Retaining Walls

Understanding Retaining Walls

Retaining walls hold back soil and prevent erosion, often enhancing the look of your property. However, drainage is key; poor drainage can cause hydrostatic pressure, leading to wall failure. Typically you see retaining walls where there is elevation change in the grade of the property.

Why Retaining Walls Fail

• Poor Drainage: Without proper drainage, water buildup can crack or collapse the wall.
• Incorrect Materials: Substandard materials or insufficient reinforcement compromise the wall’s strength.
• Improper Footing: A shallow foundation/footing can cause shifting or tipping due to frost heaving it.
• Overloading: Excess pressure from soil, structures, or vehicles can exceed the wall’s capacity.
• Tree Roots: Roots can grow into the wall, causing cracks and instability.

Reconstructing a Retaining Wall

• Damage Assessment: Identify issues like leaning or cracking; professional help may be needed.
• Planning: Address previous failures, considering soil, drainage, and load requirements.
• Material Selection: Choose the right materials, such as concrete blocks, stone, brick, or timber.
• Drainage: Include solutions like gravel backfill or drainage pipes to prevent future issues. (1” to 2” rock is preferred)
• Reinforcement: Reinforce taller walls with rebar or geogrid to ensure stability.

Types of Retaining Walls

• Timber Walls: Durable and replaceable, especially when using treated lumber and I-beams. The reason replaceability is important on these walls is because the wood will eventually rot over the course of many years if not maintained properly. The I Beam solution makes the lumber easy to replace for the next person that may need to replace it.
• Masonry Walls: Concrete blocks with reinforcement bars and proper footings offer stability and aesthetic appeal.
• Manufacturer-Specific Blocks: These come with warranties but require careful installation to meet specs.

Choosing an Experienced Professional

• Check Qualifications: Ensure the contractor is experienced and insured.
• Evaluate Knowledge: The contractor should explain project challenges, solutions, and understand local codes.
• Transparency: Look for clear communication about costs, timeline, and materials.
• Root Cause Analysis: Ensure the contractor can explain why the old wall failed and how they’ll prevent future issues.
• Check Google Reviews: Look for feedback from previous clients to gauge the contractor’s reliability and quality of work.

Risks of Hiring an Unqualified Contractor

• Structural Failures: An unqualified contractor may compromise the wall’s integrity, leading to potential collapse.
• Legal and Liability Issues: Poor workmanship can result in costly legal disputes and liability concerns.
•  Expensive Repairs: Cutting corners with an unqualified contractor often leads to costly re-dos and repairs later on.