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