Retaining walls are important in landscape design. They stop soil erosion and keep the surrounding area strong and stable. However, like any structure, they are prone to wear and tear, and over time, they can develop problems that need addressing.
In this article, we will explore common issues that can occur with retaining walls and offer solutions to solve them.
1. Soil Erosion
One of the most common problems with retaining walls is soil erosion. This happens when the soil behind the wall is not compacted correctly. It can also occur when water does not drain away from the wall. The result can be a buildup of pressure that causes the wall to shift or collapse.
To fix this issue, make sure the soil behind the wall is packed well and water flows away from it. You can achieve this through proper grading and installing drainage systems. Additionally, planting vegetation or shrubs behind the wall can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
2. Cracking and Shifting
Another common issue with retaining walls is cracking and shifting. This can occur due to changes in the surrounding soil, such as freeze-thaw cycles or soil settlement. Over time, this can cause the wall to shift or crack, compromising its structural integrity.
To fix this problem, it’s crucial to identify the cause of the shifting or cracking. If the issue is due to soil settlement, adding additional support to the wall may be necessary. If freezing and thawing is causing the issue, you may need to install drains. These drains will prevent water from accumulating behind the wall.
3. Drainage Issues
Engineers design retaining walls to hold back soil and prevent erosion. However, if there are drainage issues, water can accumulate behind the wall, causing structural damage. This can lead to soil erosion, cracking, and shifting.
To address this problem, we must ensure that we properly design the wall with adequate drainage. This can involve adding drainage holes in the wall or setting up a water diversion system.
Additionally, you must ensure that you properly compact the soil behind the wall to allow for proper drainage.
4. Poor Construction
One of the most common problems with retaining walls is poor construction. This can lead to an unstable wall that cracks or moves easily and cannot handle the pressure from the soil.
To address this problem, we must ensure that we properly construct the retaining wall. This involves using high-quality materials, following proper construction techniques, and making sure that we reinforce the wall correctly. A professional contractor who specializes in retaining walls can help ensure the correct construction of the wall.
5. Vegetation Growth
Another problem that can occur with retaining walls is vegetation growth. Plants can protect soil and prevent erosion, but they can also harm walls if they grow without control. Roots can damage walls and weeds can displace blocks.
To solve this issue, regularly check the wall and remove any plants growing on or close to it. Additionally, it may be necessary to install a barrier to prevent roots from growing into the wall.
6. Age
Over time, all structures will begin to deteriorate, and retaining walls are no exception. Age can cause a variety of problems, including cracking, shifting, and deterioration of the materials used to construct the wall.
To address this problem, it’s important to regularly inspect the wall and look for signs of wear and tear. If the wall shows signs of age, it may be necessary to replace it entirely.
Call Ground FX Landscaping and Snow Removal for Your Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are an important part of any landscape design, but they can develop problems over time. To keep your retaining wall stable and functional for a long time, address common issues early and take preventive measures.
If you need retaining wall installation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Ground FX Landscaping and Snow Removal. We create and install many different styles of retaining walls to meet your needs and preferences. Give us a call today for more information!