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how to tell when your retaining wall needs replacing

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Empire Walls, Retaining Wall Replacement

Posted

July 17, 2023 at 1:59 am

How To Tell When Your Retaining Wall Needs Replacing

Is your retaining wall looking a bit worse for wear these days? There comes a time where every retaining wall will need to be replaced. Here’s how to tell when your retaining wall needs replacing.

A retaining wall is a professionally engineered stabilising structure designed to hold sloping earth and soil in place. If the wall fails, soil collapse can put your property at risk and ruin the aesthetic of your garden.

Many property owners are unaware how integral these walls are to the overall health of their property. It is vital to maintain and regularly check your retaining wall, and to understand their role in the protection of your home.

So, what should you look for?

  • The wall is titled forward, or has a bowed appearance
  • The appearance of sloping or uneven floors, decks and outdoor living spaces
  • Cracks or crevices are starting to appear in the wall
  • Cracks or crevices are appearing in the adjacent flooring
  • The face of the wall is crumbling
  • One section is separated from the surrounding structure

 

If you notice your retaining wall showing any of these signs, it would be best to call in a registered retaining wall builder to inspect it for you.

What causes a retaining wall to fail?

  • The issue could be related to the material used – for example, a timber retaining wall may warp and/or rot
  • Poor drainage, which can also mean the soil becomes too heavy for the wall to hold any more
  • The wall may have come under stress factors that it wasn’t originally designed to cope with
  • The retaining wall in place may not be best suited to the circumstances
  • Poor workmanship
  • The age of the retaining wall, all retaining walls will need to be replaced at some point

Usually, the safest option is to tear down the existing retaining wall and replace it completely. Your retaining wall specialist will advise you on what will be best for your property and garden.

It is crucial to remember that tearing down and replacing a retaining wall isn’t a weekend DIY project. It is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure the safety of yourself and your property isn’t compromised. They will be able to assess the site-specific issues you are having and make recommendations on how best to proceed.

 

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

 

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Empire Walls

Posted

February 5, 2019 at 7:42 am

Retaining wall replacement – case study

We recently replaced a 30 year old retaining wall in Mt Eliza.

Issues with the existing structure:

* Redgum sleepers had not been waterproofed

* Uprights rotted at the base

* No drainage behind the wall

before

Retaining walls are specially engineered stabilising structures, designed to hold sloping soil in place. One of the most important factors, but certainly not the only one, to ensuring a safe and stable structure is correct retaining wall drainage.

Without effective retaining wall drainage, pressure will build up behind the wall. This may create bulging, cracking and eventually, collapse. Well-designed retaining walls will not tip over and will support, not only the earth behind the wall, but any lateral loads that may be applied – cars for example.

Replacement recommendation:

* Timber sleeper retaining wall

* Galvanised steel uprights

* Drainage behind wall

The replacement wall was designed and constructed to engineer specifications.

We recommended a timber sleeper retaining wall, which is a cost effective solution with a long life expectancy. Galvanised steel uprights do cost more than timber uprights because they also have a longer life expectancy.

after 1

 

A retaining wall is a specially engineered stabilising structure. If not properly installed, the stability and longevity of the retaining wall is called into question. If a retaining wall should fail, significant damage and even injury may result.

About us:

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of residential and commercial clients, including builders and architects, across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years.

Our customer centric approach means that each client receives personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality finished products made of the finest materials. And when it comes to retaining walls, we guarantee our workmanship from the ground up.

To ensure the integrity of your design and the safety of you home and family, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email Adam at email empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

 

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retaining wall drainage

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in

Uncategorized

Posted

May 7, 2017 at 2:21 am

Retaining wall drainage

Retaining walls are specially engineered stabilising structures, designed to hold sloping soil in place. One of the most important factors, but certainly not the only one, to ensuring a safe and stable structure is correct retaining wall drainage.

What happens without effective retaining wall drainage?

Without effective retaining wall drainage, pressure will build up behind the wall. This may create bulging, cracking and eventually, collapse. Well-designed retaining walls will not tip over and will support, not only the earth behind the wall, but any loads that may be applied – cars for example.

Water build-up behind a retaining wall will increase the lateral load on the wall and therefore the risk of structural integrity being compromised.

What are some options for improving retaining wall drainage?

There are quite a few variations in design that will prevent water build-up behind, which will be dependent on the purpose and location of the wall, among other circumstances.

Sometimes, there is an opportunity for gravel backfill. Other times, there may be an opportunity to install a pipe that feeds into a stormwater drain. Perhaps weep holes will be integrated to help water drain out from behind the wall.

There may also be times when providing adequate drainage isn’t enough to prevent water from migrating through a retaining wall. Water in the wall can create a host of problems – for example, steel supporting rods may corrode over time. Retaining wall waterproofing may, in some instances, need to be considered.

Why should retaining wall drainage should be left to the experts?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, retaining walls are not a DIY job. If a retaining wall should fail, and here are some signs that one might, significant damage and even injury may result.

Retaining wall drainage is just one of many important safety considerations Google can’t make you an expert in.

That’s why you should call in the experts – experts that do this every day; experts that guarantee their work from the ground up; experts like Empire Retaining Walls and Landscaping who have been servicing residential, commercial and industrial clients around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula for more than 10 years.

Contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

 

 

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Uncategorized

Posted

March 22, 2017 at 4:29 am

Five things you need to know about retaining walls

  1. It’s more than a wall. Retaining walls are primarily functional but can double as a fashionable landscaping feature, especially if accompanied by low garden walls and edging with the same finish. There are lots of retaining wall landscaping ideas out there worthy of consideration.
  2. You’re spoilt for choice. When it comes to retaining walls, there’s something to suit all styles – timber, concrete sleeper, reinforced besser block, brick, stack stone, segmental, rendered, the list goes on! Of course you need to consider which materials are best suited to your specific wants and needs.
  3. They’re great for creating more space in small areas. Yes, retaining walls are more commonly seen in large, sloping yards. But they’re fabulous in small spaces too! Maximise the ground space you have by adding vertical layers to your garden. And ad stairs into the retaining wall design to open up even more opportunity. Here’s some inspiration.
  4. DIY is not advised! Fundamentally, all retaining walls are stablising structures primarily designed and constructed to support soil at a slope steeper than can naturally be supported. It is a specially engineered stabilising structure. As a result, if the retaining wall should fail, significant damage can follow. For this reason DIY jobs are definitely not advised!
  5. There are warning signs your retaining wall needs to be repaired or replaced. These include tilting, sloping, cracks and crevices in the wall or adjacent flooring, crumbling of the surface of the wall, or one section becoming separated from the surrounding structure. Do not ignore the signs – call in experts who can access the best way to proceed.

 

About Empire Walls

Providing complete landscaping services to residential and commercial clients for more than 10 years, Empire Walls are the retaining wall specialists in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. We ensure each client receives personalised service, their retaining wall is fit for purpose and we guarantee our retaining walls from the ground up. Retaining walls are just the start – offered as part of our complete landscaping services.

For examples of our work or If you’re after a service not listed here, please see www.empirewalls.com.au.

For more information and/or a free quote, call Adam on 0421 573 001 or email empirewalls@live.com.au.

For free landscaping tips and to stay in touch, follow us on Facebook.

 

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By

in

Uncategorized

Posted

October 5, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Landscaping ideas for big backyards

Landscaping idea 1: 

Level up

pic-1

Ideal if you have an already sloping backyard, but also great for those who want to break up large areas of lawn.

Think raised garden beds…Not the aluminium Bunnings type, but a true landscaping feature.

Retaining walls can be designed and installed in a variety of aesthetically pleasing materials suited to your surroundings.

Landscaping idea 2:

Level out

pic-2

Retaining walls make sloping yards, once inaccessible, dangerous or prone to flooding, a thing of the past.

Not just a practical solution; as shown (above), retaining walls are great landscaping features.

However, these are stabilising structures that need to be correctly engineered and installed to withstand the pressure of the soil they retain. Avoid DIY jobs.

Landscaping idea 3:

Step up

low res retaining wall

If you want raised areas, like those shown above, to remain accessible, stairs are a fabulous idea.

Not only will they allow you to make the most of your space, they will quickly become the focal point of your yard.

They may even lead to your outdoor entertaining area, which brings us to our next point…

Landscaping idea 4:

Entertain outdoors

pic-4

If you have the space, those stairs could lead you up the garden path to a place that used to be inaccessible but is now a small sanctuary or fabulous outdoor entertaining area.

Imagine sitting here, in the sun, reading a book, cup of tea in hand, or roasting marshmallows in the fire with friends, while sipping wine.

Bliss!

Landscaping idea 5:

Create an outdoor living space

Reduce the mowing, weeding and general gardening, while increasing the value of your house by adding square metres to the floor plan. How? Get on deck!

If you home lends itself to it, create flow between internal and external spaces by having your outdoor living area lead off an indoor entertaining area. You’ll get more use of the deck if it’s accessible from a communal space.

Close it in, maybe with bistro binds, so you can still appreciate the great outdoors, and you basically have a whole other room happening!

About Empire Walls

Providing complete landscaping services to residential and commercial clients for more than 10 years, Empire Walls are the retaining wall specialists in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. We ensure each client receives personalised service, their retaining wall is fit for purpose and we guarantee our retaining walls from the ground up. Retaining walls are just the start – offered as part of our complete landscaping services.

For examples of our work or If you’re after a service not listed here, please see www.empirewalls.com.au.

For more information and/or a free quote, call Adam on 0421 573 001 or email empirewalls@live.com.au.

For free landscaping tips and to stay in touch, follow us on Facebook.

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By

in

Uncategorized

Posted

February 16, 2016 at 11:49 pm

What you need to know: Segmental retaining wall

In this blog we will consider the three best attributes of the segmental retaining wall; a wall made up of individual modular concrete blocks that interlock with each other.

  1. Choice: Individual segmental retaining wall blocks can be laid in different boding patterns, adding to your design options. Walls can be built straight, curved and circular. Plus you can choose from a generous selection of styles, sizes, colours and textures.
  2. Durable: Segmental retaining wall blocks can tolerate movement and settlement without causing cracking. They also do not rot or decay like some other wooden walls, nor are they vulnerable to white ants and/or borers.
  3. Easily maintained: When most retaining walls show signs of damage, often the easiest and safety thing to do is tear it down and build a new one. Click here to read Signs your retaining wall needs to be repaired or replaced> However, individual segmental retaining wall blocks can be replaced if one gets damaged.

You’ll find a lot of DIY articles on how to build a segmental retaining wall on the internet, but as always, we advise against it. A retaining wall is a specially engineered stabilising structure. If it should fail significant damage may follow so trying to cut costs could end up being costly. Remember free consultations/quotes are available.

Empire Walls are the retaining wall specialists in the Mornington Peninsula and its surrounds. We ensure each client receives personalised service and that their retaining wall is fit for purpose. We are fully licensed and insured, and guarantee our retaining walls from the ground up. Retaining walls are just the start – offered as part of our complete landscaping services.

  • For examples of our work, please refer to the Empire Retaining Walls online ‘Portfolio’.
  • If you’re after a service not listed here, refer to this list for details of our complete landscaping services.
  • For more information/a free quote, call Adam on 0421 573 001 or email empirewalls@live.com.au.
  • For free landscaping tips and to stay in touch, follow us on Facebook.
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By

in

Uncategorized

Posted

October 26, 2015 at 3:26 am

Signs your retaining wall needs to be repaired or replaced

The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to hold sloping soil in place. It is a specially engineered stabilising structure. As a result, if the retaining wall should fail, significant damage can follow. For this reason it is important to regularly check your retaining wall for signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced. So what should you look for?

Warning signs your retaining wall needs repairs

  • The wall is titled forward, or has a bowed appearance
  • The appearance of sloping or uneven floors, decks and outdoor living spaces, if applicable
  • Cracks or crevices are starting to appear in the wall
  • Cracks or crevices are appearing in the adjacent flooring
  • The face of the wall is crumbling, if applicable
  • One section is separated from the surrounding structure

If your retaining wall is showing any of these signs, call your local retaining wall specialists to inspect.

What causes a retaining wall to fail?

  • The issue could be related to the material used – for example, a timber retaining wall may warp and/or rot
  • Poor drainage, which can also mean the soil becomes too heavy for the wall to hold any more
  • The wall may have come under stress factors that it wasn’t originally designed to cope with
  • The retaining wall in place may not be best suited to the circumstances
  • Poor workmanship

If your retaining wall is failing due to any of the above, it is often safer to tear down the existing structure and replace it completely.

Replacing a retaining wall isn’t a DIYer

If you notice that your retaining wall is in need of some small repairs, you may be inclined to give it a go yourself.

Stop.

The warning signs above are not just superficial – a much larger issue is causing them. Trying to repair a retaining wall yourself puts you, your family, property and pets at risk.

And you should certainly NEVER attempt to remove a retaining wall yourself. This is a specialist process. Those who are not experienced risk disturbing the soil behind the wall, which will then collapse.

Call in the experts. They will be able to assess the site specific issues you are having and make recommendations on how to proceed.

Empire Retaining Walls are the retaining wall specialists in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and its surroundings. We ensure each client receives personalised service, are fully licensed and fully insured, and guarantee our retaining walls from the ground up.

  • For examples of our work, please refer to the Empire Retaining Walls online ‘Portfolio’.
  •  If you’re after a service not listed here, please all Adam on 0421 573 001 to discuss your needs.
  • To obtain a free retaining wall quote, call Adam or email empirewalls@live.com.au.
  • For free landscaping tips and to stay in touch, follow us on Facebook.
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