Retaining walls play a crucial role in fortifying landscapes, preventing soil erosion, managing water run-off and providing the necessary stability to the land to undertake construction. However, even the sturdiest of retaining walls are not immune to the relentless forces of natures. In the wake of storms, excess water and poor drainage, retaining walls are susceptible significant damage, often causing financial heartache.
Storms
Retaining walls bear the brunt of storms, facing intense wind and rain. The excessive water saturation during a storm can affect the soil behind the wall, increasing the pressure on the structure. Additionally, the force of wind can exacerbate the lateral pressure, potentially causing the wall to shift, buckle, bow and eventually collapse. Retaining walls of a timber sleeper construction, tend to be more susceptible to this as the footings of the retaining wall are often less stable and are more likely to succumb to timber rot owing to damp soil.
Water and Drainage
Poor drainage is also a common culprit behind retaining wall failures. When water accumulates behind the wall without an efficient outlet, it compromises the stability of the structure. The soil becomes saturated, increasing its weight and putting additional stress on the wall. Once the soil becomes saturated and water accumulates behind a retaining wall, it also increases hydrostatic pressure which can push against the wall, leading to cracks and occasionally total failure. Further still, when water collects during periods of heavy downpour because of inadequate drainage, it is common for the moisture to seep into the retaining wall and, in timber sleeper construction, causes the timber to rot and attracts termites. In concrete, this can rot the steel pylons and reinforcements.
What to do
In the wild weather that Queensland often faces during the wet season, it is vital to ensure that your retaining wall has adequate drainage facilities and that the wall is not damaged or decaying. Not doing so can leave you vulnerable to significant erosion and flooding problems which could have been mitigated with early detection. Monitoring and maintenance of the retaining wall is key.
Note that retaining walls are generally exempt from home insurance policies, meaning your insurer is unlikely to come to your aid if the wall collapses. You should consider whether this also means your structures and their foundations (common examples are homes, garages, sheds and driveways) are also at uninsurable risk of substantial damage.
Am I responsible for the repairs?
If your issue relates to a retaining wall, we can help.
We can provide the advice you require regarding your legal rights and obligations for any repair, maintenance or replacement work.
Contact Us
1300 414 316
info@qldretainingwalllawyers.com.au
About Us
We are a private law firm specialising in providing Queenslanders with useable, comprehensive and cost-effective legal advice and solutions in relation to retaining walls and related matters. Our clients are typically:
A. Property owners or developers;
B. Tenants or building occupants;
C. Builders and contractors;
D. Real estate agents;
E. Other solicitors and law firms.
Understanding and Addressing Retaining Wall Failures in Rainy Weather- Queensland Retaining Wall Law