A brick retaining wall helps keep soil that is sloped or elevated from collapsing like a landslide. These walls are built to withstand a great deal of pressure. However, over time they can start to show signs of damage like cracks and crumbling sections. When this occurs Brick retaining wall repair important to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage or collapse of the wall. In the worst cases, sinking or tilting retaining walls may require the foundation to be rebuilt. In less severe cases a professional can often fix the issue using repair techniques.
What is the 45 degree rule for retaining wall?
The first step in repairing a brick retaining wall is to identify the extent of the damage. This will involve examining the entire wall for any visible cracks or areas that have become loose. It is also helpful to note any bricks that are missing or cracked. Once the damage has been identified, it’s time to remove any loose or crumbling mortar. This can be done by a wire brush or hammer and chisel.
After the mortar has been removed, it is necessary to refill the empty joints in the retaining wall. This can be done by mixing latex-fortified mortar and tinting it with pigments if needed to match the original color of the brick retaining wall. The new mortar is then applied to the bottom of the wall with a pointing trowel. It is helpful to tool the joints in the retaining wall after it has set so that the surface is smooth.