A retaining wall is designed to be strong enough to hold soil in place, but many factors can contribute to a slight tilt almost as soon as it’s built. Left unattended, heavy rainfall could cause the structure to collapse. The concrete and stone masonry specialists at Darryl Myers Brick of Kentucky know this far too well. Based in Independence, they provide retaining wall installation and repairs for residential and commercial properties throughout the area.

Is your retaining wall leaning? Below, Kentucky’s best brick and stone contractor shares four possible reasons why:

• Poor Construction: If reinforcements weren’t placed in the right positions during retailing wall installation, the structure would gradually start to lean. Faulty construction normally happens when a contractor doesn’t check the depth, spacing, or size of the reinforcements. To fix the issue, brace the wall with steel beams or install right-angle buttress walls to stabilize it. 
• Wrong Materials: Choosing the incorrect materials could lead to retaining wall failure. Under wet conditions, porous materials, like timber, mudstone, and soft sandstone, will crumble and start to lean. Durable materials are less prone to wear include stone, concrete, brick, and gabion. 
• Soil Pressure: When water doesn’t drain from soil, it gets heavier and presses against the landscape wall. Eventually, the soil pressure will cause it to shift forward. To reduce the stress, repair the drainage issue. 
• Age: Retaining walls are always exposed to the elements, which can cause them to lean over time. The older the wall, the more likely this is to happen. The old structure could cause safety concerns. If the wall moves when you firmly press against it, hire professional contractors for replacement. 

To schedule an appointment for retaining wall installation, chimney repairs, or additional masonry services in the Independence area, call (859) 743-3850 today. Visit Darryl Myers Brick online to discover how they will improve the quality of your landscape, and like them on Facebook for news and announcements.