How Long Do Retaining Walls Last? [Inc. Wood Ones]

Building a retaining wall is an attractive and operative addition to one ’s landscape . However , you may question how long a retain wall will last . We research different mental synthesis materials for keep on rampart and their mean life-time . determine more about how the correct type of retain wall can offset soil erosion , better water drainage , and transform your property .

A permanent retain wall can last between 25 to 100 geezerhood , depending on the material , soil , and groundwater . But conceive the character of material used to retrace a keep wall and any necessary sustentation needed for the social organization ’s length of service and carrying out .

We will cover common material used for erecting durable , attractive retaining walls and their average lifespan , including :

If you still have some questions about the longevity of keep rampart , do n’t worry . In this templet , we ’ll discuss the topic in greater contingent . Keep show to learn more about the benefit and drawbacks of retaining wall , depending on whether they are wood , concrete , brick , or instinctive endocarp .

About Retaining Walls

A retaining paries is a saucy addition to a property , if you have a abstruse terrace , raise gardens , side , or dips . When properly executed , a retaining wall holds back an domain of territory that would otherwise give or would suffer soil eroding .

keep wall are typically a permanent structure , erected using lifelike stone , Sir Henry Wood , brick , or poured concrete . The use of keep wall is frequent in park , garden , and private property for attractive landscaping and provision .

A smaller retaining paries is an exciting DIY task . However , fix for a considerable investment if you hope a large hold bulwark , which is good leave to a hire master .   Before perform a retaining wall , take your choice of construction material , the foundation , reenforcement , drainage motive , construction code , zoning , and esthetical value .

Most hold walls should last 50 to 100 years when built correctly . Let ’s take a face at the pros and cons of different material for building a uncompromising , functional retaining wall .

Stone

A solid innate or contract stone retaining bulwark will last between 50 to 100 yr . It is easy to erect a stone hold wall using a wry - muckle method , without the need for mortar to hold it together .

Limestone and sandstone are two safe option for building a keep wall . Any stone used should be make atop a foundation of clear or drainage stones , with consideration to thin out water pressure on the bulwark and encourage drainage .

Wood

The aspect and feel of cut or unchanged logs of timber to construct a retaining wall have a unique appealingness . However , wood retain wall typically only last between 25 to 40 year before they need replacing .

Wood is an attractive pick for retaining walls because it is inexpensive , pronto usable , and easy to work with . to boot , Sir Henry Joseph Wood is natural and look beautiful on most landscapes .

However , wood must be coated with a weather - resistant factor that varnish out moisture . Proper drain is a must for wooden keep walls , and owners should look out for insects that could bore hole or cause structural damage .

Brick

Brick is a classic alternative for make a stylish , long - survive hold rampart . you’re able to employ aninterlocking methodto erect a desirable hold wall without relying on trench mortar .

Many people love brick because it looks good , can weather the elements , and is promiscuous to install . However , it may be challenging having to replace a daft or damage brick in a retaining wall . Brick retain walls last a minimum of 100 years .

Concrete

Concrete is a various building stuff for retaining walls because it can be poured into the foundation , constructed using pre - fabulous concrete occlusion , or concrete panels . Concrete retaining walls can last up to a century or longer because of its inherent strength , which builds over prison term as it cures .

hold wall made of concrete are low - maintenance and can be patched with howitzer if cracks or wear - and - teardrop are present .

Gabion

A gabion hold wall emphatically has an inimitable expression , consisting of wires filed with an categorisation of easy rock . The whorl of a gabion bulwark is not for everyone and an acquired taste . However , a gabion rampart has a strong base , shorten erosion , and is low - maintenance .

When Should You Replace A Retaining Wall?

All construction materials do not come with a lifespan of nearly 100 years . tick your hold back wall for flooding , cracks , buckling , or loose howitzer .   In some instances , certain area of a wall can be patch or corrected . But , a wall that is bend , leaning forward , or has areas that are visibly libertine call for a replacement .

Do Retaining Walls Require Maintenance?

Routinely check up on retain wall and provide any maintenance as needed for optimal performance and length of service . reckon for loose or cracked mortar , escaped pit , weeds that could penetrate the wall or shift expanse of the paries , and planetary house of erosion .

A retain wall needs to have passable ground cover for engrossment of H2O , so if any is missing exchange it . Also , look for orbit where the wall has shifted , bulging , or if there are any areas that need refilling and fortifying . At the very least , channel an annual inspection to encounter problem .

How Do You Strengthen A Retaining Wall?

It is essential to learn up on your keep rampart to see if there are area that need care and strengthening . The point of a retain wall that is well strengthened is the base where it see the earth . Find way to expand the basis and inspissate it for increase durability or total mainstay .

Are Retaining Walls Expensive?

keep on walls are normally pocket-sized , but depending on the construction material and sizing , can become an expensive investiture . regard the following for each eccentric of construction fabric :

According toHome Advisor , householder pass between$3,197 to $ 8,700for a retaining wall , with the ordinary price being $ 5,622 . look high costs for keep paries made of poured concrete , brick , or stone , compared to wood . Retaining wall that are very big and gamey are more expensive and want professional contractors , versus a small DIY - well-disposed project .

Do You Need Drainage Behind A Retaining Wall?

Because a retaining wall is built to be impervious and not take into account body of water to pass through , check proper drainage is vital to its longevity . If steps are not taken during construction to answer for for drain , weewee pressure can construct up , leading to cracks , bulging , or other structural damage .

To encourage debilitate , the backfill should be at least one foot behind the wall and have ample gravel . A pipe that is punch should be install at the interior of the wall or at the bottom where it is backfilled . If involve , weep holes should be part of the design to allow for H2O to pass through .

In Closing

We hope you have learned a sufficient amount about continue walls , how to good keep them , and their benefit . Be aware about how the building material for a hold rampart will bear on its performance and lifetime . Wooden keep back wall last the poor amount of clip , grade between 25 to 40 twelvemonth . retain rampart made from stone , brick , concrete blocks , or poured concrete last the longest , with a projected lifespan of 50 to 100 yr .

Choose the best material for your hold rampart found on your esthetic , personal needs , and budget . If you do n’t feel well-heeled building a retaining wall , take a professional declarer and cling to local edifice code and laws .

Before you pass on , do n’t draw a blank to ensure out the following helpful articles :

How To blockade Erosion Around A Retaining Wall

How To mix A Vertical Garden Into A Retaining Wall