Retaining walls play a significant role in the security of structures from damage related to soil collapse, but many property owners are unaware of just how vital these walls are to the overall health of their property. Properly constructed and well-maintained retaining walls not only lessen soil erosion and wash-out after excavation, but also keep soil from collapsing. Soil cave in can put your building at risk for damage, so it’s critical to maintain your retaining walls properly, and to be conscious of their role in the protection of your home or business space.
In order to gain a clear perceptive of retaining walls’ importance to your property, you must first have a basic understanding of what retaining walls are and how they work. A retaining wall is erected after excavation or filling an embankment to provide support, which prevents soil from eroding little by little or collapsing unexpectedly. These walls may be constructed from a variety of materials, including reinforced concrete, timber logs, concrete blocks, brick or stone. They may be built to hold up terraced gardens or fill earth, in addition to excavation sites and overflowing embankments.
Both new and long-established retaining walls should be evaluated periodically by a professional within the building trades with no financial stake in the findings of that evaluation. This is where a registered building inspection company can be of substantial assistance. Because building inspectors do not provide construction, repair or damage mitigation services, there’s no potential for conflict of interest or inaccurate reporting for the sake of driving up prices.
Protecting your retaining walls through regular inspections is a great way to protect your entire property, by ensuring the stability and structural soundness of the walls which prevent soil collapse and potential injury. If you have an existing retaining wall, are considering the purchase of a property which contains one or are embarking upon a construction project which will create the necessity for a retaining wall, contact a registered building inspector to ensure your wall is safe, secure and up to its job.
