Retaining walls have an important job: they’re responsible for holding or retaining the soil behind it. As long as your retaining wall is in good condition, you can trust it to do its job. However, if your retaining wall is starting to crack and show signs of wear and tear, you can no longer trust it to hold back the soil.
Fortunately, there are signs that a retaining wall will show when it starts to break down. By recognizing these signs early on, you can schedule a retaining walls repair in Jackson MS and prevent damage. Below are five signs that it’s time to give attention to your retaining wall.
1. Bowing Walls
Bowing walls is a sign that your wall is holding more weight than it should. This happens when the property’s foundation settles and shifts from excess pressure (groundwater) in the ground. As a result, the walls tilt or lean forward. Older retaining walls are more at risk for bowing than new ones, but it can still happen to both. Get in touch with a wall contractor to fix this problem.
2. Noticeable Cracks
One of the more common signs you’ll come across is visible cracks on your retaining wall. Cracks occur for many different reasons, including normal wear and tear. Regardless of the reason, visible cracks must be addressed. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to do this, such as by using a concrete repair epoxy.
3. Water Leaks
Water leaks are common with retaining walls, and not all are a cause for concern. For example, when the ground becomes saturated with rain water, water dribbles through the retaining wall to relieve pressure. If it was unable to do this, the excess pressure could cause the wall to buckle out and collapse. But, if it looks like you’re having drainage issues, talk to a wall contractor about providing adequate drainage for your retaining wall.
4. Crumbling Walls
Crumbling walls tell you that your retaining wall was not properly constructed or designed to hold the weight it currently is. Over time, the wall deteriorates and starts to crumble. Fixing a crumbling retaining wall can be an involved project depending on its condition. Your retaining walls repair in Jackson MS may involve a wall anchor system or helical tieback system.
5. Separation
If you notice part of the wall separating from the main structure, you’ll want to get it looked at right away. This is a sign that your wall was not designed to withstand the weight it’s bearing. Depending on how severe the separation is, the wall may need to be replaced instead of repaired.
Does your retaining wall look like it could use some attention? Schedule an inspection with Foremost Foundations and Construction. We’ll send out one of our contractors to take a look and determine the extent of the damage. From there, we can make a determination as to which repair method is best.