Poorly Compacted Soil
The most common mistake when constructing a retaining wall is not properly compacting the soil before installation. Uncompacted soil can quickly become saturated, leading to wall instability and potential failure.
Improper Drainage
If a retaining wall is not constructed with the right drainage system, it can lead to standing water behind the wall. This can cause pressure on the structure that could eventually lead to collapse.
Unsuitable Materials Used
When building a retaining wall, you want to use materials designed for this purpose, such as concrete blocks or poured concrete walls. Using wood or other unsuitable materials can often lead to failure.
Poor Design
Retaining walls should be designed with the proper angle of repose and height to provide adequate stability for the soil behind them. Poorly designed retaining walls will not be able to hold back the pressure of the earth, resulting in failure.
Incorrect Installation
Retaining wall construction must be done correctly, with all components properly installed and connected. If any parts are missing or incorrectly installed, it can lead to catastrophic failure when the weight of the soil puts too much stress on the wall.
Why Hire Professionals?
Retaining wall construction can be tricky and complex, so it’s essential to use a professional. If not done correctly, there is the potential for serious damage to occur. Issues such as incorrect drainage, poor soil preparation, and inadequate foundation are some common problems that may arise from improper retaining wall construction. Additionally, with laws changing constantly, it’s important to ensure your project complies with local regulations, or you could face hefty fines and penalties.
A professional has the knowledge and experience to build a safe, stable retaining wall that will last for years. Here are just some of the reasons hiring a professional is important when it comes to retaining walls:
Understand Soil Conditions
To build stable retaining walls, professional builders understand soil composition, drainage patterns, and other complexities.
Know the Appropriate Design
They’ll choose a design that is appropriate for your site and that keeps soil from eroding. Professional designers use slope angles, water flow, and soil composition to determine the best design.
Source Quality Materials
Professionals have access to high-quality materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions and natural disasters and know how much of each material is needed and which types are compatible.
Identify Proper Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for retaining walls to prevent flooding and soil erosion. Professionals have experience dealing with water issues in wall and landscape construction and know how to ensure proper drainage to avoid problems like flooding or soil erosion.
How We Can Help
Make your spring project simple and easy — hire Despres Landscape & Construction to build your retaining wall! With our expert knowledge, high-quality materials, and attention to detail, your project will be done quickly and correctly. Plus, you will benefit from our competitive pricing and friendly customer service. Contact Despres today for a free estimate and start making your spring project dreams come true.