Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Might Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here are some common reasons homeowners and businesses install them:

• Erosion Control: Stop soil from washing away during heavy rains and protect your landscaping and structures.
• Level Yard Space: Create flat, usable areas on sloped properties for patios, gardens, or play areas.
• Improve Drainage: Direct water flow away from your home and prevent flooding or pooling.
• Add Visual Interest: A well-designed retaining wall can enhance your property's curb appeal and define outdoor spaces.
• Support Driveways and Walkways: Hold back soil to create stable surfaces for concrete driveways and pathways on sloped lots.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We work with several types of retaining wall systems, each with its own advantages:

• Concrete Block Walls: Interlocking masonry blocks that stack together to create strong, attractive walls. Available in many styles and colors.
• Poured Concrete Walls: Custom-formed walls that provide maximum strength and can be finished smooth or textured.
• Natural Stone Walls: Beautiful walls built with natural stone for a rustic, timeless look.
• Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW): Engineered block systems designed for larger walls and commercial applications.

We'll help you choose the right wall type based on your budget, the height and length of the wall, soil conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. If you're also planning other concrete work, we can coordinate with our concrete slabs and flatwork services to complete your project efficiently.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Building a retaining wall requires careful planning and execution. Here's our process:

• Site Assessment: We evaluate the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and wall requirements.
• Design and Engineering: For taller walls, we work with engineers to ensure the design meets structural requirements and local codes.
• Excavation: We dig a trench for the wall footing and prepare the site for construction.
• Base Preparation: We install a compacted gravel base to provide a stable foundation and drainage.
• Wall Construction: We build the wall course by course, ensuring each row is level and properly aligned.
• Backfill and Drainage: We add gravel backfill for drainage and install perforated pipes if needed to prevent water buildup behind the wall.
• Finishing Touches: We cap the wall, clean up the site, and add any final landscaping or grading.

Retaining Wall Experts in Brownsville

We've built retaining walls throughout Brownsville and the surrounding areas. We understand the local soil conditions, which can include clay that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement can put pressure on retaining walls if they're not built correctly. We account for these factors in every project.

Whether you need a short decorative wall for a garden bed or a tall engineered wall to create a level building pad, we have the experience and equipment to handle it. We're licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship. When we finish your project, you'll have a wall that looks great and performs its job for years to come.

Maintaining Your Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are built to last, but a little maintenance goes a long way. Check your wall periodically for signs of movement, cracks, or drainage issues. Keep drainage holes clear of debris, and make sure water is flowing away from the wall as intended. If you notice any problems, call us for an inspection. Catching issues early prevents small problems from becoming big, expensive repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions