Some leaning retaining walls can be repaired, but others need to be rebuilt or replaced, and the answer depends on why the wall is leaning, how far it has moved and what it is holding back. Because a leaning wall can be unsafe, it should be evaluated in person by a qualified professional before anyone decides on a fix.
A lean is one of the most noticeable signs of retaining wall trouble. Here’s what affects the choice between repair and replacement, and what to do in the meantime.
Why Retaining Walls Lean
Walls lean when the forces behind them become more than they can resist. Common causes include water building up behind the wall, poor drainage, soil that has shifted or washed out, extra weight placed above the wall, tree roots and walls that weren’t built for the conditions they face.
Finding the cause matters. If the cause isn’t addressed, a repair may not hold, and the wall may keep moving.
What Affects Whether Repair Is Possible
A professional will usually consider:
- what the wall is made of and how it was built,
- how much and how quickly it has moved,
- the height of the wall and what sits above or below it,
- whether the wall is cracked, bulging or breaking apart, and
- drainage and soil conditions around it.
In some cases, targeted repairs and drainage improvements may help. In others, the safest choice is to take the wall down and build a new one designed for the site. Only someone who examines the wall in person can make that call. For taller walls or walls near homes, driveways or property lines, a structural or geotechnical engineer is often involved.
It can help to share any history you know about the wall, such as when it was built, whether it has been repaired before and when you first noticed the lean. Photos taken over time are useful too.
Staying Safe Until It’s Evaluated
A leaning wall may stay put for a long time or may give way with little warning, especially after heavy rain. Until a professional has looked at it, keep people, pets and vehicles away from the top and bottom of the wall. Avoid adding weight above it, and don’t dig near it or try to push, brace or anchor it yourself.
If the wall moves suddenly, cracks open quickly or soil starts sliding, stay away from the area and contact a professional right away.
Planning the Next Step
Repair or replacement may require permits, and some walls must be designed by an engineer. A contractor can help you understand those steps for your property. Our article on why retaining walls need drainage explains how water often plays a role in leaning walls.
Our concrete retaining wall services include evaluating leaning walls and explaining repair or replacement options. If a wall on your Burlington property has started to lean, reach out to schedule a visit.
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