A retaining wall is a structure that holds earth or other fill on one side and keeps it from moving beyond the wall. These walls may be any heights and their purpose is to keep the dirt from eroding on a sloping lot. In order to preserve the structural integrity of the wall, there must be a means to drain the water that accumulates within the retained earth. Lack of proper drainage can result in increased pressure from wet soil or frost heaving (expansion of water when it freezes). This may cause the wall to:
Rotate
Crack
Bow
Slide
Deteriorate
Wood and rubble walls will usually drain water through the natural spaces between the members. However, masonry and concrete walls should have openings near the bottom of the wall (weep holes) or footing drains along the perimeter. Proper drainage is crucial for the preservation of the retaining wall.
Inspection.
Your home inspector will evaluate any retaining walls that may negatively impact the house or pose a safety hazard to the occupants. These typically reported defects include:
Deterioration, rot and/or insect damaged of wood walls
Spalling and efflorescent – may indicate defects in water management (drainage)
Rotation – walls that lean out from the lateral load (earth)
Bowing – occurs when part of the wall protrudes out from the rest of the wall
Cracking of masonry and concrete walls
Sliding - occurs when the wall moves laterally
Lack of tiebacks in wood walls (required for reinforcement)
Soil erosion under footing
Walls that are built too tall for the material used to construct them
Blocked weep holes (usually from poor installation)
Components not secured into place using spikes, buttress and shoring
It's important to maintain retaining walls to prevent collapse. An avalanche of earth can cause sever damage to the home and neighboring structures. A failing wall should be evaluated by a landscaping contractor and immediately repaired.
Concerned that you or your neighbor has a failing retaining wall? If you are in Bergen County or Hudson County New Jersey, contact Walts Residences Home Inspection Service to schedule a maintenance home inspection inspection.
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