What makes a durable retaining wall? 4 parts to know

Retaining walls are so common in residential and commercial properties that most people barely notice when they see them. Retaining walls have an incredibly wide variety of purposes, including safety, aesthetics, and expanding a property's usable space. It is no wonder that these fixtures are used so frequently.

The root function of a retaining wall is to hold back soil in areas of a property with changing elevations. For example, a retaining wall would be used on the sides of a staircase or driveway that is dug into a hill or slope. Most retaining walls are both necessary and function as a design element in the property's overall aesthetic.

Many property owners consider building a retaining wall themselves, but this is not advisable. Retaining walls must be built correctly, or the soil which it is supposed to support will begin to move, damaging the entire structure. Retaining walls have critical components that should always be installed by a professional to avoid the wall failing in the future.

For example, one of the most important aspects of a properly-built retaining wall is planning for adequate drainage. If the retaining wall does not have a sufficient draining system, then the wall could crack, lean, bulge, and eventually fail entirely. Property owners should always seek the help of an experienced professional contractor to install a top-quality retaining wall.
 
Elements of a Retaining Wall

To better understand retaining walls and how they are built, it is essential to know the major components from which they are made. There are four basic parts that make up a functional and durable retaining wall, which are explained in greater detail below.

• Base. The base of a retaining wall is a critical component in keeping it stable and preventing sagging, cracking, and other failures over time. If the base is weak or installed poorly, the wall will not withstand the pressure of the elements and the soil for very long.
  The base of the retaining wall is usually located below ground level. How deep the base needs to be is dependent upon the height of the wall. Additionally, there are several types of retaining wall bases, and which one is right for a specific project depends on the kind of retaining wall being installed.
• Backfill. Backfill is the soil that is located behind the retaining wall. How the backfill is packed and installed behind the wall will have a significant impact on the retaining wall's drainage capabilities. Usually, retaining walls have granular backfill added to the soil before filling the space behind the wall. Doing this ensures the wall has proper drainage.
  Oftentimes there is more native soil packed on top of the granular backfill mixture. The additional soil is added to facilitate landscaping and planting once the wall is finished.
• Drainage. Retaining walls do not usually allow for much water flow, which means planning for drainage is a critical step in building a retaining wall. When retaining walls are built without drainage in mind, the results are catastrophic. Water will pool behind the wall, leading to bulges, cracks, and such significant damage that the wall is no longer able to be repaired.
  While granular backfill is a critical first step in planning for adequate retaining wall drainage, it is not the only thing that should be done. Retaining walls can also have perforated piping installed along the bottom of the wall to allow water to flow easily out from behind it. Another option is to build weep holes into the wall, which allow water to flow through it.
• Height. The height of the retaining wall is a critical factor in determining what kind of support structures it will need and its soil load capacity. Most residential retaining walls are between two and four feet tall. These lower profile walls do not typically require additional reinforcements to maintain stability.
  Retaining walls that exceed four feet usually requires a permit. Professional retaining wall contractors can help property owners determine which permit they will need and ensure the retaining wall is built in compliance with local building codes.

​Waterproofing the Retaining Wall

Proper drainage is essential, but water can still sit behind the retaining wall even if it is drained well. This water can cause mildew and rot to build up over time. Materials like wood and decorative elements like stucco and tile can quickly be ruined by rot and mildew.
To prevent this, professional retaining wall contractors will often install a waterproof membrane behind the wall. This membrane prevents moisture from damaging the wall and allows for better moisture control. 

Retaining Wall Design Ideas

Retaining walls can be a beautiful addition to a person's commercial or residential property. Some eye-catching and beautiful retaining ideas include:

• Wall Caps. Wall caps are fixtures that sit on top of the retaining wall to give it a refined look. Wall caps can also be extended to add extra surface area to the retaining wall.
• Water Features. Water features, such as a waterfall or fountain, can be added to a retaining wall, transforming it into a tranquil and beautiful accent on the property's landscape.
• Landscape Lighting. Accent lights and lighting fixtures can be installed on the retaining wall to enhance the design of the wall. This is a popular option for patios, decks, and other areas where people will spend time.

If you have a retaining wall project, don't hesitate to contact us at Langley Retaining Walls for a free consultation.