Can You Use Redi-Rock to Repair a Failing Retaining Wall?

If you have a property that has a failing retaining wall, it can be a lot to think about. Especially if you are faced with having to repair it.

You want a large block retaining wall solution to solve your wall problems so you won’t have to travel down this road again. In Massachusetts and around New England, replacing a retaining wall can be an invasive process to your landscape and your property.

The weather, water and soil conditions need to be considered for the time of year, as well as, the construction location.

You’ll have to evaluate: the costs of the retaining wall block, the cost of a contractor to install those blocks, the aesthetics of the retaining wall block and any permitting or wall engineering (if required) for your new retaining wall solution. Most importantly, you’ll want to know that it will work and that you’re getting the most value for your dollar.

The good news is if you do have a failing retaining wall, in most cases, you can use Redi-Rock to repair a failed retaining wall without removing the existing wall.

Repair failing retaining walls without actually removing them

Here in South Eastern, Massachusetts and all- over New England for that matter, we have had the great benefit of having generations of talented and dedicated wall builders and masons come before us.

That experience is on display when you look along the edges of many streets, farms, fields, homes and waterways. You can’t help but notice the stunning walls that were built from the stones that came from the cleared fields for agriculture. Amazing history.

Many of these stone walls have been repurposed into retaining walls. While these walls are stout and beautiful, many have started to fail over the years and are in current failure.

Other common types of wall failures are timber/wooden type walls or small block/dry cast block walls that are very common. Timber type walls and dry cast/small block type walls have a much more limited lifecycle here in New England. Over time, each type of wall can start to decay and break down much quicker than a wet cast concrete product like Redi-Rock.

Regardless of the type of failing wall, if you have enough space to fit new blocks, you can often build a new Redi-Rock retaining wall in front of an existing failing wall.

The key to accomplishing this build without having to remove the old wall is space. Redi-Rock gravity walls harness the sheer size and mass of each block to secure the earth effectively. Designed and installed with minimal space between the walls, they minimize the need for aggregate and drainage so gravity walls can be installed quickly and with a small crew This allows the new wall to be built where access is limited and property lines are narrow which is a very common problem in New England and especially in urban environments.

Conversely, if you don’t have enough space to fit new blocks in front of your existing failed wall, you will have to remove the existing wall to create space for new retaining wall blocks. The amount of space required will depend on the size of block required which in entirely predicated on the how tall your wall is and existing soil conditions.

Redi Rock blocks typically only batter back 1’5” per course so the set back is very minimal. In some instances, we can do 0’ batter set back depending on soil conditions and the height of the wall. This makes J&R Precast and Redi-Rock one of the most versatile retaing wall blocks in the market. Very few if any blocks work better in these types of conditions.

Upgrade project aesthetics

We know you aren’t thrilled about repairing or replacing your retaining wall. We also know that choosing Redi-Rock will provide you with a solution that goes beyond functionality and reliability, ensuring you won’t have to oversee the same restoration again. Explore the advantages of Redi-Rock for your project and understand the lifetime solutions available to you. With our Redi-Rock Split-Limestone or Redi-Rock Ledgestone style faces, you’ll be able to mimic the look of natural stone and integrate your wall seamlessly with the landscaping and architecture of your property.

Email or call J&R Precast to discuss retaining wall costs and possibilities so you can be more informed about the scope of your project to make the best possible decision.

We have saved hundreds of homeowners and landowners money and time by replacing their existing failed retaining walls with Redi-Rock. If you have questions, we can help.