Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are essential structures designed to hold back soil, prevent erosion, and stabilize sloped landscapes. Commonly built along shorelines, hillsides, or areas prone to soil movement, they protect properties and landscapes from landslides and erosion by counteracting the lateral pressure exerted by soil. Constructed from materials like concrete, stone, or treated wood, retaining walls are carefully engineered to withstand water pressure, weight from the soil, and environmental conditions.
Have You Noticed These Signs of Damage
Around your retaining wall?
Cracking
Visible cracks, especially horizontal ones, indicate pressure from soil or water buildup behind the wall. These cracks can worsen with time and lead to structural failure.
Leaning or Bowing
A retaining wall that leans or bows outward suggests instability, often due to erosion, hydrostatic pressure, or inadequate foundational support.
Erosion at the Base
Soil washing away from the base of the wall indicates erosion, which weakens support and can cause the wall to shift or settle unevenly.
Weakened or Loose Joints
Gaps or shifting in jointed areas indicate structural stress and can compromise the wall’s overall stability, allowing water to seep through.
Discoloration or Efflorescence
White, chalky residue on the surface, called efflorescence, suggests water is seeping through the wall and depositing salts, which can weaken the material over time.
Soil Settling or Sinkholes
Depressions, sinkholes, or settling soil behind or around the wall signal erosion and loss of support, increasing the risk of collapse.
What Causes the damage
to your retaining wall?
Hydrostatic Pressure
Water buildup behind the wall, especially from rain or ocean spray, creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes against the wall, causing cracks, bowing, or even collapse if there is inadequate drainage.
Inadequate Foundation
If the wall’s foundation is not deep or strong enough for the local soil and water conditions, it can shift or settle unevenly, leading to leaning or cracking.
Improper Construction or Design
Retaining walls not built with the appropriate materials, reinforcements, or structural support are more susceptible to failure, especially in harsh coastal environments.
Corrosion of Reinforcements
For reinforced retaining walls, saltwater exposure can cause steel or metal reinforcements to corrode, weakening the wall’s structural integrity over time.
Vegetation and Root Growth
Large plants or trees near the wall can push against it as roots grow, or they may contribute to cracks as roots penetrate through the wall structure.
Impact from Waves or Debris
In ocean environments, high tides, waves, or floating debris can impact the wall, gradually wearing down materials or causing direct damage.
How Dock Experts repair the damage
to your retaining wall
Improve Drainage
Install weep holes, French drains, or other drainage systems behind the wall to relieve hydrostatic pressure by allowing trapped water to escape. This helps prevent cracking, bowing, and soil erosion.
Reinforce the Foundation
Strengthen the foundation by deepening or widening the base, adding pilings, or underpinning. This helps stabilize the wall and prevent settling or leaning.
Repair Cracks and Gaps
Fill visible cracks with marine-grade concrete or epoxy to restore structural integrity and prevent further water infiltration. For extensive cracks, additional reinforcement with steel or mesh may be necessary.
Control Erosion at the Base
Add erosion control measures such as riprap, gravel, or erosion-control mats around the base to prevent soil from washing away. This adds support and helps reduce soil loss from wave action or runoff.
Replace Corroded Reinforcements
In reinforced walls, replace or repair rusted steel with corrosion-resistant materials, such as galvanized or coated steel, to maintain the wall’s strength against saltwater exposure.
Rebuild or Replace Sections
For severely damaged walls, consider partially or fully rebuilding sections using stronger materials, such as reinforced concrete, or upgrading to an improved design that meets current coastal standards.
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Fantastic work, got all the paperwork processed in a timely fashion at the city, Lighthouse Point. I’ve had bad experiences with other dock, Seawall and lift companies, Everyone at the Dock Experts was great. Andrew sold me on the lift, and everyone at the office, and work crew, moved the project along from start to finish in quick time. I highly recommend them. I’m having them do sock at a rental property I own, and will recommend them to friends.
These guys are the best! If you want a company that gets it done right, answers the phone, and follows through- look no further. Tom has been great to work with and the crew including Bob, Gary, Tony, and Chad are true professionals. After completing a new dock and lift a year ago- we are still extremely happy we chose to work with them. And yes -they do still answer the phone when I have called!
We highly recommend Dock Experts! Our seawall completely collapsed. The owners Andrew and Tom and their staff were always available to answer our questions or concerns. Our project was challenging in many ways and they figured out how to attack the issues. They are perfectionists. Our extensive project was finished in a timely manner. No mess left behind. We wish we could personally name all the hard workers that gave us our home back. Too many to remember , but Bob, Tom, Mike and his son Brett all amazing and Jennifer in the office. Many thanks. The pictures below say it all!
Had problem with cables on a 4 poster lift. Called Andrew for service a d got immediate response. Had service team on site the next day. Chad Gorman and his helper did a outstanding job of keeping me informed of needs and progress. Did a outstanding job of diagnosis and repair of the problem. Also took care of some minor repairs and adjustments to get the lift to 100%. Could not have been more satisfied.