Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Retaining Walls That Protect Your Property

If your yard slopes, you face challenges. Water runs downhill and erodes soil. Landscaping is difficult. Usable flat space is limited. Retaining walls solve these problems. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create level terraces, and turn sloped yards into functional outdoor spaces.

We build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures for residential and commercial properties throughout Fond du Lac. Our walls are engineered to handle the forces involved. Retaining walls are not just stacked blocks. They need proper foundation, drainage, and reinforcement to last. A poorly built wall fails within a few years. A properly built wall lasts decades.

We also handle all types of concrete masonry work including block walls, concrete pillars, outdoor kitchens, and structural masonry. Whether you need a functional retaining wall, a decorative garden wall, or structural masonry for a building project, we have the skills and experience to build it right.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different wall types. Here are the retaining wall options we install:

• Concrete block retaining walls: These use interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining walls. They are strong, durable, and come in various colors and textures. Block walls work well for heights up to 4 to 6 feet. They are the most common residential retaining wall type.
• Poured concrete retaining walls: For taller walls or situations needing maximum strength, poured concrete is the best option. We build forms, add reinforcement, and pour concrete to create solid walls. These can be left with a natural concrete finish or faced with stone or brick.
• Stone veneer walls: These combine the strength of concrete or block with the beauty of natural stone. We build a concrete or block wall and then apply natural stone facing. You get the elegant look of stone with the durability of concrete.
• Tiered retaining walls: For steep slopes, multiple shorter walls work better than one tall wall. Tiered walls create terraced levels in your yard. They cost less than tall single walls and are easier to build properly. They also look more natural.
• Garden walls and borders: Not all walls need to retain soil. Short decorative walls define garden beds, create seating areas, or add visual interest to flat yards. These need less engineering but still require proper construction.

Why Retaining Walls Need Proper Engineering

Retaining walls hold back tons of soil. The pressure from that soil is constant and increases with wall height and slope steepness. Walls that are not properly designed and built will fail. Here is what goes into a properly engineered retaining wall:

Foundation: Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation below the frost line. In Wisconsin, that means going down at least 48 inches. The foundation must be level and properly sized for the wall height. Without adequate foundation, walls tilt, crack, or collapse.

Drainage: Water buildup behind retaining walls creates pressure that pushes walls over. Every retaining wall needs drainage. We install drainage aggregate behind the wall and drainage pipe at the base to carry water away. Proper drainage is not optional. It is essential.

Reinforcement: Taller walls need reinforcement. For block walls, this means geogrid layers extending back into the soil. For concrete walls, it means rebar embedded in the concrete. The type and spacing of reinforcement depends on wall height and soil conditions.

Batter and setback: Retaining walls should not be perfectly vertical. They need slight backward lean called batter. This helps them resist the forward pressure from soil. Many block systems have built-in setback to create this angle automatically.

Soil considerations: Different soil types exert different pressures. Clay soil holds water and creates more pressure than sandy soil. We evaluate your soil and design walls appropriately.

For walls over 4 feet tall or walls in challenging conditions, we work with structural engineers to ensure proper design. This is similar to how we handle complex foundation work. Engineering costs money upfront but prevents expensive failures later.

Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we provide comprehensive concrete masonry services for various applications:

Foundation walls: Concrete block foundation walls for homes, garages, and outbuildings. Block foundations are common in our area and work well when properly constructed with appropriate reinforcement and waterproofing.

Outdoor structures: We build masonry outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, and pizza ovens. These structures need proper foundations and construction to withstand weather and heat.

Structural walls: Load-bearing masonry walls for building additions, garages, and commercial structures. These must meet building codes and engineering specifications.

Decorative masonry: Brick or stone veneer over concrete, decorative columns, and other architectural masonry elements. These add beauty while providing the structural benefits of concrete and block.

Repairs and restoration: We fix failing retaining walls, repoint brick and block, replace damaged sections, and restore old masonry structures. Sometimes repairs work, other times replacement is necessary.

How We Build Retaining Walls That Last

Our retaining wall installation process ensures structural integrity and longevity:

We start by evaluating your site. We look at the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and what you want to accomplish. We determine the best wall type and location for your situation.

Next, we excavate for the foundation. This includes going below frost depth and creating a level base. We install compacted gravel foundation material. The first course of blocks or the concrete footing must be level and solid.

As we build the wall, we install drainage aggregate behind it. We place drainage pipe at the foundation level to carry water away. We add reinforcement layers at appropriate heights if needed. Each course of blocks must be level and properly seated.

We backfill behind the wall with appropriate material. The top course is often capped with capstone blocks for a finished look. We ensure water drains properly both behind and away from the wall.

For terraced walls or walls integrated with patios or walkways, we coordinate all the elements to work together as a system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls and Concrete Masonry