Need advice on incorrectly installed retaining wall and patio

Question

Sloped garden towards the house, landscaper excavated and built some retaining walls using breeze blocks at the boundary also act as planters. There is a void about a block width between the walls and the fence, is that wrong? Worried about soil erosion and water flowing into the gap and fallen fence. What's the correct way?

Patio is built with a fall towards the house, because of previous mistakes, original plan was a channel drain between the top and bottom garden, but now it is going to where the patio meets the house, but between the channel drain and the house there will also be decorative gravel because of uneven facing of the house, I am worried about pooling water in the gravel area, what's best way to rectify? Will self leveling under the gravel work?

Alvis · Answer

Having a sloped garden towards the house can indeed pose some challenges, especially concerning soil erosion and water management. The void between the retaining walls and the fence can potentially lead to issues like soil erosion and water pooling, which may affect the stability of the fence.

To address this concern, one effective solution is to fill the void with a suitable material that can prevent soil erosion and water seepage. You can consider using a geotextile fabric to line the gap between the walls and the fence, followed by filling it with gravel or crushed stone. This will help in drainage and prevent water from accumulating in that area, reducing the risk of erosion and potential damage to the fence.

Regarding the patio with a fall towards the house and the planned channel drain, the addition of decorative gravel between the channel drain and the house can indeed lead to water pooling issues. Self-leveling under the gravel may help to some extent, but it might not completely solve the problem.

One effective way to rectify this issue is to ensure proper grading and drainage in the area. You can consider regrading the gravel area to direct water towards the channel drain effectively. Additionally, you may need to install a proper drainage system, such as a French drain, to redirect water away from the house and prevent pooling in the gravel area.

By addressing these concerns with proper drainage solutions and filling the void between the retaining walls and the fence, you can help mitigate the risks of soil erosion, water pooling, and potential damage to the fence and house.

Phill · Answer

Hard to answer without seeing it. I recommend putting a listing on MJQ with photos for advice - a small fee for someone to visit and comment should put you at ease.

Peter · Answer

I’m confused, you say this is sloped towards the house? How deep tall is the retaining wall? What is preventing the soil falling towards the fence? Nothing? Do you have pictures? Can I visit site?
A fence isn’t adequate enough to act as retainer should have concrete base panels.

I would advise installing aco drains along the perimeter of the house to run the rain water to the nearest gully

Oskars · Answer

The void between the retaining wall and the fence could cause soil erosion and water flow issues. Ideally, the gap should be filled with compacted soil, gravel, or a barrier to prevent erosion and water drainage problems.

For the patio, having a slope towards the house isn't ideal. Installing a proper drainage system, like a channel drain near the house, is key. Decorative gravel alone might not prevent water pooling. Instead, you can improve drainage by adding a membrane under the gravel or installing a proper grading system. Self-leveling under gravel won’t solve pooling issues; focus on correcting drainage slope.

Sean · Answer

It sounds like you have a few concerns regarding your garden's drainage and retaining wall setup. Let’s address your questions step by step.

### Sloped Garden and Retaining Walls
1. **Void Between Walls and Fence:**
   - Having a void between the retaining walls and the fence can be an issue, particularly if the gap allows for soil erosion or if it collects water. Ideally, the design should include proper drainage considerations to prevent water from pooling in the gap or causing the fence to lean or topple over time.
   - It might be beneficial to fill this void with compacted gravel or soil to prevent erosion and help with drainage. If it’s left open, water can easily erode the soil over time.

### Patio Drainage
2. **Patio with a Fall Towards the House:**
   - A patio that slopes towards the house can lead to several issues, including water pooling against your foundation, which can cause damage over time. The typical recommendation is to have patios slope away from the house.
   - Since the patio was constructed incorrectly, consider installing a proper channel drain to manage water flow. A channel drain should ideally be placed at the lowest point, allowing water to drain effectively towards an outlet rather than your home.

3. **Gravel Area and Water Pooling:**
   - Decorative gravel can help with drainage if sized appropriately, but if water is pooling between the channel drain and the house, this is a concern. Using self-leveling products under the gravel isn’t ideal, as they may not allow for proper drainage and can trap water.
   - Instead, ensure that the gravel is laid on a filter fabric to avoid soil mixing with the gravel, and consider using larger gravel or adding a slight slope to the gravel area so that water can drain towards the channel drain effectively..

It may also be beneficial to consult with a professional landscaper or drainage specialist who can assess your specific situation in person and recommend tailored solutions.

Bb · Answer

Scrape off 9ld adhesive on tile and wood, prime wood with tile primer( not pva), knock up abit of flexible adhesive and reinstall tiles. Can put trim in place whilst installing the tiles. This would be the proper way to do it. You could also just go for tubed contact adhesive if its to be a quick fix with least hassle."

Darren · Answer

Hi it’s Darren from Swinton waste. Have you got any pics of the wall

Need advice on incorrectly installed retaining wall and patio

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