Are you looking for a way to improve the aesthetic of your home or business? One of the most dramatic – yet cost-effective – ways to do so is by installing a retaining wall. A retaining wall has many uses beyond adding visual interest, including helping control erosion, prevent soil slippage, and expand usable yard space.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to rebuild a retaining wall in order to enhance your property’s appearance and function. Read on for details about material selection, layout, and construction planning!
What Is the Most Common Retaining Wall Failure?
Before you begin rebuilding your retaining wall, it’s important to understand some of the common causes of failure. The most frequent cause of a retaining wall collapsing is poor drainage. If the soil behind the wall is too saturated with water, it can create pressure that will eventually push the wall over. Additionally, if your existing structure is not built properly, it can easily become unstable.
To prevent these potential issues, you must ensure that your wall is built with a drainage system behind it and properly secured to the ground below. Additionally, if you are replacing an existing retaining wall, make sure to inspect the structure for any signs of damage or structural weakness before starting construction.
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10 Methods on How to Rebuild a Retaining Wall
1. Remove the Old Wall
The first step in rebuilding a retaining wall is to remove the old wall. This can be done with a sledgehammer or an excavator. Once the old wall is removed, you will need to remove any debris and level the area where the new wall will be built. If there is any soil or debris left behind, it should be removed and replaced with fresh fill dirt. Although it may seem like a lot of work, it is important to get the area properly prepared for the new wall.
2. Add Drainage
One of the most important aspects of a retaining wall is proper drainage. Without proper drainage, water can build up behind the wall and cause it to collapse. To add drainage, you will need to install a perforated drain pipe behind the wall and make sure that it slopes away from the wall at a minimum of 1 inch per foot.
Although there are several different types of drain pipes to choose from, the most commonly used is a corrugated HDPE pipe. In addition to the perforated pipe, you will also need to install a layer of gravel behind the wall to help with drainage. The gravel should be at least 6 inches deep and should also slope away from the wall.
3. Install Geogrid
Geogrid is a type of plastic mesh that helps to reinforce soil. It is often used in retaining walls to help prevent soil erosion and increase the stability of the wall. To install geogrid, you will need to lay it out behind the wall and secure it with stakes or other anchors.
Though the exact installation process can vary depending on the type of geogrid being used, it generally involves laying out the grid, anchoring it in place with stakes or other anchors, and then filling the grid with soil.
4. Build the Base Course
The base course is the foundation of the retaining wall and needs to be made from sturdy materials such as concrete or stone. The base course should be at least 2 feet wide and 8 inches thick. Once you have your materials, you will need to mix them together and pour them into the excavation for the base course. Now you can use a trowel to shape the base course and make sure it is level.
5. Install the First Course of Block
The first course of block is what will give your retaining wall its shape and stability. When choosing blocks for your retaining wall, make sure that they are made from durable materials such as concrete or stone.
You will also want to make sure that they are interlocking so that they fit snugly together. To install the first course of block, you will need to start at one end of the excavation and work your way around, making sure that each block is level with the ones around it.
6. Fill behind the Wall with Gravel
Once you have installed all of the blocks for the first course, you will need to fill in behind them with gravel. This will help to further stabilize the wall and ensure proper drainage.
To do this, simply pour gravel into the excavation until it is level with the top of the blocks. Although you don’t need to fill all the way up to the top of the wall, it is important that you use enough gravel for proper drainage. If the wall is more than two courses high, you’ll need to fill the area behind each course with gravel before continuing on.
7. Install Subsequent Courses on Block
Depending on how tall you want your retaining wall to be, you may need to install additional courses of the block on top of the first one. If you do, simply repeat steps 5-7 until you reach your desired height. Make sure to level each course before you move on. You can use a trowel or spirit level for this task. Make sure each course is securely seated and that the blocks fit together snugly.
8. Fill the Core with Gravel and Sand
Once all of the blocks are in place, it’s time to fill the core of the wall with gravel and sand. This will help to provide additional stability for the retaining wall and help it to stand up to the elements. Start by filling the core with gravel until it’s about halfway full, then add a layer of sand. Continue this process until you reach the top of the wall.
9. Backfill Around The Wall
Once the core is filled, use soil to backfill around the outside of the retaining wall blocks. Make sure that each block is firmly embedded in soil to ensure maximum stability and strength. If needed, you can tamp down the soil as you go to make sure everything stays secure. Although it’s not necessary, you can also add additional soil on top of the wall to create a more attractive finished look.
10 Finish Up
After all of your hard work, it’s finally time to finish your job! Take a step back and admire your handiwork. If you have a landscaping project in mind, now is the time to add plants, stones, or other decorative elements to complete the look. Your retaining wall should be solid and stable for many years to come.
You can also finish up your project by adding a layer of waterproofing compound on the outside of the wall. This will help to protect it from water damage and ensure that it stays strong in all weather conditions. Good luck with your next home improvement project!
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Things to Consider When Rebuilding a Retaining Wall
1. Determine the Cause of Failure:
The most important factor to consider when rebuilding a retaining wall is the cause of its original failure. If the failure was caused by poor construction or inadequate design, it is important to correct these issues prior to rebuilding. However, if the failure was due to environmental factors such as erosion or soil shifting, it is important to address these issues in order to prevent future problems.
2. Choose a Suitable Wall Material:
When selecting the material for your new retaining wall, it is essential to choose a material that can stand up to the conditions and location of your project. Commonly used materials include brick, concrete block, and timber, though other more specialized materials may be needed depending on the application.
3. Consider Drainage Requirements:
Good drainage is essential when constructing any type of retaining wall, regardless of its material. When rebuilding a retaining wall, it is important to assess the existing drainage system and consider any additional requirements that may be needed. This includes installing adequate drainpipes and checking for proper grading and compaction around the base of the wall.
4. Ensure Proper Structural Support:
In order for a retaining wall to remain stable and effective, it needs to be constructed with adequate structural support. Make sure to account for any additional loads or stresses that may affect the wall, such as soil pressure and seismic activity.
5. Utilize Professional Services When Necessary:
Depending on the complexity of your project, it may be wise to enlist the services of a professional engineer or contractor. These professionals can provide invaluable advice regarding the construction of your new retaining wall and help ensure that it is built properly and to code.
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Conclusion
A retaining wall is an excellent way to create usable space in your yard and improve the look of your home. With a little planning and elbow grease, you can rebuild your retaining wall on your own.
Be sure to take into account the materials you will need, as well as the time it will take to complete the project. By following these simple tips on how to rebuild a retaining wall, you can have a beautiful new retaining wall in no time!
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