I have an issue with the retaining wall of my home…Need more info!

Retaining walls serve an essential purpose in any landscape, holding back soil and preventing erosion. When they are properly installed and maintained, they can last for decades. However, retaining walls can also become damaged over time, which can be a serious problem for both the wall and the surrounding landscape. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about retaining wall damage, including how to spot it, what causes it, and how to fix it.

Spotting Retaining Wall Damage

The first step in addressing retaining wall damage is knowing how to spot it. There are several signs that a retaining wall may be damaged, including:

- Cracks: Cracks are one of the most obvious signs of retaining wall damage. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including soil pressure, water damage, and settling. Small cracks may not be cause for alarm, but larger cracks can indicate a serious problem.

- Bulging: Bulging is when the wall begins to curve or bow outward. This is often caused by soil pressure, which can push against the wall and cause it to deform.

- Leaning: If the retaining wall is leaning to one side or the other, it could be a sign of damage. This is often caused by soil movement or erosion, which can undermine the stability of the wall.

- Water damage: Retaining walls that are constantly exposed to water can become damaged over time. Signs of water damage include discoloration, mold or mildew growth, and erosion of the soil around the wall.

- Tilting: If the retaining wall is tilting or sinking, it could be a sign of soil movement or erosion.

What Causes Retaining Wall Damage?

There are several factors that can contribute to retaining wall damage, including:

- Poor construction: Retaining walls that are poorly constructed may not be able to withstand the pressure of the soil they are holding back.

- Soil pressure: When the soil behind the retaining wall exerts too much pressure, it can cause the wall to crack, bulge, or lean.

- Water damage: Retaining walls that are constantly exposed to water can become damaged over time. This is especially true if the water is not properly drained away from the wall.

- Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into the soil behind a retaining wall, causing the soil to shift and the wall to become unstable.

- Erosion: Over time, the soil around a retaining wall can erode, causing the wall to tilt, bulge, or lean.

How to Fix Retaining Wall Damage

If you've spotted signs of retaining wall damage, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can become. Here are some steps you can take to fix retaining wall damage:

1. Assess the damage: Before you can fix the retaining wall, you need to know how much damage has been done. This may require a professional inspection.

2. Determine the cause of the damage: Once you know the extent of the damage, you need to determine what caused it. This will help you identify the best way to fix the problem.

3. Repair the damage: There are several ways to repair retaining wall damage, depending on the extent of the damage and the cause. These may include patching cracks, reinforcing the wall, or even replacing the wall altogether.

4. Prevent future damage: Once the retaining wall has been repaired, it's important to take steps to prevent future damage. This may include improving drainage, adding support to the wall, or even moving the wall to a different location.

Conclusion

Retaining walls are an important part of any landscape, but they can become damaged over time. If you've spotted signs of retaining wall damage, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. By knowing