DIY Guide to Maintaining and Repairing Retaining Walls

How to Maintain Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are constructed from high-quality materials, such as precast concrete, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular maintenance. One of the necessary maintenance tasks is to remove weeds and unwanted vegetation growing near the wall. Trees and shrubs with aggressive roots can damage your retaining wall over time. It’s a good idea to choose plants that won’t harm the structural integrity of your retaining walls.

Proper drainage management is another important part of keeping your retaining walls in great shape over time. It’s important to keep weep holes clear to allow water to drain away from the wall. If the weep holes get blocked, water can build up behind the wall and cause damage. Apart from inspecting the weep hole from time to time, ensure the soil is properly graded to direct water away from the wall and prevent erosion.

Visual inspections are also an integral part of retaining wall maintenance. Regularly check for signs of damage like cracks, leaning, or erosion. Also, look for any loose blocks, gaps, or signs of shifting. If you notice signs of damage, get in touch with a landscaping or construction company to make repairs.

DIY Repair Tips for Retaining Walls

• Minor Cracks

Minor cracks on retaining walls should be fixed in a timely manner to prevent further damage and structure failure. Fixing minor cracks is simple—fill the crack with a high-quality masonry sealant and smooth it with a putty knife to ensure it's level with the wall surface.

• Loose Blocks

To fix a loose block, use masonry adhesive or mortar to reattach it securely to the wall. While the adhesive or mortar sets, you may need to temporarily support the block with props or braces to ensure it stays in place.

• Clogged Drainage

To ensure proper drainage function, start by locating the drainage pipes and weep holes. These are found at the base of exterior walls or within window frames. Once located, use a wire brush or gentle water pressure from a hose to remove any debris or obstructions that may be blocking the drainage pathways.

Contact a Professional If You Need Help

Some retaining wall issues require the intervention of a professional landscaper or builder. For example, significant structural damage, severe leaning, or excessive soil erosion may necessitate expert evaluation and repair.If you’re looking for a reliable retaining wall supplier, contact Garrett Precast.