Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Retaining walls do important work on your property. They hold back soil on slopes, prevent erosion, create usable flat spaces on hilly lots, and protect your foundation from water and soil pressure. A well-designed retaining wall can transform an unusable slope into a beautiful terraced garden or level patio area. It can stop your hillside from washing away during heavy rains. It can even increase your property value by adding functional outdoor living space.

Not all retaining walls are created equal. A poorly designed or constructed retaining wall can fail catastrophically, leading to collapsed structures, damaged property, and expensive repairs. The wall needs proper foundation depth, adequate drainage behind the wall, correct materials for the wall height, and appropriate reinforcement. Building codes in Greeley specify requirements for retaining walls based on their height and location. We know these codes and design walls that meet or exceed all requirements.

We have built retaining walls throughout the Greeley area and understand the soil conditions and drainage challenges common to our region. Our designs account for frost depth, soil composition, water table levels, and other factors that affect wall performance. Whether you need a small decorative wall for a flower bed or a large structural wall to support a driveway, we have the expertise to design and build it right.

Choosing the right materials for your retaining wall depends on several factors including wall height, soil conditions, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Each material has advantages and considerations. Here are the most popular options we install for Greeley property owners:

• Natural stone walls that offer timeless beauty and exceptional durability for any landscape style
• Concrete block systems designed specifically for retaining walls with built-in drainage and easy installation
• Brick walls that complement traditional home architecture and provide long-lasting structural support
• Poured concrete walls for maximum strength on challenging sites or tall wall applications
• Boulder walls using large natural stones for a rustic appearance on larger properties
• Timber walls for shorter decorative applications where treated wood is appropriate

Each material has different engineering requirements and installation methods. Natural stone walls require skilled masons who understand how to select and place stones for maximum stability. Concrete block systems need proper base preparation and correct backfill techniques. Brick walls demand precise mortar application and water management. We help you choose materials that match your aesthetic vision while meeting the structural demands of your site.

Every retaining wall project starts with a thorough site evaluation. We assess the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and any existing structures that might be affected. We measure the grade change and determine the appropriate wall height and configuration. For walls over four feet tall, we recommend having a structural engineer review the design to ensure it meets local codes and can handle the soil loads.

Proper base preparation is critical for retaining wall success. We excavate to below frost depth and install a compacted gravel base that provides stable footing and drainage. For taller walls, we may need to pour a concrete footing. As we build the wall, we install drainage pipe behind it to prevent water pressure buildup. We backfill with gravel that drains freely and compact the soil properly to prevent settling.

The finished wall not only holds back soil but also looks great doing it. We pay attention to details like consistent coursing, level caps, and clean joints. We make sure the wall ties into existing grades naturally. We leave your property clean and ready to landscape. Many clients combine retaining wall installation with custom patio construction to create complete outdoor living spaces. We can handle both aspects of your project for a coordinated final result.

Existing retaining walls can develop problems over time, especially if they were not built correctly in the first place. Recognizing warning signs early can prevent complete failure and save you money. Leaning or tilting walls indicate foundation problems or excessive soil pressure. Cracks in concrete or masonry suggest structural stress beyond design capacity. Bulging sections mean the wall is being pushed out by soil or water pressure.

Water issues often cause retaining wall failure. If you see water seeping through the wall face, the drainage system behind the wall is not working properly. Erosion at the base of the wall or washing out behind it points to drainage problems that need immediate attention. Loose stones or blocks that can be moved by hand mean mortar is failing or blocks are shifting. Any of these signs warrant professional evaluation.

Do not ignore retaining wall problems. A failing retaining wall can collapse suddenly, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt when water pressure builds up behind it. This can damage structures below it, wash out driveways or patios, and even threaten your home foundation. If you have concerns about your retaining wall, we offer free inspections. We assess the damage, explain what caused it, and provide options for repair or replacement. Our team also handles brick and stone repair for damaged retaining walls that can be salvaged.