When Do You Need a Retaining Wall? Find Out Here!

The rugged desert and sloping terrain are part of Albuquerque’s charm. But what do you do when it’s become a cause for concern? Do you leave your home and find a new place, or find a solution so you can stay?

Albuquerque is surrounded by mesas, valleys, and arroyos (fancy word for those dry washes we all know and love). As lovely as they are, they throw some unique curveballs at our landscaping dreams. Don’t worry, challenges from elevation changes can be handled by a retaining wall.

But when’s the right time to give your backyard a makeover with a retaining wall? Here’s when you need a retaining wall:

• Slope Stability and Erosion:  “The Duke City” sees an average of 9 inches of rain every year. It can cause significant concerns in the many sloping areas around Albuquerque. It’s especially evident in neighborhoods like High Desert and Tanoan East. With retaining wall, soil won’t easily slip or move. This averts erosion and landslides during the monsoon season. It protects the soil, your property, and the foundation from damage. 

• Creating Usable Space: A slope could also prevent you from using areas of your property. Retaining walls can transform unusable surfaces into flat areas. Once a sturdy retaining wall’s been installed, start planning what to do with your patios, gardens, or fire pits. It’s a popular option in neighborhoods with higher elevations, like Atrisco Heights and Cibola. Residents often have to deal with small, flat spaces and cannot maximize their properties’ stunning mountain views.

• Property Lines and Privacy:  Retaining walls can be used to define property lines. It can also help create privacy barriers that are much-needed in sloped lots where regular fences won’t work. If your house is in Nob Hill and University Heights you’re most likely familiar with this issue. It’s the best solution for properties with varied cuts and layouts.

• Aesthetics:  Your retaining wall need not be a boring concrete monolith. You can always weave Albuquerque’s charm into its design!  Incorporate earthy elements and tones that complement the local architecture. Surround your yard with local rock and create a wall that blends well with the landscape. Retaining walls can be beautiful additions to your landscape. They come in various materials and styles to complement your existing architecture and create a more finished look.

• Caliche: Albuquerque has a secret weapon buried underground – caliche. This hardpan layer of calcium carbonate can be a real challenge for construction projects. When left unchecked, it can throw a wrench at your project. Since it’s highly compacted, it’s bad for retaining walls. It becomes brittle and prone to cracking when there are regular fluctuations in moisture content. Unless we can stop (or would want to stop) monsoon rains, then caliche will always pose a threat to the structural integrity of the structure.

• Permits and Local Ordinances: You’re going to have to clear some brush before that homestead gets built. Albuquerque, like most cities, has building codes designed to ensure safety and curb appeal, so get to your homework and get your permits. The process is painless, and with a quick call to the city offices, you’ll have the information you need to get started.

• Cost Considerations: A retaining wall is an investment. With that in mind, you have to be aware of how much it would cost and if there will be a good return on investment. The cheapest one can set you back several thousand dollars. If you’re in the bare-bones category, include taxes, permits, and inspection costs. Don’t forget to add the price of the material and labor (especially if you’ve got a whopping six-foot-deep caliche in  your yard!)
  
  
• Know Your Land Before You Break Ground: Before any construction starts, make sure your land has been assessed by a professional. Get to know the soil stability and your property’s drainage patterns. This process also helps find and avoid hidden underground utilities. Don’t skip this process to guarantee that your retaining wall is built on a solid foundation.

• Experienced Professional: You may be a DIY enthusiast - as most of Albuquerque - but for safety’s sake, skip this project. Let professionals handle it. Tackling a complex project on your own might not be the wisest move. Consult a licensed block wall contractor in Albuquerque familiar with our unique soil conditions and knows how to handle caliche.

Albuquerque is a landscape with a deep personality. When it comes to your retaining wall, why not reflect that spirit? Here’s a closer look at some popular options:

• Poured Concrete: If you are looking for durability and affordability, poured concrete is a good choice. Have it painted to add a pop of color or a use stamped finish for it to look like natural stone.
  Cost per sq ft: $39.50 - $44.50

• Adobe: The average 93° heat in summer in Albuquerque is a “thorny problem”. Using Adobe bricks that offer thermal mass can help regulate the heat. What’s more, these are locally sourced materials used in numerous houses.
  Cost per sq ft: $17 - $35

• Natural Stone:  Looking for a natural, rustic look? Local stone options like sandstone or flagstone blend seamlessly with Albuquerque's surroundings.
  Cost per sq ft: $23 - $85 (depending on the specific type of stone)

• Segmental Retaining Walls (SRWs): Versatility and ease of installation are what interlocking concrete blocks promises. With the various shapes, colors, and textures, create a wall that complements your landscaping.
  Cost per sq ft: $14 - $38 (depending on block style and complexity)

• Height of the wall: Taller structures may require a stronger material. Choose SRWs or engineered concrete blocks for a more stable structure.
  
  
• Slope grade: Nature stone and concrete are the winners when it comes to optimal load-bearing capacity. They are great options when handling steeper slopes.
  
  
• Drainage: All retaining walls must have proper drainage to prevent water buildup behind the structure. This factor should be considered during material selection and installation.

Don't forget to add that pièce de resistance - a piece of Albuquerque charm! You might want to use colorful Mexican-style tiles or plant native wildflowers around the base of your wall once it’s done. 

Make your backyard your personal version of the Balloon Fiesta every day of the year. No hot air balloons, but maybe you do have a solid view of them!

If you use the correct retaining wall material and add some of these local details, your Albuquerque backyard might just have the perfect retaining wall. Call your trusted concrete contractor in Albuquerque for a free estimate today.