A wall that is added as a retaining structure is intended to keep a pile of soil in place, and resist erosion, but with age even the strongest walls can fall apart, made of concrete blocks. Chipping blocks, cracks and foundation movements are some of the indications of destruction that should be addressed urgently. Fortunately, you cannot only restore your retaining wall and add years to its life but also do so without a complete rebuild with the right approach. If you’re considering durable solutions, check our gabion retaining walls designed for the Saudi climate.
What Causes Concrete Retaining Walls to Crumble?
It is always best to ensure that you create an understanding on what could be the cause of the problem before rushing into making repairs:
- The drainage behind the wall is poor.
- Poor reinforcements causing soil pressure or shift in soil pressure
- Deterioration attributable to freezing and thawing which produces expansion and cracks.
- Design errors or old age degradation of materials used
- The absence of weep holes, water accumulation and degradation among others
Guide to Repairing a Crumbling Retaining Wall
Evaluate the Destruction
Run through the retaining wall. Seek cracks, bulging, loosely mortared roof. Find out whether it is structural or cosmetic damage. In case of a severe instability of this wall, it is prudent to allow a safety check to be carried out by a professional contractor before you start repair work.
Eliminate Broken up Concrete Blocks
Chisel or saw out and knock out crumbling blocks by blows of a hammer. Remove dried mortar and garbage in order to have a replacement prepared. It is advisable to: this step, wear safety gloves and goggles because here you may hurt yourself using sharp tools or parts of concrete.
Better Drainage (When Necessary)
Wall failure can be caused by drainage problems. Place weep holes at the bottom of it, backfill with gravel or extend the length of the wall and place perforated drainage pipes at the back of the wall to keep the buildup of water out. Drainage is one of the main considerations and it helps to avoid pressure and problems in the structure in the future. Our gabion mattresses also play a key role in erosion control and slope protection.
How to make Mortar and how to apply it
Fresh mortar should be mixed or high-strength adhesive should be used. Wet the surface lightly, and meet the cavity with mortar. Drop in the new concrete block, flatten with rubber mallet and smooth joint with trowel to give smooth sound interlocking fit.
Small Chips and Crack Patching
In case of surface-level damage, put the concrete caulk or epoxy filler in direct contact with cracks. These materials are flexible, weather-proof and hence suitable to avoid seepage of water and increase the already established damages.
The Wall should be Cleaned and Sealed
When the repairs have been allowed to set and the mortar to cure (this commonly takes 24-48 hours) the wall should be cleaned with a stiff brush. A layer of concrete sealant will help prevent moisture and UV damage as well as degradation and you can prolong the life and aesthetic of your retaining wall.
How to know when to replace rather than repair?
Although easy repairs of minor damage to a retaining wall work in most scenarios, circumstances also exist under which it is more economically and safer to replace. Whenever the wall is badly leaning it shows that the building has serious structural problems that fixing may not correct completely. In a similar manner repairs above 30 percent of a wall are deteriorating or the reinforcement of the wall (rebar or anchors) has been removed or destroyed then there is a likelihood that the entire wall will need replacement otherwise it could fail long term safety and performance. For large-scale projects, explore our welded gabions for stronger structures.
Tips to Prevent the Maintenance of Your Retaining Wall
When using the wall as part of a barrier, make sure that appropriate drainage is provided behind the wall at all times
- Replaster the wall after every 2-3 years
- Large trees should not be planted so near the wall
- Check your retaining wall every year to make sure and see the beginning of the damage
Key Benefits of Well-Maintained Retaining Wall
- Avoids soil erosion and flooding
- Helps in structural integrity on the hilly land
- Increases aesthetic value
- Enhances use and space of land
- Can add value to the property
Retaining Walls Applications
- Retaining walls are indispensable in a number of settings and sectors:
- domestic horticultural (domestic terraces, drive-ways)
- Business and trade areas
- Roadsides and highways
- The slopes and banks by the side of rivers and seas
- Consideration of construction sites and stabilization of terra
What Makes Hitech Fence a Retaining Wall Solution of Choice?
Hitech fence is considered as some of the providers of fence and retaining wall in Saudi Arabia. The retaining wall systems are also designed to be strong and to that end, they are long-lasting, i.e. they are built to have long-term structural integrity. We also introduce high standard drainage provisions minimizing water storage and structural collapse- which is a most frequent factor leading to the destruction of the walls.
Our solutions are robust, given the high-quality materials that help guard them against rust and bad weather, as well as low-maintenance. We do everything in all our projects to meet local standards and HCIS standards which are safe and legally reliable. Labored by professional installation and consistent after-install services, Hitech Fence performs reliably and is the premier retaining wall that can be built with unrivaled design versatility. For more details, explore our gabion accessories and complete solutions.
Final Thoughts
Weak retaining walls are a priority and can be an issue but it is one that you can correct by following the right repair plan to give your landscape its strength and aesthetic appeal back once again. Having a couple of broken blocks or wishing to restore it completely is a different thing, but it is always more helpful to do it early before purchases of replacements at higher prices come through.
In need of setting-up a new retaining wall or fixing an old one? Call our specialist team now to get high quality solutions that won't cost later. Visit Hitech Gabion to learn more.