If you have a retaining wall on your property, it is important to know when it needs to be replaced. A retaining wall serves an important purpose – it holds back soil and prevents erosion. If your retaining wall is starting to show signs of wear and tear, or if it has been damaged by flooding due to inadequate drainage, or other problem, it is time to replace it. In this blog post, we will discuss the warning signs that indicate your retaining wall needs to be replaced.
Signs Your Retaining Wall Needs Replacement
1. Cracks
As retaining walls age, the block they are constructed from may start to crack due to settling of the soil, frost/freeze cycles, or excessive pressure from the weight of the soil behind it. If you notice any large cracks in your retaining wall, it is a sign that your wall needs to be replaced. This issue is common on walls that were built with timber or low-quality block.
2. Leaning Wall
A leaning retaining wall is another warning sign that it may need to be replaced. This could indicate a weakened base material, incorrect installation of the first course of block, or shifting of the soil behind the wall due to using the wrong material as back-fill.
3. Bulging Wall
If you notice that one side of your retaining wall is bulging more than the other side, this could mean that there are problems with drainage on one side and moisture has built up in the soil behind the wall causing it to bulge.
4. Leaks
When water is seeping through your retaining wall and not near the designated drainage pipe(s) is a sign of a compromised wall and it should be assessed as soon as possible.
Hire a Professional Retaining Wall Contractor
Replacing a retaining wall is no small task and should not be taken lightly. If you are noticing any of these warning signs, it is important to reach out professional who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your particular wall. By taking steps early on, you can avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure that your property remains safe and secure from erosion or other related issues that may arise due to a weakened retaining wall. If you’re located in the west or northwest Twin Cities metro and are in need of a top-rated retaining wall contractor, get in touch with the pros at Northwood Outdoor Services to schedule a consultation.