the wall.
– Improve Drainage: If you have persistent water issues behind your wall, consider installing or upgrading a French drain or perforated drainage pipe behind the wall. This will help direct water away from the wall and reduce the risk of hydrostatic pressure buildup.

– Look for Bulging or Cracking: Bulging can indicate that the wall is under excessive pressure from behind, often due to poor drainage or excessive moisture. Cracking can be a sign that the wall is settling or that the foundation has weakened.
– Inspect the Base of the Wall: The base of the wall is where the most pressure is exerted. If you notice any signs of movement, like sinking or shifting at the base, this may indicate a structural issue that needs immediate attention.

– Remove Debris: Regularly remove leaves, dirt, and debris that can accumulate on or around the retaining wall. This will help prevent water retention and possible mold growth on the surface.
– Wash the Wall Surface: Depending on the material (stone, concrete, or brick), you can occasionally pressure wash the wall to remove dirt, algae, or moss. However, be cautious with the pressure setting to avoid damaging the wall surface, especially if it’s made of softer materials like natural stone.

– Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage: In colder climates, freezing temperatures can cause water trapped in cracks to expand and damage the wall. Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from collecting behind the wall. If you live in a cold climate, consider using non-corrosive ice melt on walkways and areas near the wall to prevent damage.
– Protect Against Salt: If you use salt to de-ice the area near the wall, be aware that it can erode concrete or stone surfaces. After winter, rinse the wall with water to remove any salt residue that may have accumulated.

– Ensure proper drainage by clearing weep holes and checking drainage pipes.
– Maintain soil behind the wall by regrading and preventing erosion.
– Trim vegetation to prevent moisture buildup and root damage.
– Fix small damage like cracks or shifting stones early to prevent further issues.
– Control water flow around the wall by maintaining proper slope and drainage systems.
– Clean the wall to prevent debris buildup and water retention.
– Perform winter maintenance to prevent freeze-thaw damage in colder climates.
– Consult a professional for structural problems that may require repairs.