Signs of a faulty retaining wall are generally easy to identify. Most start out with small cracks or holes and grow increasingly worse over time. If appropriate repairs are not made, the wall will fail completely and possibly collapse.
Common signs of damage include:
Leaning and tilting: Soil pressure on the wall often leads to tipping. Pressure is typically a result of water accumulating behind the wall and making for heavy soil that expands. Leaning can also occur if the wall wasn’t reinforced properly.
Separation from adjacent walls: Usually, expanding souls cause a retaining wall to come undone from an adjoining wall. Other causes are poor construction, improper drainage, and inadequate reinforcement.
Crumbling and cracking: Most cases of crumbling result from the wall not being built soundly enough to support the weight behind it. Improper design is often the culprit.
Repair solutions
We most often recommend wall anchors or helical tiebacks to repair and restore the structural integrity of a retaining wall. Both methods utilize a steel wall bracket to brace the wall and distribute pressure. Our contractors do their best to return the wall to its original state and position.
In case of minor failings and damage, repairs could be as simple as replacing a small amount of concrete or stone, patching an area with mortar, or replacing a worn railroad tie.
We deliver a full on-site evaluation to determine the cause of the problem and offer warrantied solutions that meet your budget and needs. Call us today to learn more!
