Retaining walls face a lot of challenges due to the weather in Michigan. From heavy snowfall and spring thaws to summer storms and freezing temperatures, the region’s unpredictable climate can put a real strain on retaining walls. That’s why it’s so important to hire a professional masonry contractor in Macomb County and beyond to choose the right materials, ensure proper drainage, and expertly install these fixtures.
Whether your goal is to hold back a slope in your backyard or simply give your property a facelift, here are some tips on building a retaining wall that can handle Michigan’s four seasons.
Why Are Failing Retaining Walls Common in Michigan?
There are many things that can cause retaining walls to crack, lean, or collapse, such as:
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure behind the wall. This repeated freezing and thawing of water in the soil is a damaging cycle that can crack or shift walls over time without proper drainage or flexible materials.
- Low-Quality Materials: Sub-par materials cannot withstand repeated exposure to moisture and temperature changes. Stay away from cheap concrete or poorly constructed wood walls.
- Poor Drainage: Without a good drainage system, water can collect behind the wall and add weight. This hydrostatic pressure can cause the wall to bulge or fail over the years.
- Improper Footings or Base: A strong foundation is key to a lasting retaining wall. If it is not installed below the frost line or on compacted base material, the wall can shift as the ground freezes and thaws.
A Look at Retaining Wall Materials
From concrete blocks to natural stone, here’s a look at the most common materials used in the construction of retaining walls.
Concrete Blocks
A durable and popular choice for Michigan’s climate, engineered concrete blocks interlock, resist pressure, and allow for proper drainage without rotting or decaying.
Bricks
Offering a durable, timeless aesthetic for retaining walls, bricks provide structural integrity while blending seamlessly with traditional and modern landscapes.
Natural Stone
With timeless beauty and incredible strength, natural stone such as granite, limestone, or fieldstone walls can last for decades. They cost more than brick or concrete, though, and require expert installation.
Wood
While wood is cost-effective and rustic, it’s not a material that lasts very long in Michigan due to the risk of rotting and warping. If you still insist on a wood retaining wall, make sure to use pressure-treated lumber.
Installation Tips: Michigan Retaining Walls
You can choose the best material on the market but it could still fail if it’s not professionally and properly installed. A durable retaining wall in Michigan must include:
- Deep, Compacted Base: The deeper the wall, the deeper the base will need to be in order to remain below the frost line.
- Drainage: A layer of gravel and a French drain should be placed behind the wall to carry water away.
- Backfill: Gravel or crushed stone should be used as backfill, not soil, to prevent water retention behind the wall.
- Geogrid Reinforcement: For walls over four feet, geogrid reinforcement strengthens the structure by anchoring it into the hillside.
- Tiers: Rather than constructing a single tall wall, it’s best to build multiple shorter, terraced walls to more evenly distribute pressure.
Designs Throughout the Seasons
Retaining walls should be functional, to be sure, but they should also complement the landscape and add lasting beauty to your property. You may want to add:
- Integrated drainage outlets to keep staining and erosion at bay.
- Winter-hardy shrubs and plants on terraces or nearby beds.
- Textured or colored block options to complement the home’s exterior.
- Capstones for a finished look and additional protection against water infiltration.
In conclusion, retaining walls do so much more than just define a landscape—they defend against the natural elements. That’s why it’s important to build retaining walls with the region’s tough weather in mind, backed by quality materials and skilled installation.
Contact Mortar City Masonry
If you’re ready to install a retaining wall in Michigan that’s built to last, rely on the local professionals at Mortar City Masonry to do it right. Get a free quote and consultation when you contact us at (586) 533-1305.
