Repair leaning or bowed retaining walls
Retaining wallshold back immense pressure on slopes.
Repairing aretaining wallis simple, though labor-intensive.
As long as the blocks are in good condition, they can be reused.
Craig Veltri / Getty Images
When to Repair a Retaining Wall
Repair a retaining wall when the ground is dry and well-drained.
If possible, wait until spring or summer to repair the wall.
Depending on your community, the height may range from 3 feet to 5 feet.
Always check with your local building and permitting department.
Safety Considerations
Be careful when handling the retaining wall blocks.
Larger blocks weigh about 60 pounds, with some blocks as heavy as 80 pounds.
Step back and look at the wall.
The removed block will form a V-shape or inverted pyramid.
Tip
Clear a large area.
For every 10 retaining wall blocks, clear an area of about 10 feet by 3 feet.
Cap blocks are usually adhered to the retaining wall blocks with landscape block adhesive.
Remove the Blocks
Remove the retaining wall blocks, starting at the top.
Progress down in a V-shape.
Remove all blocks down to ground level.
Store the Blocks
Store the wall blocks in the storage area behind the wall.
Keep the blocks in order.
Remove the Backfill
Dig out the backfill material, if any.
Clean backfill can be saved and reused.
Do not reuse sand, pea gravel, dirt, or any other inadequate backfill.
Reuse only clean 3/4-inch angular rock or similar.
Fix the Cause of the Wall Failure
Fix the condition that caused the retaining wall to fail.
If the wall base is unstable, it should be dug out and refilled with gravel and crushed stone.
Tree and plant root growth may need to be cut back.
Incorrect masonry products like cinderblocks should be replaced with retaining wall blocks.
Rebuild the Wall Base
If the wall base is inadequate, dig it down to 10 inches.
Add 8 inches of drainage stone, followed by 2 inches of crushed stone.
Add the Blocks
Rebuild the retaining wall.
Level each block from front to back and from side to side.
Level each completed course, too.
If using any new blocks, scrape off bumps left from manufacturing by sliding one block over the other.
Be sure to preserve integrated lips and grooves meant for locking the stones.
A 12-inch-width is the required amount of backfill for most retaining walls.
Tamp the Backfill
Tamp each new level of backfill with the tamping tool.
Tamp lightly to avoid disturbing the wall.
Apply several generous beads oflandscape block adhesiveto the top course of wall blocks.
Next, rest the cap stones on top, staggering them over seams.
verify that the company has experience with installing and repairing hardscaping materials.
