Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Types of Walls We Build

Different situations require different wall solutions. We design each project based on your site conditions, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Here are the options:

• •Concrete Block Walls: Durable and economical, perfect for utilitarian applications
• •Decorative Block Walls: Attractive textured blocks that look like natural stone
• •Poured Concrete Walls: Maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loads
• •Boulder Walls: Natural stone appearance using large boulders
• •Garden Walls: Lower walls for landscaping and raised planting beds

When You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls prevent soil erosion on slopes and hillsides. Without proper support, rain washes away topsoil and creates gullies. This erosion undermines driveways, foundations, and landscaping. A well-built wall stops this damage and protects your property.

Creating Usable Space

Sloped yards waste valuable property. Retaining walls create level terraces where you can install patios, play areas, or gardens. Terracing a hillside turns unusable space into outdoor living areas that add function and value to your home.

Structural Support

Properties built on hills often need walls to support driveways or foundation areas. These structural walls require engineering to handle the load and prevent failure. Connecticut's freeze-thaw cycles make proper wall design even more critical.

Design and Engineering Considerations

Retaining walls do more than hold back dirt. They resist tremendous pressure from soil, water, and frost. Poor design leads to tilting, cracking, or complete failure. We engineer walls correctly from the start.

Wall height determines design requirements. Walls under 4 feet typically use standard construction methods. Taller walls require engineering calculations, deeper footings, and reinforcement. We determine what your project needs based on height, soil type, and load.

Drainage is critical for retaining walls. Water trapped behind a wall creates pressure that pushes it over. We install proper drainage systems including gravel backfill and weep holes that let water escape. This drainage prevents buildup that causes wall failure.

For taller walls or complex projects, we work with structural engineers to ensure proper design. This professional input prevents problems and ensures your wall performs as intended.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Every wall starts with a solid foundation. We excavate below frost depth and pour a concrete footing that provides a stable base. This footing prevents settling that would crack or tilt the wall.

For block walls, we lay courses of masonry units with proper mortar joints and reinforcement. Steel rebar ties the wall together and increases strength. Poured concrete walls use forms, rebar, and high-strength concrete mix designed for structural applications.

As we build, we install drainage systems behind the wall. Gravel backfill allows water to drain down to weep holes at the base. This drainage prevents water pressure from building up behind the wall.

We also install other concrete features like patios and walkways. Check our complete list of services to see everything we offer.