Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Mount Vernon Properties Need Retaining Walls

Sloped yards create challenges. Soil erodes, water runs where you don't want it, and you lose usable space. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas. They prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and turn unusable slopes into functional outdoor spaces. Professional retaining walls in Mount Vernon handle our weather extremes and prevent soil movement year after year.

Beyond function, retaining walls add structure and beauty to your landscape. They define spaces, create terraced gardens, and add architectural interest to your property. A well-built retaining wall increases your property value by making your yard more usable and attractive. The key is building them right so they last for decades without failure.

Benefits of Concrete Retaining Walls

Here's what quality retaining walls and concrete masonry provide:

• Prevents soil erosion and slope failure
• Creates level, usable space on sloped properties
• Manages water drainage and prevents flooding
• Protects structures and foundations from soil pressure
• Adds curb appeal and defines landscape areas
• Lasts decades with minimal maintenance
• Increases property value and usability

How We Build Retaining Walls

Site Assessment and Design

We start by assessing your site's slope, soil conditions, and drainage patterns. Wall height and soil type determine the wall design and reinforcement needs. For walls over 4 feet tall, we often work with engineers to ensure proper design. We plan for drainage behind the wall because water pressure is the main cause of retaining wall failure.

Foundation and Base

Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation. We excavate below the frost line and pour a concrete footing. The footing size depends on wall height and soil conditions. Taller walls need wider, deeper footings. We level the footing carefully because everything above it depends on this base being right. For some walls, we also add a gravel drainage layer at the base.

Wall Construction

For poured concrete walls, we install forms and reinforcement, then pour the concrete. Rebar placement is critical for wall strength. For concrete block walls, we build course by course, filling cells with concrete and reinforcement as we go. We ensure the wall stays plumb and level as we build. Each type of wall has specific techniques that ensure long-term stability.

Drainage System

We install drainage pipe at the base of the wall and backfill with gravel. This allows water to drain away instead of building pressure against the wall. Weep holes in the wall face let water escape. Proper drainage is not optional. Without it, even the strongest wall will eventually fail from water pressure. We also grade the area to direct surface water away from the wall.

Backfill and Finishing

We backfill behind the wall in layers, compacting as we go. This prevents settling that could stress the wall later. For exposed walls, we can apply stucco, stone veneer, or other finishes to improve appearance. Some walls look good with just the concrete or block exposed. We cap the wall top to shed water and protect the core.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength and work well for any height. They're smooth and can be formed to create curves or custom shapes. Concrete block walls use reinforced concrete blocks and are cost-effective for many applications. Stone veneer walls combine concrete structure with natural stone facing for an attractive appearance.

For shorter walls under 3 feet, we also work with segmental retaining wall blocks. These interlock without mortar and work well for garden walls and terracing. The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, desired appearance, and budget. We'll recommend the best option for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls