Retainging Wall Construction

When it comes to retaining wall construction, it's important to be aware of many important factors to ensure that you are happy with it next month, next year and 20 years from now. To follow are many great tips on how to plan your project and things to be aware of and look out for when taking on a retaining wall construction project.

A retaining wall serves as an important component in a landscape designed to prevent erosion, gain space, and with-hold built up or existing grade to a property or site. When planning your retaining wall construction it is vitally important that it is built to exacting standards for both the material type and elevation level of the retaining wall. A critical factor in starting the construction is the base upon which the wall will be built. Determining the overall height and linear length will dictate how much excavation needs to be done. Factors such as disturbed soil or soil of poor quality will also determine how much gravel needs to be installed.

Compaction of that base will be crucial so that the base is solid. Next the loose gravel layer is installed above that rock solid base so as to cushion the rock or block material when setting the first course of stone both solidly and level. Once the first course of stone is in place, the next layers are in stalled accordingly on top of the next. Depending on the material you are building the wall system with, adhesive bonding glue and/or other clips may be required to be installed as layers are constructed.

Behind each level of stone, filter cloth is also installed so as to prevent gravels and earth behind the wall from pushing its way through the stone joints and undermining the integrity of the stone. After this, back filling with clear gravel is important for drainage. Permeable weeping tile should also be installed at the base course of the wall to all for moisture and water to escape from behind the wall. This will also help to alleviate frost damage and heaving over the changing of temperature and seasons.

Once the desired height of the wall is achieved, the top course level is set and all back filling and grading of soil up to the wall is completed. A well constructed retaining wall built to these standards should last 25 years or longer. If are in Southern Ontario and you'd like a professionally built retaining wall to the highest of quality standards contact Cedar Springs Landscape Group. We have years of experience in retaining wall construction and all aspects of landscaping for both residential and commercial projects. Visit our gallery and see some of the beautiful work that we've done. If you like what you see contact us for a no obligation consultation to get an idea of what we can create for you at (877) 349-3809 or email us at office@cedarsprings.net.