Washington · Tyne and Wear
Retaining wall repairs in Washington
Wondering whether a bowed garden wall in Washington can be repaired or must come down? The answer depends on height, the size of the bulge and whether the footing has moved, and photos usually tell us which it is likely to be.
Guide price from£460per wall inc VAT
- Postcodes
- NE37, NE38
- Population
- about 67,000
- Area
- Tyne and Wear
- Pricing region
- North East
What is the ground like in Tyne and Wear?
Postcode districts NE37, NE38 cover Washington, a Tyne and Wear town of about 67,000 people. We also take enquiries from nearby Chester-le-Street (4 miles), Houghton-le-Spring (5 miles) and Sunderland (5 miles).
Parts of Tyne and Wear have clay that can shrink near trees in dry spells. Historic coal workings are recorded beneath parts of Tyne and Wear, and a coal mining search is worth checking where movement is unexplained. Across Tyne and Wear, most homes are Tyneside flats and terraces, Victorian villas, inter-war council estates and post-war semis.
How much will retaining wall repairs cost in Washington?
Prices in Washington are worked out on North East rates. They include VAT and are a starting point: access, the extent of the damage and whether an engineer or building control is involved all move the figure.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs and drainage | £460 – £1,850 | per wall |
| Structural repair or partial rebuild | £2,750 – £13,800 | per wall |
| New retaining wall | £185 – £415 | per m² of wall face |
Which repair method suits a home in Washington?
Structural repair and partial rebuild
A leaning or bulging section is taken down, the soil behind dug out and supported, and the wall rebuilt on a new footing with drainage and, where specified, reinforcement tied into the sound wall either side. The engineer’s design sets footing size and wall thickness.
Best for: A section that has moved while the rest stays sound
Drainage and minor repairs
Blocked weep holes are cleared or new ones drilled, and where practical a drainage layer is formed behind the wall with an outlet at its base. Loose copings are rebedded, open joints repointed and a few damaged bricks replaced. For a low wall that has not moved much, this can be enough.
Best for: Low walls that are damp or slightly weathered but still upright
What happens when we carry out retaining wall repairs in Washington?
Site assessment
On site we measure height and lean, check the drainage and the ground at the top and bottom, and look at access for digging out. Walls that support a drive, path or building, or retain more than a modest height, are referred to an engineer.
Engineer’s design
Where the wall needs it, an independent chartered structural engineer is appointed to design the repair or new wall, including footing, thickness, reinforcement and drainage. We can arrange this, and the design forms the basis of the quote.
Written quote
You receive a no-obligation written quote covering demolition, excavation, temporary support, the footing, the new or repaired wall, drainage and spoil removal. It becomes a fixed price in writing once the repair is specified.
Signs you may need retaining wall repairs
- Horizontal or stepped cracks running along the face of the wall
- Water seeping through joints, or white salt staining, after rain
- Bricks or blocks pushed out of line, or coping stones sliding off
Rules for retaining wall repairs in England
In England, underpinning and other work that alters or strengthens a wall or foundation is building work under the Building Regulations (Part A, structure), so building control approves and inspects it. Like-for-like repairs often are not, and we tell you which applies before a price is agreed. Work to a party wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations, can also need a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Retaining wall repairs in Washington: questions and answers
What is the price of retaining wall repairs in Washington?
Guide prices for retaining wall repairs in Washington start from about £460 per wall, including VAT, on North East rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Do you carry out retaining wall repairs in Washington?
Yes. We take enquiries from across Washington, including NE37, NE38, and from nearby places such as Chester-le-Street and Houghton-le-Spring. Send photos for a free initial view and we will tell you what happens next.
Does the ground around Washington cause cracking?
Tyne and Wear lies on the Durham and Northumberland coalfield, with old shallow workings recorded beneath parts of Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland, mostly under a cover of glacial clay. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
What are weep holes in a retaining wall?
Weep holes are small openings near the base of a retaining wall that let water drain out from the soil behind it. Without them, water builds up and adds hydrostatic pressure that can push the wall over. They work best with a drainage layer behind the wall, and they need to be kept clear.
Can a bulging retaining wall be saved?
Sometimes, if the bulge is small, the wall is low and the cause is mainly poor drainage. Improving drainage and repairing the face may stop further movement. A wall that has bulged a lot, cracked through or moved at its base usually needs that section rebuilding on a proper footing.
More repairs we carry out in Washington
Retaining wall repairs near Washington
If an engineer has already designed a new retaining wall for your Washington property, send the drawings and we will price building it.