Steeply sloped properties are a very common sight in Vancouver and throughout the Lower Mainland. With much of the region built on hillsides and uneven terrain, retaining walls are a critical structural feature in many of these residential neighbourhoods. But what do you do when your retaining wall starts to show signs of failure?
Retaining walls is a tough job, and even the best-built walls will begin to show signs of wear over time. These structures are constantly exposed to the elements like rain, moisture, sun, and shifting soil (you get the idea). The thing that residential homeowners need to be aware of is that deterioration can be more than cosmetic; age and ongoing soil pressure could be impacting the structural integrity of your retaining wall. In these cases, it’s crucial to have your retaining wall examined by a qualified residential contractor before the wall fails.
Retaining walls are meant to stand straight. If yours is tilting or leaning, it’s a strong sign that it may be losing its structural integrity, which could lead to sections failing or the entire wall collapsing. We see this most commonly with lumber retaining walls. Our wet coastal climate causes wood to deteriorate rapidly, weakening the structure of the wall and its ability to hold back thousands of pounds of soil.
Small cracks might not look like something you need to worry about, but these small fractures will continue to grow, potentially leading to more serious stability issues. In many cases, minor retaining wall damage can be repaired; however, it depends on the underlying cause. Before commencing any work, your retaining wall contractor will first determine the root issue and then recommend whether reinforcement, repair or a rebuild is the best solution.
Cinder blocks and other masonry materials are very common in retaining wall construction; however, these materials are also known to bulge or bow if the installation or drainage is not done correctly. Pressure building behind the wall due to inadequate backfill or excessive moisture will eventually cause it to push outward. Over time, this pressure will worsen, increasing the risk of collapse if not addressed promptly.
One thing is certain Vancouver gets a ton of rain. And all that water needs somewhere to go. If you notice water pooling at the base of your retaining wall or soggy soil that doesn’t seem to dry out, it’s probably a sign your drainage system isn’t functioning as it should. As we mentioned earlier, poor drainage is one of the main causes of cracking or bulging retaining walls, so having a residential retaining wall contractor inspect the drainage system sooner rather than later can potentially save you money on future repair costs.
Unless you are very familiar with retaining wall construction, the best way to address potential retaining wall issues is by hiring a qualified contractor. Without an expert assessment, it’s almost impossible to know whether you are dealing with a minor cosmetic issue or something more structural.
In a best-case scenario where the damage to your retaining wall is minor or limited to a small area, repairs are generally the best and most affordable course of action. These repairs will depend on the damage, but your retaining wall contractor might repair cracks using high-strength epoxy, replace small sections of masonry or lumber, or install additional anchors to reinforce weak spots.
During this process, your contractor will also address the underlying cause of the damage whether that was excess soil load, installation problems, or drainage issues. Finding and fixing the source of the problem is key to preventing future issues.
Whether your current retaining wall is beyond repair, or the costs of repair are adding up quickly, sometimes it’s more practical and cost-effective to replace an aging retaining wall with an entirely new structure. This is not only your chance to improve the function of your retaining wall, but you can also give your hardscaping a modern makeover or completely reimagine the design.