Concrete block retaining wall

[Jentwisle]

Hi all

I have a question about a concrete block retaining wall in my garden. It was previously mostly concealed behind a garden shed which I have now moved. The exterior of the concrete has become very crumbly and the sections that were rendered the render is coming off, taking the exterior of the concrete with it.

The wall is not leaning and there are no cracks in it.

Is this sort of damage mainly cosmetic or is it something more structural?

If it is simply cosmetic I was considering attaching battens and trellis to the wall to improve the appearance.

 

[Mr Chibs]

The wall looks knackered.

Really would want redo-ing but it's quite a job. Ideally this should be double thickness or cavity wall, that way the damp could be kept at bay, and you wouldn't be with what you've got today.

Would you be DIY'ing or getting the builders in?

Battens and featheredge would look best as you'd be covering it up.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Just looks like the renders been blown off, which is pretty typical for retaining walls like this. Hack off the loose bits and paint it and expect to have to repaint it regularly if you wish to maintain the appearance.

 

[Jentwisle]

Planning on DIY'ing. I'm aware that it may be something of a stopgap but I'd rather put of bringing someone in to redo it until absolutely necessary.

 

[Agile]

It still looks reasonably strong and effective to me as there is no sign of movement.

If it was mine then I would wire brush it and paint it with masonry paint and expect to to survive from 2-5 years before any major further works are required.

If I was rebuilding it then I would use medium density blocks and angle them backwards into the earth it is retaining. Perhaps using the old blocks as an inner leaf.