How to Tell If You Need a New Retaining Wall in Powell and Worthington OH Areas
Retaining walls are excellent structural additions to any landscape with a slope. They have many functions, including helping to hold the land in place and help prevent erosion. Since their primary function is important for overall landscape beauty and functionality, they are often designed to be focal points in a landscape. And while they are built for lasting through the decades and even centuries, they can sometimes hold structural defects that show up years later or get worn down by the effects of time and weather. Knowing when a retaining wall needs repair or replacement is an essential part of caring for a landscape and sometimes needs a professional eye. Here’s how to tell if you need a new retaining wall in Powell and Worthington, OH areas.
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Subtle and Not-So-Subtle Signs of Damage or Failure
Retaining walls hardly ever fail without plenty of fair warning, yet this warning is often very subtle and tends to sneak up over time. One of the biggest signs is if the wall is tilting forward slightly or not perfectly vertical. When in doubt - if you think your eyes are deceiving you - grab a level and check that there is absolutely no outward lean. Cracks can develop over time in poured concrete retaining walls. These cracks may appear harmless, but it’s a problem because water infiltrates the cracks and causes them to grow. Bulging is another strong warning sign that the structural integrity of the wall is compromised. Another major warning sign is if some of the rocks from the veneer start to chip off because this could mean water infiltration.
Poor Drainage
Well-built retaining walls contain multiple small holes known as “weep holes.” These are placed to prevent water from collecting behind a wall (soil is heavy enough as it is, without the addition of water). Weep holes are often accompanied with drainage systems behind the wall. If any of these weep holes become clogged with debris, it means that water has no choice but to build up behind the wall; over time, this can overwhelm the capacity of the drainage system.
Improper Engineering
Unfortunately, many of the retaining walls built in backyards aren’t up to any sort of engineering code. Many DIY walls are built far too tall, and this is the #1 cause of failure. Any wall grows weaker as it gains height. Because of the enormous amount of pressure exerted on a wall by soil and water - especially on a wall set into a steep slope in areas that receive heavy precipitation - masonry walls need reinforcement. As a general rule, no masonry wall should be built higher than 3-4 feet unless special reinforcements are built into the wall. A tall retaining wall should have plenty of interior structural support, or the landscape designer should opt for a tiered system of terraced retaining walls that climbs the slope. The upside to this tactic is the large amount of usable space created as well as creating an attractive outdoor space.
The Wrong Materials
A well-built retaining wall cannot be built from lightweight materials, so if your wall features wall blocks that are too small for the job, you’re looking at trouble down the road. A retaining wall should be constructed with interior support and concrete bricks that provide a sturdy base structure. Once the majority of the wall structure has been built, all cracks should be sealed to prevent water from seeping through the structure. Then, if the design calls for it, a beautiful veneer of natural stone or manufactured stone can be applied to bring the wall in line with the home and landscape aesthetics. Regardless, any retaining wall that holds up a slope should be designed with the help of a landscaping professional or an engineer if necessary.