If you have a retaining wall on your property, it means you live in an area prone to excessive soil erosion. As you know, the primary function of a retaining wall is to hold back the soil from drifting away. In other words, they laterally assist the soil in withstanding enormous pressure. Unfortunately, over time, retaining walls fail or collapse, leading to extensive property damage.
When you ignore retaining wall repair NYC, it results in catastrophic consequences! Believe us when we say it will be one of your scariest nightmares! If you have a land slope, you are more susceptible to damage because losing excessive soil from the property often causes instability. Naturally, your property is in grave danger!
Now, many property owners do not acknowledge when their retaining walls need repair. To simplify, they fail to recognize the early signs of damage, demanding prompt attention.
So, in this post, we will have a comprehensive discussion about the common signs of retaining wall damage to ensure you do not delay taking action.
Your Retaining Wall is Failing!
When to call an expert for retaining wall repair? Let’s check it out.
- Sinking of the Soil- If you notice the soil around the retaining wall is suddenly sinking, it implies there is increased pressure on the retaining wall. The pressure may be due to underground water or soil movement. In such scenarios, the retaining wall loses its strength and stability. It becomes weak and collapses. Hence, you must not take the problem delicately. Fix it soon!
- Bowing or Bulging- Very frequently, you will notice the shape and structure of a retaining wall change. It may bulge, bow, or lean. Why does this happen? Well, excessive moisture retention affects the mortar joints. They decay, and the walls gradually lose their structural integrity. As a result, they bow or bulge that is not only unsightly but threatening as well. The wall will require reinforcements to restore its strength. You need comprehensive retaining wall repair NYC.
- Cracks- How can anyone miss out on the cracks in brick walls? They are a prevalent problem and occur due to several reasons. Extreme temperatures leading to continuous freeze-thaw cycles cause expansion and contraction of the masonry materials. When it occurs over a period, cracks develop. Though minor cracks may seem harmless, when left untreated result in severe consequences. These are excellent passageways for water filtration- the fundamental source of masonry damage. If cracks expand, you may require extensive retaining wall replacement because the structure is internally compromised.
- Weep Hole Failure- Weep holes are small gaps between brick layers placed strategically to allow adequate drainage during heavy rains. Weep holes do not allow water retention in a structure. However, if there is no water from the weep holes after a downpour, it indicates critical drainage problems. Either you have clogged weep holes, or the soil gradation is improper.
In all the scenarios, repairing your retaining wall is obligatory to prevent it from ultimate failure. The retaining wall repair cost relies on the location, accessibility, and severity of the damage. Nonetheless, do not ignore the warning signs; you will regret it later!
