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Earth-Retaining Wall Maintenance Tips |
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If your property has an earth-retaining wall, that is, a structural wall generally constructed of stone, bricks or reinforced concrete that holds up earth and may also serve as a boundary wall, you need to regularly maintain and inspect the wall.
Here are some useful tips to ensure the safety and stability of the wall: |
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Do's |
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- Carry out regular visual checks by looking for cracks, tilt or movement of the wall, as well as cracks and depressions in the ground near the wall.
- Check to ensure that the weepholes, or drainage holes, on the wall allow water to pass through after a downpour.
- Check that there is proper surface drainage around the vicinity of the wall to drain rainwater away.
- Consult a professional engineer in the civil and structural discipline if you notice any crack, tilt or movement of the wall, or if there is any doubt about the stability of the wall.
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Don'ts |
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- Cover or obstruct the weepholes on the wall.
- Top up soil or increase the height of the wall without consulting an engineer.
- Remove planter boxes attached to the wall without consulting an engineer.
- Dig away earth at the base of the wall.
- Plant big trees near the retaining wall as the roots may weaken the wall or clog up the drainage system.
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