You have a lovely retaining wall recently installed. As you stand back and take in its beauty, you do not know how to maintain this new edifice. To assist you in maintaining your retaining wall, we have created a complete checklist. Regularly checking off each item on this checklist will help you maintain a sturdy retaining wall.

Table of Contents

Drainage Debris Removal

The deep, saturated earth will exert too much strain on the retaining wall if water is not drained adequately. That soil won’t be able to maintain the wall for very long, particularly if cold weather is involved. In drain pipes, debris is frequently discovered as the winter melts away. Regularly inspect the drainage channels, and make it a point to check the drainage as soon as the snow melts each year.

Locate the Settlement Areas

In the same way that drainage is crucial in preventing excessive water accumulation, settling poses a similar issue. Any low areas should be filled in with more soil.

Deal With any Erosion

Water follows the most direct route. It can change its course when there is a lack of soil or when it is eroding. Water can move where you don’t want it to, including to areas where your retaining wall’s strength would be compromised. Creating a suitable path for the water to follow is a fantastic approach to stopping erosion. Consider using river rock to stop erosion in some spots rather than constantly adding additional dirt to the region.

Conduct an Inspection

Your retaining wall needs to be inspected frequently, at least once every few months. Early damage detection can let you put protective measures in place. Waiting too long could seriously harm your wall and it is dangerous. Make an appointment with a retaining wall contractor as soon as possible if you see your wall bulging, splitting, or tilting. Don’t skip the annual inspection period following the snowmelt. Snow can exacerbate issues that fester for months. Deal with these problems as soon as you can.

Resolve the Issues

Patch any holes you find throughout your inspection. Fill up any mortar gaps you detect during your inspection. If during your check you discover bulging, take care of the drainage problems.

Take Out Every Weed

Even the smallest gap or crevice will allow weeds to grow. Pull weeds out of your retaining wall as soon as possible if they grow in a crack there. The retaining wall will be compromised if it is allowed to grow and prosper there because it will start to produce shifts and other adjustment problems. If it’s simpler for you to spray weeds, you can do that too.

Refrain From Treating The Wall

Although applying an ice protection layer to a wall can seem like a good idea to safeguard your retaining wall, it has the opposite effect. Ice protection measures will cause the wall’s stones to deteriorate.

Cleanse the Wall

Invest the time and effort necessary to keep the wall free of any dirt or debris. Depending on the retaining wall’s construction, efflorescence may have accumulated on it. Concrete salt and minerals make up an item called efflorescence. It is an alkaline material that resembles chalk.

You can remove efflorescence by pressure washing it, brushing it off, or applying a vinegar-and-water solution to it. Although efflorescence is not hazardous, it might cause moisture issues. Structure-related issues might result from moisture issues. Cleaning off efflorescence as soon as you notice it is the best course of action.

Place a Call for Assistance

Don’t be scared to call for assistance if you notice your retaining wall is having issues, but you cannot determine why. Good hardscape professionals are knowledgeable about how to deal with retaining wall problems. You can solve the issue’s core issues with the aid of a specialist.

9 Tips to Maintain a Retaining Wall