Replacing Old Wood Retaining Walls

When Do You Need to Replace Your Old Wood Retaining Walls?

Old wood retaining walls can be a beautiful and functional addition to any property. But they can also be a safety hazard if not properly maintained. So, when do you need to replace your old wood retaining walls?

Leaning Walls

The first sign that your old wood retaining walls need to be replaced is if they are starting to lean or bow. This can be caused by soil erosion, water damage, or old age. If the wall is leaning more than 2 inches, it’s time to replace it.

Signs of Rot or Insect Damage

Another sign your wood walls need replacement is if they are rotting or have insect damage. This can weaken the structure of the wall and make it unsafe. If you notice any signs of rot or insect damage, it’s time to replace the wall.

Aged Walls

If your old wood retaining walls are over 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a professional. Even if they seem to be in good condition, they may still need to be replaced. This is due to possible changes in building codes or safety regulations.

Reasons to Not Use Treated Timber Retaining Walls

Treated timber may seem like a convenient and cost-effective option for retaining walls. But there are several reasons why it may not be the best choice.

Treated Timber Has Cancerous Chemicals

First, treated timber contains chemicals such as arsenic and chromium. These carcinogens can be harmful to the environment and your health. These chemicals can also leach into the soil and groundwater. And this can potentially contaminate nearby water sources.

It’s Not as Durable

Treated timber is also not as durable as other materials, like concrete or stone. Over time, the wood can rot, warp, or decay. As such, it can lead to instability and potential collapse of the timber wall. This can be dangerous, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or soil erosion.

Treated Timber is High-Maintenance

Retaining walls made with treated timber require regular maintenance. For example, it needs regular sealing and staining to prevent deterioration. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially if the wall is large or in a hard-to-reach area.

Ensure a safer and more sustainable solution for your retaining walls. Choose better and more practical materials like concrete wall blocks.

Why Use Concrete Interlocking Wall Blocks?

When it comes to replacing old wood retaining walls, there are several materials to choose from. But one of the best options is to use concrete interlocking wall blocks.

Long-lasting Strength

Concrete block walls are highly durable. They can last for decades without the need for repairs or replacements.

The average design life of an SRW (segmental retaining wall) system is 75 years. That’s far longer than the average 4.5 years people stay in their homes.

They are also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and other environmental factors.

Cost-effectiveness

Concrete block walls are also cost-effective. They are more affordable than other materials, like stone or brick.

And unlike other retaining wall materials, concrete blocks are easy to install. They also come in various sizes and shapes. As such, they make it easy to create a custom wall design that fits your needs.

And once installed, these blocks need very little maintenance. They do not need to be painted, stained, or sealed. This saves you time and money in the long run.

These blocks can also be reused. They can be taken apart, cleaned up, and used again. It’s a practical choice for those people who aim to be cost-efficient.

Optimal Functionality

Concrete blocks can be used for several purposes. They can be curved, turned, and stepped for optimal functionality.

These interlocking wall blocks also come in various colors and textures. They allow you to create a unique look for your retaining wall. They can also be used for other landscaping projects. Some examples would be creating raised garden beds or outdoor seating areas.

Check with your local producer for where to buy. You can also ask for samples that match what you are trying to achieve for your outdoor space.

Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional

CornerStone Wall Solutions has all the tools to help you build and replace your old wall. But while we have plenty of resources, we still recommend you take the time to learn how to install these blocks.

We can help with that, too! Have a look at our CornerStone installation videos and how-to guides. See if this project is one you can tackle yourself.

Check out our free CornerStone Retaining Wall Design & Analysis Software. With it, you can easily have an engineer do the design for you without a problem.

We also have a free online estimation tool. This can help you determine how many blocks you need or how much and how long your geogrids need to be. This is an estimate only, of course.

Are you concerned about drainage? Most of our block systems have drainage channels built in. This makes adding the correct amount of drainage gravel a breeze. This will also keep water out and away from any retaining wall system. And this will save you significant repair costs in the process.