Understanding the Root of the Problem
When a retaining wall starts to lean or crack, or a brick structure begins to shift or crumble, it is not simply a cosmetic issue. It is a structural warning. These are signs that the original build has been compromised, usually by time, weather, poor materials, or bad design. In some cases, multiple factors are working together to create stress on the structure until it gives way.
In Des Moines, we see this most often after harsh winters or long rainy seasons. Freezing temperatures expand moisture in the soil. That frost heave pushes on walls and foundations from underneath and behind. As temperatures rise and the water thaws, it shifts again, weakening the base even further. If the original drainage was not properly designed or if the footings were shallow, that structure will not last long under these conditions.
Our job is not just to stop the visible failure. We start by diagnosing the exact cause so we do not simply patch the symptoms. This is where most contractors cut corners. They repair what is visible and ignore what caused it. That approach guarantees the wall will lean again or the structure will continue to settle.
Common Causes of Retaining Wall and Brick Structure Failure
We rarely see just one issue at play. Here are the most common problems we deal with when assessing a failing wall or brick structure:
- Poor or missing drainage behind the wall
- Shallow or uneven footings
- Expansive or unstable soil
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Poor brickwork, mortar, or material quality
- Root pressure from nearby trees or vegetation
- Long-term water exposure without sealing
Each of these issues affects the way a wall carries weight and resists pressure. Water is usually the starting point. Once it seeps behind a wall or into mortar joints and freezes, the expansion begins pushing brick out of alignment. If it finds its way underneath, the footing starts to shift. Everything else follows.
Fixing Drainage First
Before we ever rebuild a wall, we make sure the conditions around it will not destroy it again. That starts with drainage. Without a clear path for water to escape, even the best-built wall will eventually fail.
We install gravel backfill, proper sloping behind the structure, perforated drainpipes when needed, and weep holes for ventilation and water escape. If the project allows for it, we may redirect surface runoff away from the structure as well. Every project is different, but the goal is always the same: make sure water does not sit behind or beneath the wall.
Structural Repair and Reinforcement
Once we have addressed drainage and soil issues, we turn to the wall or structure itself. If the lean is mild and the wall is still structurally sound, we may be able to reinforce it using tie-backs or hidden anchors. In other cases, partial or full teardown is necessary to rebuild the wall from the footing up.
We pour deep concrete footings when needed, set proper reinforcement inside the wall, and rebuild using materials suited to the site. For historic or decorative structures, we salvage and reuse the original brick wherever possible to maintain visual consistency.
If we are dealing with a failing brick column, fence, or porch feature, we inspect the mortar and integrity of the bricks themselves. Repointing might be enough in some cases, but more often we need to stabilize the base and rebuild sections with new support underneath.
In short, we build it like we were going to live with it ourselves. No shortcuts.
Matching Materials and Preserving Style
We take brick matching seriously, especially in historic neighborhoods where mismatched repairs stand out for all the wrong reasons. We do not rely on generic big box materials. We use reclaimed brick when necessary or carefully match the color, size, and texture to blend the old with the new.
Even if we are tearing down a failed wall, we salvage as much of the original brick and stone as possible. We cut clean transitions between old and new work, and make sure the pattern, joints, and finish are consistent. This is one of the reasons people in Des Moines call us specifically. We understand that a wall needs to hold weight, but it also needs to look right when it is done.
Preventing Future Problems
Every fix we do comes with long-term stability in mind. Once the wall or structure is standing strong again, we look at the surrounding landscape and make final adjustments to prevent the same problems from creeping back in. That could mean adjusting grading, trimming nearby tree roots, sealing exposed surfaces, or coaching homeowners on proper seasonal maintenance.
We are not trying to patch your wall for a year or two. We want it to last for decades. And if something was built poorly the first time, we will not repeat those mistakes in the rebuild.
Clear Communication from Start to Finish
We do not make promises we cannot keep. If your wall needs to come down, we will tell you. If it can be fixed without a full teardown, we will explain why. You will know the cost before we begin and the timeline it will take. We work clean, we stay on schedule, and we keep you in the loop until the final cleanup is done.
This work can be disruptive, but we minimize that as much as possible. We know this is your home, and we treat the job with the respect it deserves.
Call Brickwork Brigade Des Moines
Leaning walls and crumbling brick structures do not correct themselves. Waiting often leads to more damage and higher costs. If you have noticed bowing, shifting, or separation in any of your masonry structures, now is the time to take a closer look.
At Brickwork Brigade Des Moines, we handle repairs with the care and expertise your property deserves. Let us come take a look, identify the problem at its source, and give you a solution that stands the test of time. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
