A retaining wall is one of the most invaluable and versatile tools out of all the landscape devices. They have been used for well over a thousand years now in the construction industry. Many of the gardens and terraces that you see today were constructed using retaining walls. They help improve walking access and can help to turn a property into a very aesthetically pleasing building. Retaining walls can also create some of the best real estates on the market.

You might have to pay a little bit extra for a good retaining wall build, but it is most definitely worth it. They say that you pay for what you get, and retaining walls are notorious for being frequently butchered and of poor quality. You must educate yourself to ensure you are aware of some of the most common retaining wall errors. Below are 5 of some of the most common retaining wall errors that are made and the issues they can cause.

Should You Be Building There?

If a retaining wall is higher than 4 feet, you need a city permit to be able to construct a retaining wall. You need file the soil permit application, engineer drawing and an engineer assurance statement so getting a permit is not always that easy.

The reason the rules are a little bit more strict for a retaining wall is they can often cause more of a hazard to the public and to you as the homeowner. For that reason, walls need to be safe.

Poor Wall Construction

Possibly the most costly error to make of them all. Poor construction of a retaining wall can have completely devastating results, and it often boils down to ignorance. Without the correct planning and implementation, it is impossible to construct a wall that is safe and will last for many years.

All retaining walls must have a sturdy base that is very compacted and a footer that is made correctly for the specific design of the retaining wall. A different technique will be used for the different types of retaining walls that are constructed. When constructing a retaining wall, it is vital to use the right materials with the right tools to get the job done properly.

Poor Drainage

A retaining wall is only going to be sturdy and durable if the hydrostatic pressure within the wall is sufficiently drained. If not, it will only be a matter of time before the wall breaks. Retaining walls should have a gravel envelope, different outlet points, a subsurface drainage system, and weep drains.

These need to be placed at specific intervals to drain the water properly. Most retaining walls are non-pervious, which means it does not allow a passage for any water. The materials used are usually concrete, brick, brick veneer, and stone. Sometimes a segmented wall is used as it allows more water to flow through due to the dry stacking of the material.

Leaving Collateral Damage

Although retaining walls are great, they do have their faults and so do the people constructing them. A lack of respect for the surrounding area can lead to serious environmental damage to the existing landscape.
Heavy equipment that moves tools and materials back and forth can damage the environment without proper oversight. Heavy machinery, gravel trucks, and even tractors are often also involved in retaining wall builds.

Poor Footing

If you have ever seen a retaining wall that is bulging out slightly, it will be due to poor footing and anchoring choices. The right footing determines the success of a retaining wall so, it is essential that the proper type of footing is being used for each retaining wall construction.

Need A Retaining Wall Built Right?

As you can see, there are a few things that can go wrong if you don't know what you are doing when building a retaining wall. If you want a retaining wall built right, the experts at Kelowna Retaining Walls will be more than happy to get the job done for you.

Kelowna Retaining Walls has completed many retaining wall projects in Kelowna and in the Okanagan of various sizes and we would be happy to talk to you today!

Retaining walls are landscaping structures designed to help keep soil in place. They're often made from rocks, concrete blocks, or similar materials. Though these walls are made for practical reasons, when they're properly integrated into the landscaping design, they can also boost how the property looks. This can help increase the property's value and they can be constructed for a reasonable price, even when made from high-quality materials. Learn more now about why a retaining wall is a good idea.

Enhances the Property's Value

Garden retaining walls can be customized to fit the property, improving the overall aesthetics. Retaining walls can be an effective way to make the space around the house more versatile, and if there is a plan to sell soon, it could be a way to help the home sell faster.

Low-Maintenance and Durable

A retaining wall can be a fantastic way to invest in the property, as the materials they're made from can stand up to almost any weather conditions. You won't have to worry about time or money repairing the wall, and there is very little maintenance needed to keep the retaining walls in great shape. Once they're installed, there is very little you'll have to do or worry about.

Adds Function

Retaining walls can withstand heavy weight against them, so they can help hold back water or soil. They can do this for long periods of time, so there's no need to worry about the weather causing the soil to move or the landscaping by the wall being damaged. Retaining walls can also be used to create garden beds or for vertical gardens.

Environmentally-Friendly

Since there is minimal disruption to the soil, grass, and other vegetation and a reduction in stormwater runoff, retaining walls are an eco-friendly option. The materials used are sustainable, affordable, and will last for many years. They'll also blend in with the natural surroundings, so they won't detract from the view, and provide the perfect place for creating a new garden.

Helps Stop Erosion

Retaining walls are perfect for reducing the potential for erosion. Caused by the weather in the area, erosion can end up ruining the landscape, causing sinkholes, or washing away fertilizers. All of these can be expensive to fix, not to mention difficult and time-consuming. Instead, with a retaining wall, everything is kept in place.

We Offer Landscaping Services and Retaining Walls

Kelowna Retaining Walls is a well regarded retaining walls company in Kelowna, BC and in surrounding communities throughout the Okanagan. We have the right expertise, experience, and resources to help you create and install a retaining wall anywhere on your property. If you've been looking into adding a retaining wall, talk to our team to create a solution customized for your yard and your needs. We make sure the project is done on time and within budget, and we can help you choose the right materials, decide on the right placement for the wall, and more. Contact us today to learn more about retaining walls or to discuss your ideas and see how we can help.