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Common Retaining Wall Problems and How We Can Solve Them

  September 20, 2024


As a homeowner, you’ve likely invested in retaining walls to enhance your property’s landscape and prevent erosion. They add to the aesthetics and provide essential support to keep your landscape in place. However, retaining walls can face problems over time, just like any other structure. If you’re noticing issues with your retaining walls, it’s important to address them quickly with an experienced retaining wall contractor to avoid further damage. With over 50 years of experience, Dhillon Paving has encountered and successfully resolved many common retaining wall issues. Let us share some of these problems with you and how we can help fix them.

Wall Leaning or Bulging

A leaning or bulging wall is one of the most common problems homeowners face. This often occurs when the wall cannot handle the pressure from the soil behind it, which can be due to poor construction, inadequate drainage, or improper materials. Our retaining walls contractor will carefully assess the situation, examining the wall’s construction, materials, and drainage system. We can reinforce the wall, improve the drainage, or rebuild it with stronger materials to ensure long-lasting stability.

Water Damage and Drainage Issues

Water is one of the biggest threats to retaining walls. Water can accumulate behind the wall without proper drainage, leading to cracks or collapse. To address this, we install or upgrade drainage systems behind the wall to allow water to escape freely, reducing the pressure on the wall.

Cracking and Deterioration

Over time, concrete retaining walls can develop cracks or start to deteriorate, compromising their structural integrity and appearance. When we encounter these issues, we focus on identifying the underlying cause. Our repair techniques are designed to restore the strength and appearance of your retaining wall.

Foundation Problems

The foundation is the backbone of any retaining wall. When walls show signs of sinking or shifting, poor foundation construction is often to blame. The retaining wall contractor will take corrective action to stabilize the wall. This might involve rebuilding or reinforcing the foundation with better materials to ensure a strong and secure base.

Erosion Control

Improper drainage can cause structural damage to your retaining wall. Water runoff can erode the soil behind the wall, making it unstable and prone to collapse. Our experts will assess the extent of erosion and add more soil or install erosion control drainage systems as required.

Plant Growth

Roots from nearby trees or shrubs can invade and damage your retaining wall. Our expert retaining wall contractors can assess the situation and recommend solutions to prevent root intrusion and protect the integrity of your wall.

At Dhillon Paving, we know that your retaining wall is more than just a structure—it’s an integral part of your landscape. As your trusted retaining wall contractor, we’re here to provide the solutions you need to keep your property safe and beautiful. If you’re in the Lower Mainland, contact us today to see how we can help.

"Serving the lower mainland since 1984"