Stone Retaining Wall Care Sheet
Congratulations on your new stone retaining wall! With proper care and maintenance, your wall will provide beauty and stability for many years to come. This guide outlines essential steps for ensuring the longevity and performance of your investment.
Initial Settling Period
After installation, your retaining wall will undergo a natural settling process. This typically takes several months, but can vary depending on soil conditions and weather.
Avoid Heavy Loads: Do not place heavy objects or equipment directly on or near the top of the wall during the initial settling period.
Monitor for Changes: Regularly inspect the wall for any noticeable shifts, cracks, or bulging. Minor adjustments are normal, but significant changes should be reported.
Drainage Management
Proper drainage is critical for the stability and longevity of your retaining wall. Excess water pressure behind the wall can lead to failure.
Maintain Clear Drainage: Ensure that any drainage systems installed with the wall (e.g., gravel backfill, weep holes, or drainage pipes) remain clear and unobstructed. Remove any debris, soil, or vegetation that may block these pathways.
Divert Surface Water: Design your landscape to direct surface water away from the top and base of the wall. Consider installing swales, French drains, or strategically placed plants to manage runoff.
Avoid Over-Irrigation: Be mindful of irrigation near the wall. Over-watering can saturate the soil behind the wall, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
Inspect After Heavy Rains: After significant rainfall, check for any signs of water accumulation, erosion, or unusual saturation around the wall.
Vegetation and Landscaping
While landscaping can enhance the beauty of your retaining wall, careful consideration is needed to avoid damage.
Choose Appropriate Plants: Select plants with shallow, non-invasive root systems. Avoid planting large trees or shrubs directly above or too close to the wall, as their roots can exert pressure and cause structural damage over time.
Maintain Plant Growth: Regularly trim and manage vegetation growing on or near the wall to prevent roots from penetrating the wall structure or obstructing drainage.
Weed Control: Promptly remove weeds that grow between stones, as their roots can widen gaps and compromise stability.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and routine inspections will help keep your wall looking its best and prevent potential issues.
Regular Cleaning: Gently clean the surface of the stone as needed to remove dirt, mildew, or algae. A soft brush, water, and a mild, non-acidic soap solution are usually sufficient. Avoid high-pressure washers, which can damage mortar or displace smaller stones.
Check for Cracks: Periodically inspect the wall for any new cracks, crumbling mortar, or loose stones. Small cracks can often be repaired with appropriate masonry caulk or mortar.
Address Erosion: If you notice signs of erosion at the base of the wall or along the soil behind it, take steps to stabilize the area immediately. This might involve adding more soil, gravel, or riprap.
Pest Control: Be aware of any burrowing animals that might create tunnels behind or under the wall, as this can compromise its stability.
Winter Care (If Applicable)
In regions with freezing temperatures, winter care is essential to prevent frost heave and damage.
Ensure Good Drainage: Proper drainage is even more critical in winter to prevent water from freezing and expanding behind the wall, which can cause significant damage.
Remove Snow and Ice: Avoid allowing large accumulations of snow and ice to sit directly against the wall, especially if they are melting and refreezing.
Avoid De-icing Salts: Do not use de-icing salts on or near the wall, as they can cause corrosion in certain types of stone and mortar. If melting agents come into contact with them due to their proximity to pathways or driving areas, rinse them off as soon as the weather is above freezing. Professional snow and ice management companies may or may not offer washing services, so plan accordingly and discuss this with them during the bidding process if you would prefer not to do them yourself.
Professional Inspection
Consider having your retaining wall professionally inspected every few years, especially if it is tall, bears significant loads, or you notice any persistent issues. Your Todd’s Services Rep can identify potential problems early and recommend appropriate solutions.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care of your new stone retaining wall, please do not hesitate to contact us.