What constitutes a
strong retaining wall and why retaining walls fail?
These two questions go hand in hand, but one of the first
things to consider before you begin the process of building a retaining wall is:
who is going to be building the retaining wall? It takes a knowledgeable
contractor who has the appropriate training and qualified skills to construct
the right retaining wall for the intended need and location. Are they certified
or qualified to install the particular retaining wall you desire or that is
required? Some retaining wall manufacturers, such as Alan Block, require that
the installer be certified in order for the warranty to be valid. As a side
note, are they licensed and insured? You may want to make sure before you make
an investment that is intended to last for years. An unqualified contractor
could leave you in a worse position if the construction is not correctly
executed. Ask for reviews or take the time to visit sites that they have created
and don’t be shy to ask questions. A knowledgeable contractor will be able to
give you detailed information as to how they intend to build your retaining
wall, why they would choose to build it a particular way, what type of material
they intend to use and why, and explain what makes that design well suited for
your environment. A retaining wall should not be performed by an amateur and
should only be constructed by a seasoned professional contractor. That being
said, one type of construction does not fit all situations, as it depends on
several factors if you want to build a retaining wall that is going to provide
the strength and durability that will last for years to come and withstand the
test of time.
But before you go looking for the right contractor, you should
take the time to educate yourself about the main reasons why retaining walls fail.
This is as important as choosing the right contractor and is something that you
should know about up front before you seek to enlist the right contractor for
the job. Some of the most common reasons why retaining walls fail come from one
or more of the following issues: using the wrong material in the wrong environment
(some materials are flexible while others rigid); using material, such as Alan
Block, and not constructing the retaining wall according to the very specific
methods (such as using geogrid fabric where needed) that create its strength; improperly
backfilling the retaining wall (not compacting the gravel at an appropriate height
or depth); not using the appropriate gravel (some gravels are better than
others for water drainage) or material that is being used to backfill; not using
the appropriate drainage system (chimney style or another style) or not
locating it in the appropriate location of the retaining wall; not determining
the appropriate height or size of the retaining wall (some larger retaining
walls may require that you enlist an engineer to meet specific city or county
codes). These are just the most common reasons why retaining walls fail, but
the point is that building a retaining wall is very involved and requires the
expertise of a seasoned, often trained, and qualified contractor. Take the time
to choose right contractor and you should end up with a retaining wall that
will last for years to come without cracking or failing and provide you with
the security of a strong retaining wall that gives you peace of mind.
Nashville Bricks Masonry Contractors
725 Cool Springs Blvd Suite 600, Franklin, TN 37067
6152578027