How To Tell When Your Retaining Wall Needs To Be Replaced
Retaining walls are some of the best multi-purpose features you can install in your yard. They offer practical benefits, such as maintaining the structural integrity of collapsing or eroding sections of earth and acting as dividers between different parts of your lawn or garden. Despite their sturdy construction, retaining walls often develop sustainability issues that eventually warrant repair or replacement.
Material Failure
Most retaining walls are made of concrete, wood, or stone. Though structurally sound, these materials often wear down over time, especially in exceptionally wet or humid climates. Although wood retaining walls are visually striking, wood is particularly vulnerable to material failure.
The best way to prevent your materials from breaking down is to build your wall out of concrete or stone, as these materials are less likely to be impacted by environmental factors. If you prefer to use wood, choose a durable type like fir, pine, or cedar, and ensure all wood materials are pressure-treated before installation.
Root Damage
Tree roots spread underground, often breaking through the ground’s surface once they reach a certain size. Roots become problematic when they expand beneath your retaining wall, pushing the wall’s materials upward or outward and often causing cracks that must be repaired for the wall to maintain functionality.
As with material failure, the best solution to root damage is prevention. Avoid putting a retaining wall near trees, shrubs, or large plants if possible. If you cannot change the placement of your wall, relocate nearby plants and replace the wall’s materials if they are cracked, crumbling, or otherwise damaged.
Poor Drainage
Excessive moisture often causes retaining walls to develop complications related to poor drainage. If your wall appears to be bowed or leaning, it can no longer withstand the pressure exerted upon it. Often, this is due to a buildup of water. Visible leaks also signify that water accumulates on one side of your wall and will cause structural damage if not addressed promptly.
The easiest fix for poor drainage is installing a drainage system that reroutes any water exerting force upon the wall. Since a drainage system is not always a practical fix, you can also backfill your wall by replacing some of its soil with a material such as pea gravel, which drains more efficiently than soil and prevents water buildup.
Structural Issues
Structural issues arise from poor construction or the use of subpar materials. A sturdy retaining wall should have a firm foundation with a stable footing and any necessary structural reinforcements. When builders neglect to ensure structural integrity, a retaining wall may crack, crumble, or even collapse.
Retaining walls are often built by amateur builders who may lack the necessary knowledge of landscaping or exterior architecture. This lack of specialized knowledge means many builders aren’t sure which reinforcements are needed to secure a well-built wall. If you’re experiencing structural issues, consider consulting with one of our professional landscape designers, who is familiar with the local terrain and can help you customize your wall to ensure optimal structural integrity.
Retaining Walls That Last—Contact Design One Today!
Ensuring a long-lasting retaining wall requires using durable, weather-treated materials to help keep your wall from developing destructive issues over time. Arrange a consultation with a Design One landscaping professional to discuss the design. We’re happy to build, complete, repair, or replace your retaining wall so you can focus on creating the lawn of your dreams.
As a residential and commercial landscaping company in Michigan, we’re experienced in both property care and landscaping design. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Design One is great source of information when it comes to your Michigan lawn care needs! From preliminary design mapping, to irrigation and the types of plants you might want on your priority, we cover it all.
