Putting up a retaining wall might seem simple, but it takes thorough planning and precision. When you build it well, it lasts a lifetime, but if you fail to carry out the project properly, it may not be more than a year before it starts cracking or even collapses, which can have awful consequences. To make sure your home in San Diego, CA is safe, contact your local retaining wall constructors for assistance. Expert builders will take care of every single step and provide you with a strong and lasting structure. In any case, it’s good to be aware of the mistakes you should avoid when building this supporting feature. Read on and find out what they are.
Why do retaining walls fall over?
Taking up this kind of project on your own is a wrong step, since there are many potential mistakes lurking and most of them become obvious only when it’s too late for corrections. Take a look at these 4 common mistakes:
Inadequate drainage
When the soil that the wall is holding is too moist, the wall’s functionality can be compromised. This is why an adequate drainage system is crucial in preventing excess dampness. The system includes several components depending on the type of wall you’d like to build, with the 3 main being the drainage rock, drainage pipes, and the installation techniques. An important factor you should also take into consideration is your climate.
Improper course leveling
The bottom row or the base course is crucial when building this structure. It sets the level for all the other courses that come on top, so you need to make sure it’s completely flat before you move on. You should even up each block side to side and front to back using a large level to determine if it’s smooth enough.
Improper use of geogrid
Geogrid helps the soil mass withstand a heavier load by reinforcing it, which is especially important for larger walls. Be careful not to mistake landscape fabric for geogrid. Both of these materials are solid, but the function of landscape fabric is different and can have the opposite effect, eventually causing the wall to collapse.Place the geogrid horizontally across so that its length is equal to the wall’s height. You should lay it down every 2 courses. If you need to increase its strength, you should increase the length of it.
Skipping permits and engineering
There are a lot of cases when building this kind of wall will require both a permit and an engineer to carry out the project. Two main factors are the height and the load. If the height of your wall exceeds 4 feet, or if there’s going to be a load on top of it such as a patio, shed, or any other structure, you’ll need to get a proper permit and hire an engineer.
Where in San Diego, CA can I find reliable retaining wall constructors?
Whether you’d like to boost your property’s curb appeal by putting up an attractive retaining wall, or you’re wondering why you would need one at all, Pacific Dreamscapes is here for you to answer any questions you might have. Our reliable and knowledgeable specialists always go out of their way to listen to your desires and fit them into a functional solution that will make your property unique. If your place of residence is close to La Jolla, or it’s in any other neighborhood across the region, our team of experts will make sure your back or front yard gets the treatment it deserves. Reach out to us today!
Where in San Diego, CA can I find reliable retaining wall constructors?