Have you seen old movies with wild-west settings? That’s what Albuquerque looks like. It is a vast land of rugged beauty and jagged terrain - but with a modern twist. The sloping regions of the Sandia Mountains and the panoramic view of the Chihuahuan desert are truly eye-catching. To top that off, at the heart of the city flows the calm waters of Rio Grande River. But you'd also see skyscrapers, and everyone uses twenty-first-century technology. You’ll also be awed seeing modern cars lining historic brick roads.
Besides that, Albuquerque is also famous for its hot air balloons and green chile burgers. Don’t forget the famous Route 66! However, there are challenges in Albuquerque that often go unnoticed - or simply looked over. Haven’t guessed it yet? It is the city’s challenging topography!
Albuquerque is nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains. To the east, there is the Sandia Mountains. Go south and you have the Manzano Mountains. Because of this geography, the city has a diverse landscape. It’s common to find rolling hills and valleys. But if you look beyond its beauty, the land presents unique challenges for homeowners. The loose sand and unstable clay pose a threat to soil stability. Add to that the hard caliche that is ever present wherever in Albuquerque you may be.
Albuquerque’s soil varies widely depending on where you are at. If you live in the North Valley, the earth is rich in soil. This is a problem because clay expands and contracts depending on its moisture level. Due to the contraction and expansion, the soil, especially in slopy areas, becomes unstable.
Do you live in the East Mountains? The land in there is rocky and prone to shifting. How about the South Valley? Residents have to deal with sandy soil that is easily eroded by strong winds. You’d think that living in flat lands is advantageous. Well, people in West Mesa have to contend with expansive soil where foundation issues are quite common!
What is a retaining wall? Simply put, it is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it.
A retaining wall serves as a physical barrier to hold back the soil and/or water to prevent soil from shifting or moving around.
For residential and commercial properties in Albuquerque, this sturdy barrier is necessary. It offers a number of benefits. Btw, if you ever need one, call the best concrete company in Albuquerque to do the job.
First, it creates level areas for landscaping a lawn or garden. It is also advantageous when building a patio or other outdoor structures.
The second and most important one is that retaining walls keep landscape soil from eroding. They help stabilize slopes and land areas where landslides happen all the time.
The third benefit of retaining walls is that they provide security and privacy. The high walls act like a fence that prevents people from looking into your yard. This is useful in urban areas where you can prevent people from looking in from outside your home’s perimeter.
It’s fairly easy to tell if you need retaining walls. They are mostly used in sloping yards or areas prone to shifting and setting. If you live in North Valley and the East Mountains, this structure is highly recommended as it can protect your home from underground movement.
On the other hand, if you are aware of any foundation issues on your property, a retaining wall can help. Moreover, landscaping projects like terraces or level areas can benefit from retaining walls.
When choosing materials, there are a few things you need to look into. You have to consider your budget and design. You also have to factor in the purpose of the retaining wall.
In Albuquerque, you'll find a range of options:
Retaining wall installation can range from $17 to $70 per square foot (face foot). The wide gap in the price range is caused by many factors. The materials used and the complexity of the design are major contributors. There is also the local labor cost. If any excavation is to be done or heavy machinery is required, it may also add to the total price of the project.
Besides the actual construction cost, you also have to factor in local permits. Add to that the inspection and building fees. You might also have to pay sales taxes for the materials bought.
Now, you might think DIY is the best way to go to save some bucks. But ask yourself why you are building a retaining wall. Isn’t it to secure your home? If you do not have the experience or skill needed, wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of building one?
There are many construction companies out there. But a word to the wise: do not be blinded by a cheap quote or rely on an out-of-town big-shot contractor. These companies might not have the expertise or years of knowledge to build structures fit for Albuquerque.
It is best to find a local contractor with a solid name in construction. Find one that has built various concrete outdoor structures that have passed the test of time. When you hire a qualified contractor, you can save time and money and avoid headaches. You are also guaranteed a beautiful and functional space.
Insider tip: Get multiple quotes. Do not settle for the cheapest one. It is best to compare prices before making a decision. Check which one has the best offer backed by years of experience in building durable retaining walls.
Common Retaining Wall Problems and Solutions: Retaining walls are built to last for 50 to 100 years. But of course, they can encounter problems over time. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:
Retaining Wall Maintenance Tips:
Always inspect your wall for signs of damage. If you see cracks or spalling, call an expert right away. Take action before the damage becomes too big for simple fixes.
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