When it is about terraced or sloped properties, nothing is as useful as the retaining walls. They do not just add beauty to the place but also helps in utilizing the outdoor space practically and perfectly. The retaining wall Delaware is considered to be one of the best beauty product that adds an extraordinary aesthetic to the garden.
But it stops not just with beauty, for it needs extra maintenance and care, especially during the winter days. The cold weather can weaken the foundation of the retaining walls and also affect the stones that are built into it.
Therefore, to help you keep the retaining wall in its perfect shape, McCoy Landscape provides few valuable tips, as to how well and easy it can be cared for and maintained.
Before taking note of the maintenance tips, let us first understand why maintaining a retaining wall is important.
Why Maintenance is Important?
Many homeowners brush off the maintenance idea as they believe what harm will the cold weather do to the stones anyway. Even, if it shows the cracking sign, they ignore it as they believe with time, the cracks will eventually cover-up themselves.
Well firstly, the stones can never fill the cracks themselves magically. You may not witness the damage immediately, but with time, you will definitely have to face the severe damage.
The cold weather creates cracks on the wall stones. Although it is a crack, it sure weakens the foundation and the durability of the wall. This issue cannot be solved simply by applying the cement over the cracked place, as it will need experts’ guidance. The damage may occur sooner or later. So to avoid disasters and spending heavily again for the retaining walls, give a little interest and effort, to keep it in its best form.
The following tips will help you prevent disasters, ensuring to use them in your practical life. They are as follows.
Inspecting Wall Regularly
Regular inspection will help your wall to stay strong for long days and also avoid many repairs and disasters. This does not mean inspecting the wall even when it is buried deep in the snow, for you will only add more trouble to it. Inspection refers to checking the wall twice or thrice in a month during the winter days. The best time considered for inspection is at the beginning of the season, middle, and the season end.
While inspecting, make sure to look for the cracks in stones and the mortar gaps, so that if there are any gaps, it is repaired before time.
Also, look out for budges, which mostly occurs when there is a shifting in the soil. Depending upon the severity, contact the professionals at the earliest and get it corrected immediately.
Never Overdo Anything
Most of the time, homeowners in order to maintain and protect their walls, do all kinds of ice and winter treatments to make them sturdy and strong. Stones are naturally durable to withstand ice, though it needs occasional maintenance. But treating it before time will only do damage to the stones than doing any good, as they are chemically loaded, weakening the natural compounds of the stones. So the best way to keep the walls in their best form is to keep them in the best shape possible and attend only when needed.
Fill up the Eroded Areas
Once the winter passes, you will see erosion effects. It occurs during the snow melting process when the water runs off, taking some soil with it. The top surface of the soil near the retaining wall also loses much of its soil. Therefore, it becomes very important to fill up the lost soil to keep the wall in its right and firm place.
Replanting Dead Spots
The worst affected part is the soil, which loses its integrity. The soil loses its strength and becomes loose, affecting the wall encircling it. The only way to keep the soil sturdy and compact is by planting the dead spots. The roots will keep the soil in its place and make it strong, reducing soil erosion.
Don’t let the winter win as you can help your wall stay strong and firm by utilizing the above ideas. Make sure to contact the professionals before the winter season, so that all necessary precautions are taken care of.
