Brick retaining walls are a common feature on Texan properties, and Masonry Dr frequently sees homeowners and business owners in need of brick retaining wall repair.
These walls serve the purpose of keeping soil from collapsing when it is sloped or elevated. The construction of these walls is intended to be sturdy and capable of withstanding the damages caused by the elements and the ground itself. A brick retaining wall is subjected to tons of pressure, which can lead to damage over time no matter how keenly you keep an eye on maintaining it.
Masonry Dr can help you to remedy the problems facing your brick retaining wall. With our help, you can rest assured that the wall will continue to endure for decades to come.
What Causes Damage That Leads to Brick Retaining Wall Repair?
When soil becomes wet from the rain or snow, this moisture can lead to some pretty hefty damage if it is left unaddressed. The brick and concrete of the wall expand, thus leading to cracking and weakening of the retaining wall. This is especially damaging if there is no footer or supporting wall.
Damage can also be caused by improper installation. This is why an experienced professional should be the only one to install a brick retaining wall. The use of very porous bricks and/or improperly mixed mortar can lead to surface cracking, which can lead to further damage if you don’t get brick retaining wall repair for the cracks.
What Should You Look for When Inspecting a Brick Retaining Wall?
Brick retaining walls have several telltale signs of damage that’s in need of being remedied by a professional mason. Every so often (and especially after big storms, flooding or high winds), you should inspect your brick retaining wall. Look for signs of damage like:
- Chipped bricks
- Cracked bricks
- Missing bricks
- Discolored bricks
- Loose mortar
- Discolored mortar
- Missing mortar
By keeping an eye on the state of your brick retaining wall, you can recruit the help of the professionals in a timely enough fashion to keep the damage from worsening.
Designing Retaining Walls to Minimize the Risk of Damage
Fortunately for homeowners all over Texas, there are several design elements that can be incorporated into a brick retaining wall to minimize the need for small or extensive repairs. Discuss these matters with your retaining wall installation expert:
- Building drainage directly into the wall to minimize moisture problems
- Building a foundation for the wall that is sturdy and balanced, therefore better for standing up against the elements and shifts in the soil
- Using bricks that aren’t exceptionally porous, as porous bricks retain moisture with great ease
- Using new blocks or stones to backfill the space between the soil and the wall
The installation of damage-reducing elements and brick retaining walls entirely should be left to the professionals at Masonry Dr. We are the industry experts in brick retaining wall repair and installation. We can remedy brick damage, both big and small, in less time than our competitors.
