What Is A Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall can protect the soil of your garden from erosion. It acts as a guard wall to hold the soil of a sloping area.
Retaining walls can get damaged after many years. Some people choose to repair them. But, if the wall is too old, then repairing may not be the way to go. If this is the case, you should replace your garden’s retaining wall. You can talk to a retaining wall specialist in your area. Because a retaining walls specialist (like us) can tell you exactly how to replace a retaining wall.
Why Should You Replace A Retaining Wall?
There can be several reasons for replacing a retaining wall. A retaining wall holds heavy loads of soil for years. Naturally, the wall’s strength may diminish over the years. So, the wall may begin to lean.
Apart from that, the material of the wall can also get damaged. A wooden or timber wall’s wood may start to rot. A concrete wall may develop cracks. Even a stone and brick wall may show some loose sections.
If the drainage system in your garden isn’t good enough, then a retaining wall may collapse.
When and How To Repair A Wall
A timber wall can be repaired by replacing the damaged timber sections. You can replace the damaged sections with new wooden boards. With this, the wall can get back its full strength.
A concrete wall (cracks) can be repaired and you can also replace the damaged panels and posts to repair the wall. Don’t ignore these signs for too long, otherwise, your wall may become weak and you may have to replace it completely.
Removing An Existing Wall
There are two types of retaining walls – short retaining walls and tall retaining walls.
Short retaining walls are not so difficult to remove. If it only holds a little amount of soil, it’s easy to remove it without disturbing the shape of the soil.
But, you should be really careful when removing large/tall retaining walls. Your contractor should build a temporary structure to hold the soil in place. The team should also clear soil close to the wall.
Remove the wall slowly. Failure to do so may see large chunks of soil to collapse causing accidents and injuries.
How To Install A New Retaining Wall
Wall installation techniques vary. When you are building a big retaining wall you need professional help. An approval from the council may also be required to install a larger retaining wall.
To build a wall you need to start from the foundations. Around one-third of your wall will be inside the ground.
Gabion wall installation techniques are a little different. You can create a good level base. Then, you have to install the support columns (timber or metal). After that, you need to place the baskets and you have to fill them with rocks or bricks. Tie the baskets to the posts and your wall would be ready.
Should You Contact Professionals To Replace It?
Without professionals, you can’t replace a retaining wall. You need engineers and designers to assess the structure of the wall.
Then you have to shape your land. You will need to hire a mason or a carpenter to construct the wall. Always hire trained professionals to remove your existing retaining wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How to Replace a Retaining Wall?
To replace a retaining wall, you have to remove the existing retaining wall. You have to remove the old wall safely and slowly. You shouldn’t disturb the shape of the soil. Then, you can hire a landscape designer to plan a new and strong wall. After that, you can start constructing a new retaining wall.
2) What is the Cost of Repairing a Retaining Wall?
You have to bear the labour and wall material costs to construct a retaining wall. Costs will vary greatly among different retaining wall contractors, and also be mindful of current demands in the building industry.
3) Is it Possible to Repair a Retaining Wall?
Yes, you can repair a retaining wall. You can inspect a wall and you can replace a damaged section. This is an easier and cheaper way to keep your wall healthy.
4) Is it Wise to Build a New Retaining Wall in Front of the Old Wall?
Building a new wall in front of an old wall can reduce your garden space. Apart from that, the old wall may collapse on the new wall and it can damage it. The rotten wood timbers of the old wall can also spread the damage to your new wall. So, it wouldn’t be a wise decision to build a new wall in front of an old wall.