When Do You Need A Retaining Wall - When Sloping Gets The Better Of You

Situated at the heart of the State of New Mexico, Albuquerque is a lively city that is known for its stunning desert landscape, diverse cultures, and unique climate conditions. It is a magnificent place where the old West meets the modern world. Now, although it seems perfect, this parched beauty we call home comes with its own specific challenges. Besides the parched, arid land, we have to deal with the constant heat of the sun. There is also the usual soil erosion and slope unsteadiness. The good news is that we have retaining walls that can help with problems we regularly face in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque is not like most states. Having high elevation and being on the tip of the Chihuahua desert, it has unique climate conditions. This leaves outdoor structures at risk of early deterioration. Moreover, with Albuquerque located in a basin surrounded by the Sandia Mountains to the east and the Manzano Mountains to the south, it is naturally prone to soil movement when storms hit.

But don’t worry – for every problem, there’s always a solution. In this case, a retaining wall might solve the issue. Here are a few reasons why bulkheads are great for your Burque home.

• Signs of Soil Erosion: Call for professional services when you notice that your yard or lawn starts to physically change. When you see your flooring resembling a canyon, it’s time to call for professional help.
  
  
• Safety Solutions: A steep incline on your property can pose a threat to your pets or kids. Building a protective wall to prevent landslides can protect your family and property.
  
  
• Unsteadiness of Slope: A retaining wall could work as a lever when your property is in a slanted position. Even if it is just a little bit tilting, it is still best to have a professional assess your property.
  
  
• Challenges in Landscaping: Building a bulkhead can create a terraced tier that could make for easier landscaping in your backyard.
  
  
• Damage in the Property: When you notice cracks on your patio or driveway, a retaining barrier can be the best solution to prevent further damage. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse before doing something about it.
  

You need a retaining wall if your property is downhill from soil faultlines. It can prevent soil from falling down a slope onto your home. But when else do you need one?

Albuquerque’s unique environmental conditions affect the durability of your outdoor living space. Although known for its desert-like heat, the city also faces occasional monsoon rains and strong winds. Don’t forget the particularly clay-rich soil in areas like Highland Park and Nob Hill. These areas are prone to significant soil movement and instability. If you live in these areas, you need to address this problem immediately. 

Over the past years, Albuquerque homeowners have made a point to protect their hard-earned investments. How? Well, a concrete type typically solves the threat of natural and elemental challenges. For example, neighborhoods like Corrales and Los Ranchos have now transitioned from being urban communities to becoming rural counties. However, they had to deal with sloping terrain. To resolve this, durable and versatile retaining barriers are used.

Meanwhile, for those who are looking to enhance the appearance of their outdoor space, paver bulkheads could also be used. This is common in upscale areas such as North Domingo and Four Hills, where such walls offer a stylish alternative to a traditional installation.

Finally, to complement the Southwest aesthetic appeal, a natural stone retaining barrier is a great option. While usually more expensive, it definitely adds significant value to a property’s curb appeal, just like in the areas of Northeast Heights and Los Poblanos.

Pro Concrete Contractor Albuquerque - a reliable block wall contractors for all your retaining wall needs.

Several factors are to be considered when designing and installing a retaining wall for your Albuquerque property. It requires specific understanding of the city’s climate and geography challenges. Factors such as the city’s steep incline common in the areas under the Sandia Mountains, the flatlands of the West Mesa, or the varying soil conditions in Atrisco and Ponderosa, must be properly and carefully considered.

Also, installing a retaining barrier is not an easy task and should never be done DIY. It demands expertise and experience to do the job seamlessly. For this reason, a local contractor familiar with Albuquerque’s soil composition, drainage set-up, and building codes is necessary to guarantee the wall’s durability and safety. This is especially true if you plan to build a house in the historic district of Barelas or the suburbs of Albuquerque Heights - a well-installed retaining wall can significantly improve the overall impression of your property.

While it is true that concrete is durable, it is not invulnerable and may still deteriorate. Therefore, regular inspections are necessary to locate cracks or signs of erosion and prevent further spalling of the concrete surface. A proper drainage is also important to avoid standing waters building up behind your retaining barrier.

These walls are often necessary to protect your outdoor living space, especially in areas that are facing slope-related issues and soil erosion problems.

Deterioration of outdoor structures cannot be stopped. But it can be impeded with proper care and maintenance. If you identify the problem early on and take the necessary action, you can keep your retaining barrier in good shape for a long time. Doing so can save you from headaches and huge repair bills.

Q: What is the price range for constructing a retaining wall in Albuquerque?
A: There are many factors that could affect the actual price of construction projects. The size of the project, it’s complexity, materials you use, and even labor costs all add to the total price.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Albuquerque?
A: Yes, you will need a permit to construct a retaining wall. It's essential to check first with the Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development for the exact requirements.

Q: How long does it typically take to build a retaining wall?
A: It depends on the project’s size and complexities. Smaller walls might be finished in a few days, whereas larger projects could take several weeks to complete.

Q: Can I build a retaining wall on my own?
A: You can do it, but it would be ill-advised. Having a professional do the work has many benefits, including quick and safe installation, a well-prepped base, and a durable wall.

Q: What kind of drainage system is necessary for a retaining wall?
A: To divert water away from the wall and prevent water from building up behind it, a reliable drainage system is required. Generally, perforated pipes wrapped in geotextile fabric are used.

Q: How frequently should a retaining wall be checked?
A: Make it a habit to check your retaining wall after heavy rain or storms. Look for cracks, signs of bucking, or spalling. If you notice any problem, call a professional to check and assess your wall for possible structural issues.