Depending on the material, soil, and groundwater, a permanent retaining wall can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years.
Concrete retaining walls are stronger and more durable since they are not affected by some of the common issues of insects, water damage or extreme weather conditions. It comes down to the quality of the construction; they can last for 50 to 100 years.
Concrete is a common material for retaining walls because of its strength and durability. The typical lifespan of these walls is between 40 and 100 years, although they can persist for several decades.
The first sign that your old wood retaining walls need to be replaced is if they are starting to lean or bow. This can be caused by soil erosion, water damage, or old age. If the wall is leaning more than 2 inches, it's time to replace it.
Soil saturation is the most common external factor that causes retaining wall failure, but there are many ways to prevent it.
The average cost to repair a leaning retaining wall, also called a sagging retaining wall, is between $250 and $1,500 per project, depending on how many repairs are required. Leaning walls can be repaired with tiebacks.
Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.
Yes, you can repair a retaining wall. You can inspect a wall and you can replace a damaged section. This is an easier and cheaper way to keep your wall healthy.
Early signs of retaining wall failure
The signs of retaining wall failure can be obvious to the naked eye like the cracking of concrete, bowing of wood or bulging of brick, however, other symptoms may be more discrete like inadequate sub-soil drainage or surrounding soil collapse.
If the land around your retaining wall changes, that can impact the longevity and effectiveness of the wall. Regular retaining wall maintenance helps ensure proper grading around your wall to maintain it. This may involve re-grading areas around the wall or installing new hardscaping elements.
Depending on the material, soil, and groundwater, a permanent retaining wall can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years. However, consider the material used to build a retaining wall and any necessary maintenance for the structure's longevity and performance.
Anything beyond regular maintenance and repair will not be tax-deductible, but rather be considered a capital improvement. Examples of capital improvements are brand-new or upgraded landscaping, sprinkler systems, installing retaining walls, a new patio, fencing, or pools.
Absolutely! Building a retaining wall is not just an excellent way to protect your home from the devastating effects of mudslides and water runoff, it's also an excellent way to raise the value of your property!
Although building or repairing a retaining wall is a fairly routine procedure, many homeowners overspend because they approach the process incorrectly. Poor workmanship can create more problems than it fixes, resulting in: Higher costs.
It is recommended retaining walls be inspected four times a year, that is, before or after each season. Heavy rains or soil frost movement can have a significant effect on a retaining wall in a short time. At the very least, someone should perform an annual inspection and compare those findings with the year before.
Pressure-treated timbers are typically what you use for a timber retaining wall. The fun fact about pressure treated wood is that it is warrantied – but putting it in continuous contact with the ground voids the warranty. Even so, you can reasonably expect to get anywhere from 10-20 years out of a timber wall.
Signs of a Failing Retaining Wall
Sagging or bowing: Chances are, if it looks like your retaining wall is beginning to bend, there may be a problem with the structure itself or what it's holding back.
Poor drainage is the main reason retaining walls fail. The hydrostatic pressure can push on the wall and cause it to bow out or disintegrate if too much water is absorbed into the soil behind it.
All retaining walls require adequate drainage systems to make them safe and sturdy. Understanding retaining wall drainage will allow you to evaluate the performance of your retaining wall and prevent issues before they arise.
So, if soil and ground issues are not covered by homeowners insurance, are retaining walls covered by insurance? Because retaining walls are frequently considered a detached structure, damage to them can be covered under your homeowners policy under the right conditions.
So, what's the bottom line about the cost to repair a retaining wall? A simple, small wall can cost as little a $800 to $1,000, while an involved project with backfill, labor and excavation can cost upwards of $20,000.
While appearing simple in design and construction, retaining walls are load bearing structures and often support a great deal of weight depending on their size and surrounding structures.
Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option.
Disadvantages of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls require careful planning and engineering to ensure they are strong enough to hold back the soil. Another disadvantage of retaining walls is that they can be difficult to maintain. Retaining walls can be susceptible to erosion, cracking, and other types of damage.
A properly built retaining wall should last decades, and quite possibly over a century. However, there are several reasons retaining walls could fail prematurely.