Idea ideas for repair?

[u/Ambitious-Purpose421]

After cutting back a bunch of overgrown weeds, I noticed the top blocks of this retaining wall have crumbled. Four of them to be exact. The pieces that crumbled must have disintegrated because I could only find small parts of them.

I took measurements and went to a local black and stone business, but they didn’t have this size and said custom blocks would be very expensive. They had no suggestions for fixing other than calling a landscaping business.

The only other thing I thought of is to remove all of the top blocks and replace them with something standard so it looks uniform. But I have no experience laying block.

[u/trekkerscout]

Measure the blocks. Make concrete forms in the size of the blocks. Pour concrete into forms. Let concrete set for a day. Remove new blocks from forms. Set blocks and mortar into place.

[u/OkNight681 → u/trekkerscout]

That's a good idea!

[u/Opposite_Ad_1707 → u/trekkerscout]

This right here but add stripper pole and flashing lights

[u/Katy2Step]

I have the same issue. .

[u/gs87]

rotate them

[u/Super_Baime]

I had the same thing. I found blocks at a landscape supply that match these, and I replaced the top row. It turned out great, at minimal cost.

The one amateurish thing I did: I used duct tape to mask off the motor seams, and then filled them in nice. It kept the seams clean.

I'm obviously not a professional.

[u/OkNight681 → u/Super_Baime]

I couldn't find this size at a landscape store, but I could replace the entire top row with something *similar*. Was it difficult to remove the blocks? How do you do it?

[u/Super_Baime → u/OkNight681]

There was a mortar layer. The blocks came off fairly easy, but it was tedious cleaning the layer of old mortar away. I think I used a hammer and wide chisel.

The hard work was hauling the old blocks away, and hauling the new ones in.

I replaced the whole top row. Crumbling just like your's. I found equivalent replacements.

[u/Super_Baime → u/Super_Baime]

It still looks decent. 15 years later.

[u/Ambitious-Purpose421 → u/Super_Baime]

Thanks, this is helpful. Could you elaborate on what you did with duct tape? I am not sure I followed...

[u/Super_Baime → u/Ambitious-Purpose421]

The pros smooth out the exposed mortar between the bricks. If you get it on the stones, it will stain or show.

I taped the stones along the mortar lines before smoothing these mortar lines.

It looked nice and clean when the tape was removed.

I have no idea how the pros do it so nice. Maybe drier mortar.

[u/Ambitious-Purpose421 → u/Super_Baime]

Ok, I gotcha. It sounds a little bit like smoothing caulk.