Albuquerque isn't exactly as flat as the delish pancakes served at Central Grill and Coffee House’s pancake on Central Ave near Old Town. Cradled by West Mesa on its western side and the Sandia Mountains on the east, the Duke City boasts a unique geography. But beyond its beauty, the geography comes with its own set of landscaping challenges, including backyards that look more like a ski slope than a relaxing space when you get home. If you are dealing with uneven terrain, you might be considering a retaining wall.
But don’ dive headfirst and start getting creative. For now, let us first break down what is a retaining wall and why it might be the much-needed solution to your property’s “sloping” challenge.
Picture your nice plot of land in - pretty, isn’t it? But a part of it slopes downward, almost like a mini Sandia Mountain in your backyard. It might be very interesting looking, but with it sloping downward, there’s always the possibility of it sliding and shifting, so in this situation, having one could be a lifesaver.
Retaining walls are like heavy-duty soil bodyguards. They’re placed in the most optimal spot to hold back the part of land that’s on a slope. Without it, that sloping land might cave in. It either slides downhill due to gravity, or it gets washed away by those horrid occasional Albuquerque downpours.
The good news is, once a wall is erected, you can start working on a level and secure area.
Sometimes, The Duke City throws a fastball, but other times it throws a curveball. No matter what it throws at you, here are sure signs that your sloping site is in need of a retaining wall:
- Losing the Battle Against Erosion: Is your once-lush slope starting to resemble a scene from the Badlands? Erosion is a telltale sign that your soil needs some serious support.
- Pooling at the Bottom: Water pooling at the base of your slope can be a recipe for disaster. A structure with a proper drainage system can prevent this issue.
- Uneven Ground: Is your property starting to resemble a funhouse floor? Uneven settling might indicate a need for a wall to stabilize the slope.
- Unstable Foundation: Cracks in your foundation due to pressure from shifting soil? A retaining wall could be the answer to preventing further damage.
Retaining walls come in different styles and materials, so by all means, go GAGA! The best part? Each comes with its own advantages:
- Concrete Block Walls ($7.50 - $9.90 per sqft) : It remains the most in-demand and proven material for building residential retaining wall in the market. Its affordability, ease of installation are the big draws. It also comes in various colours and textures, and may be fitted to any home style.
- Poured Concrete Walls ($39.50 - $44.50 per sqft): Want a strong and durable wall with a smooth finish? Poured concrete walls can offer an impressive look. However, poured concrete walls tend to have a higher price tag than concrete block walls.
- Natural Stone Walls ($23 - $85 per sqft): For a touch of the Southwest charm that Albuquerque is known for, natural stone walls are a beautiful choice. They seamlessly blend with the natural desert landscape but with a touch of luxury.
Knowing the installation price range per sqft is just the beginning. The total cost will still depend on several factors, including:
- Size of the project: The height and length of your wall will significantly impact the total cost. The taller your wall, the more amount of materials you will need, the more labor required, so, the more expensive your wall will be.
- Materials: Concrete blocks are easy to install and the least expensive. Natural stone is more high-end but definitely pricey, and poured concrete is in the middle-range cost with a smooth finish.
- Complexity of Design: Straightforward retaining walls are less expensive than those with curves or angles. If you want to add built-in features like planters, that adds to the total cost.
- Need for Drainage Systems: As an integral part of the wall system, an effective drainage system is needed for the wall to stay in good shape for years. The more sophisticated the drainage design is, the more expensive the total cost will likely be.
Here's why retaining walls might be the perfect addition to your Albuquerque property:
- Erosion Control: Retaining walls are your property’s ultimate erosion fighters. They prevent topsoil from washing away during heavy rains. Thanks to it, your landscaping remains healthy and your property looks its best.
- Leveling the Playing Field: Is that slope making creative landscaping impossible? A retaining wall creates a flat, usable area that is safe for you to plant desert flowers or build a patio.
- Added Value: Well-designed retaining walls not only improve your property's curb appeal, but also increase its value. It demonstrates forward thinking and gives you a larger ourdoor area.
Now that you know the signs, let's talk solutions! Here are some key things to keep in mind when tackling a retaining wall project:
Do:
- Hire a Professional: Unless you’re a hardscaping contractor, building retaining walls should not be turned into a DIY project. You need an experienced block wall contractor who has worked with Albuquerque’s sunny, caliche-filled soils prone to earthquakes, thanks to the many fault lines in the area. Find one with experience designing, building, and installing a proper foundation for the walls to support the hillside.
- Don't Forget Drainage: Just like our beloved Balloon Fiesta needs good weather, your retaining wall needs good drainage. Make sure there’s good drainage behind the wall to avoid build-up of water that might lead to wall-failure.
Don't:
- Go Rogue on the DIY: Safety first, amigos! Complex walls require professional expertise for a strong foundation, especially on steeper slopes.
- Let the Water Win: Remember that occasional downpour? Neglecting drainage can lead to big problems down the road.
- Ignore the Warning Signs: Don't let cracks, leaning, or erosion become permanent residents in your retaining wall. Fix any damage promptly as soon as you spot them.
Old our buildings may look, but we have modern-day building codes to follow. When building retaining walls exceeding a certain height, acquiring a permit is necessary. This ensures your wall is built to code, using the proper materials and following safety regulations.
A quick call to the City of Albuquerque's Planning Department can answer all your permitting questions and get you started on that wall project.
Just like any good Duke City resident, your retaining wall needs a little TLC to stay strong and secure. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections by a qualified professional to check for cracks, leaning, or signs of erosion. Early detection and repair can prevent major problems down the road.
- Drainage Duty: Don't let your drainage system become a forgotten hero! Regularly clean debris from drainage channels and gutters to ensure proper water flow away from the wall.
They can also be a game-changer for your property. These walls keep landscape soil from eroding and stabilize slopes, providing you a functional space at home.
Whether or not your slope cries out for a retaining wall, don’t hesitate to contact the best New Mexico-licensed concrete contractor Albuquerque has for help. With proper planning, construction, and maintenance, your retaining wall will protect your home for many years.