Modern retaining walls have changed the landscape of Aurora and the surrounding Denver metro area. They have quickly become the preferred method to battle gravity, prevent erosion, and keep the earth from moving. However, while retaining walls are strong and durable, they aren’t always immune to damage related to wear and tear or the elements, which is why taking care of it is essential.
If you’re looking for tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your retaining wall, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Slaton Bros online or call (303) 806-8160 to learn more about our services today.
6 Maintenance Tips For Retaining Walls in Aurora
Like all manmade structures, retaining walls are prone to natural wear and tear that will reduce their lifespan. Here are some of the best ways to keep this from happening that will help you get the most out of your retaining wall.
Eliminate Weeds Regularly
It might sound crazy, but just because weeds are minuscule next to a retaining wall doesn’t mean they can’t cause damage. Weeds pose one of the biggest threats to retaining wall durability. As they grow between small spaces in your wall, they can expand and create gaps and shifts. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly pick weeds around your retaining wall and to apply weed killer bi-annually.
Check For Movement
As you’re picking weeds, check for signs of movement or shifting along your retaining wall. Even the smallest shift can indicate a potential problem and the need for repair. If you notice movement, contact a trusted retaining wall contractor.
Don’t Use Eroding Materials Near Your Retaining Wall
One of the biggest temptations you’ll face is the desire to coat your retaining wall in salt or a de-icing material. However, while this will keep ice and snow from gathering on your wall, it will also lead to erosion. While ice and snow aren’t good for your retaining wall, they aren’t as detrimental as salt or di-icers that lead to erosion. If you have further questions about this, a retaining wall contractor can help.
Ensure Adequate Drainage
Depending on the type of location of your retaining wall, it might have built-in or nearby drainage. It’s vital to keep this drain clear of obstructions so that water can smoothly drain away from the wall. This is especially important in Colorado, where ice and snow abound. As the ice and snow melt, it can lead to erosion if it’s allowed to pool around the retaining wall due to a blocked drain. If erosion begins to occur, it is important to reach out to a retaining wall contractor right away.
Keep the Plants Around Your Retaining Wall Healthy
While weeds are the sworn enemy of retaining walls, healthy plants, grass, and foliage are a good thing. Grass and plants will help to hold the soil around your retaining wall in place and provide a firm foundation. This will keep the ground from shifting, which will lead to movement in your retaining wall. Therefore, you should regularly check the ground around your retaining wall for bare spots and make remedies immediately.
Invest in Professional Inspections
While there are plenty of things you can do on your own to maintain your retaining wall, a retaining wall contractor can do much more. Therefore, it’s a good idea to invest in professional annual retaining wall maintenance. A retaining wall contractor will be able to spot problems before they happen and make the necessary repairs.
If it’s time for a professional retaining wall inspection, Slaton Bros can help. We’re a top retaining wall contractor in Aurora and will ensure that your wall is in tip-top shape. If any problems are present, we’ll let you know immediately and pursue the appropriate course of action. Contact us online or call (303) 806-8160 today!