Retaining Wall Cracking
Retaining Wall Cracking is a critical soil & foundation defect SURE inspectors have documented across 356 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Ellenbrook.
Causes
- The report does not specify causes for this crack; typically associated with minor settlement, soil movement, drying shrinkage, or material stress.
- The report does not specify causes for this crack; typically associated with minor drying shrinkage or slight building movement.
- Potential impact from tree roots affecting soil moisture and foundation
- Root growth from nearby vegetation causing pressure on the wall.
- Unspecified; possibly ground movement or soil pressure.
Symptoms to look for
- Retaining wall sections appear incomplete or poorly constructed
- Components of the retaining wall do not form a cohesive system
- Common cracks and settlement to pergola area pathways
- Very fine visible cracks on foundation wall surface.
- Visible cracks in rendered brick retaining wall.
Remedies
- Engage a qualified brick layer for repair.
- Rectification works are required to ensure the retaining wall system is complete, structurally adequate, and compliant with AS 4678. Works should be carried out by a qualified contractor.
- The report recommends consulting a structural engineer to determine the significance of any cracking and identify appropriate remedial work.
- Engage a qualified bricklayer or landscaper for advice and recommendations
- Engage a qualified brick layer for advice and recommendations.
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of retaining wall cracking in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
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Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Curated entries in Soil & foundation
- Curated 1–4/5Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
Large trees within the foraging radius of the dwelling - typically any tree within 3 m for small species, or within 10 m for large eucalypts - introduce two distinct risks: root-driven soil moisture fluctuation that causes differential footing movement on reactive clay, and a direct termite foraging corridor between a timber food source in the crown or root system and the building structure. Neither defect is always present, but the proximity constitutes a conducive condition that warrants ongoing monitoring.
- Curated 2–5/5Reactive Clay Soil Movement Affecting Foundation
Seasonal expansion and contraction of reactive clay soils causing cyclical foundation movement, wall cracking, and floor level changes. Prevalent in Sydney Western Suburbs and some Perth clay zones. Severity depends on soil class (H, H1, H2, E) and footing design adequacy.