A retaining wall is a vertical structure that
holds back soil to prevent erosion and create level areas in a landscape
. Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, wood, and stone. Both the construction method and materials will have an impact on the durability and stability of the wall.
What do you put behind a retaining wall?
Backfill refers to the dirt behind the wall. In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (
gravel or a similar aggregate
) should be installed directly behind the wall. Compacted native soil can be used to backfill the rest of the space behind the wall.
How do you know if you need a retaining wall?
- You Suffer from Downhill Erosion. If you don't work to control downhill erosion, you will have significant issues on your hands. …
- You Have Water Runoff. …
- There Are High Winds in Your Area. …
- Make Better Use of Your Property. …
- Get the Best to Build a Retaining Wall.
Does a retaining wall need a footing?
A buried structural footing is usually required for larger retaining walls
. To create this, a landscaper pours concrete below frost level (the depth to which the ground will freeze during the winter). Footings poured too shallow are prone to shifting and moving if moisture in the soil freezes and heaves.
WHY DO retaining walls fail?
A retaining wall will fail
when it is unable to withstand the force on it created by the soil behind it
. … Water is heavy, and as it builds up in the soil behind the wall the force acting on the wall dramatically increases. At some point, that force may exceed the capacity of the wall and cause the wall to fail.
What is the cheapest type of retaining wall?
The cheapest type of retaining wall is
poured concrete
. Prices start at $4.30 per square foot for poured concrete, $5.65 for interlocking concrete block, $6.15 for pressure-treated pine, and about $11 for stone. Installation or supplies, such as drainage stone or filter fabric, are not included.
What is the easiest retaining wall to build?
For the average do-it-yourselfer, building a retaining wall is easiest when using
masonry blocks
that will be stacked no taller than three feet, with no mortar binding the stones or concrete members.
At what height do you need a retaining wall?
On average, most retaining walls are
between 3 and 4 feet high
. This is optimal because it doesn't require any anchors, or expensive engineering methods, though in some cases the wall must be higher. Variables that affect the height of your retaining wall include: Extreme heights.
What slope requires a retaining wall?
The wall should lean into the hill at a
minimum of 1 inch for every 12 inches of height
in order to maintain a safe load on the wall. This can also help with the drainage when the soil becomes saturated.
How much does it cost to replace a retaining wall?
| Service Cost | Land Grading Cost $900 – $3,000 total | Equipment $160 – $230 per day | Materials $3 – $40 per sq. ft. | Labor $50 – $75 per hour |
|---|
A typical footer is
twice the width of a wall and equal in depth to the wall's width
. The footer should rest on a 6′′ gravel base set below the frost line.
Do you need landscape fabric behind retaining wall?
Whether the wall is made from stones, bricks or wood, it is important to provide a barrier between the building blocks and the soil. …
Landscape fabric is thin and sturdy
and is a simple way to preserve a retaining wall's construction.
What is the most common retaining wall failure?
Poor drainage
One of the most frequent causes of retaining wall issues is
saturated soils
. Pressure is dramatically increased when water is allowed to saturate the soil or the backfill. Wet soil is heavier than dry soil and it can put a strain on the retaining wall if it is not designed to handle that increased weight.
Does insurance cover retaining walls?
For the purposes of a homeowner's insurance policy, a retaining wall is considered a detached structure and
is therefore covered for a variety of losses
, such as damage caused by fire, lightning, wind and vehicles. … Therefore, if your home is covered for $100,000, your retaining wall is covered for $10,000.
How long do retaining walls last?
A concrete retaining wall can be expected to last anywhere from
50 to 100 years
. Meanwhile, a brick masonry wall can be expected to last at least 100 years, though the quality of the work will play a role here.
Which retaining wall is best?
Concrete and Masonry Retaining
Walls
Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.
