Retaining walls are structures that hold or retain soil behind them. There are many different materials used to construct retaining walls such as concrete blocks, poured concrete, wood and rocks. All of these materials retain soil, but they have various lifespans and ease of uses.
When you notice that your retaining wall is in distress, such as by leaning, cracking or bulging in sections, what are you supposed to do?
You have two main options when your retaining wall starts to fail in Mississippi: a retaining wall repair or a replacement. Let’s look at the benefits of each and how to make the best decision for your outdoor space.
Should You Repair Your Retaining Wall?
As long as the structural integrity of the retaining wall can handle a repair, this is often the best option. It’s cheaper than building a new wall, and the quick repair can prevent your landscaping from suffering damage.
So how do you know when your retaining wall is capable of sustaining a repair? A well-built retaining wall has the following features:
● Weep holes (small openings that allow water to drain)
● No significant lean
● Able to hold back soil and pressure
● The wall is of sound materials and doesn’t have cracks or broken pieces
The main reason why retaining walls fail is because they are unable to sustain soil and water pressure. The soil expands and the water makes everything heavier. And, if your retaining wall has no weep holes (drainage system), it’s even more likely to fail. A retaining wall repair will address these issues by utilizing helical tiebacks, and whaler beams.
Should You Replace Your Retaining Wall?
If your retaining wall cannot sustain the repair, you’ll probably be instructed to build a new one.
Replacing a retaining wall is an investment since you’re building a whole new wall and have to demo the existing wall and haul off material. But you do have the freedom to pick out the materials and design you want. Before building a new retaining wall, be sure to take account of trees, heavy foliage, fences and that the wall allows for proper drainage.
Final Thoughts: If You Can, Make the Repair
A retaining wall repair in Mississippi is the best option, providing that the retaining wall can support this work. It’s faster and cheaper compared to a full replacement, and you don’t have to deal with the work and mess that a replacement requires.
Foremost Foundations and Construction offers retaining wall repair. Because no two retaining walls are the same, we will do a thorough free inspection and write up a repair plan for your wall. Contact us today for a consultation and we’ll determine how to get your retaining wall looking beautiful and new again!