Understanding Retaining Walls

Professional landscapers often build retaining walls that slant against the soil they aim to contain.

Most homeowners like to maintain a good home landscape using retaining walls. Yet, most homeowners don't have a good understanding of these structures and their importance. Retaining walls can offer support for yard terracing and prevent soil collapse.

Let's discuss the importance of retaining walls and factors to consider when setting them up.

Support

Professional landscapers often build retaining walls that slant against the soil they aim to contain. This step-back construction helps the wall balance against the soil pressure. Homeowners may need additional structural support if the ground is too heavy. Buried footings and tie-backs can help to keep the retaining walls from collapse. Expert builders can advise on the appropriate reinforcement for a retainer wall.

Base

The first step in creating a retaining wall is a solid base. Homeowners who choose to DIY this project must complete this step before proceeding. A proper base should begin below the ground level. The depth of the base should be determined by how high the homeowner wants the wall to go. As the wall's height increases, the base should deepen accordingly.

The setup of the base determines how stable the retaining wall will be. Homeowners can create a strong base using compacted soil and a good mix of sand and gravel. However, they should hire the services of an expert building contractor if they want to set up a large retaining wall. As they require a more complex foundation, hiring an experienced professional is highly recommended.

Backfill

After the retaining wall is built, there will be space left behind the wall itself. Most homeowners tend to fill it with dirt. This isn't advisable. Homeowners should fill the space with granular backfills, such as gravel, to improve drainage. Dirt will absorb water and create pressure on the back of the wall. This pressure can cause cracks, which could be costly to repair. DIY homeowners should fill the space with at least 12 inches of gravel, then add soil to fill the rest.

Drainage

Most retaining walls are impenetrable. Homeowners should consider drainage provisions to prevent hydrostatic pressure from building behind the walls. This pressure can cause bulging or cracking. Landscaping contractors can install perforated pipes to handle this issue. They can also add weep holes along the retaining wall to facilitate water drainage.

Height

Residential spaces typically adopt three to four feet high retaining walls. Walls of this height don't require reinforcement. Homeowners who need their walls to go higher should call in experts for the job. If this isn't possible, build a series of three to four-foot walls. This can help homeowners create a terraced effect.