Modular Block Retaining Walls
Made from pre-engineered concrete forms, modular block retaining wall systems combine durability and affordability. Rows of modular blocks and caps are used to create new and replacement retaining walls. Available in many colors, styles, sizes and shapes, concrete modular block will blend into just about any environment.
The modular block used for retaining walls over three feet in height should have a heavy-duty rating by the manufacturer and each block should weigh at least sixty pounds. Modular block can also incorporate attractive steps and stairways that are either rounded or squared in design. Reputable companies will deliver a sample block and cap for your approval.
If built correctly, modular block retaining wall systems are very stable and long lasting; however, that is only if they are built correctly! The simple fact is, hundreds of residential and commercial modular block retaining walls are not being built correctly and failure rates are rising as a result.
Avoid the disasters of collapsed retaining walls by requesting at least three quotes by reputable retaining wall companies. Verify each has been building retaining walls for at least ten years in your area, are licensed and insured, and provides references unsolicited with their estimate.
When you have made your choice, request a COI (certificate of insurance) and confirm the name of the company matches. The COI will verify that you are a “certificate holder” should anything go wrong during the construction of your retaining wall.
Retaining Wall Height Restrictions
Check your local city hall or county courthouse for modular block retaining wall building height restrictions. Be sure to verify whether an engineer’s plan is required to obtain the necessary building permits.
Is Modular Block a Good Material for Retaining Walls?
When built according to the engineering plan, modular block is a highly-effective retaining wall material for the money. However, none of the value of modular blocks is lost on the appearance, which only worsens over time. That is why modular block should not be used where it will be seen. In fact, most upscale HOA’s as well as many cities and counties have banned the construction of modular block retaining walls where they can be seen from the street.
Is Modular Block Safe for Retaining Walls?
When built without following an engineer’s plan, modular block retaining walls often collapse causing damage to areas above and below the wall. When improperly built to produce gravity walls, the collapse can be even more severe with an explosive force which shoots the eighty to ninety pound blocks up to thirty feet away as if by catapult.
Is Modular Block Attractive?
To say the appearance of a modular block retaining wall does not age well is an understatement. It is an unintended consequence of its pervious construction. The tiny pores built into the block minimize hydrostatic pressure by allowing moisture from behind the wall to pass through each block and trickle down the face of the block. This porous construction is both the greatest strength and weakness of the modular block. Because the moisture passes to the face of the modular block it becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew and efflorescence stains. Thousands of complaints are made each year about the unappealing look of modular block retaining walls following the first heavy rain. Other complaints for modular block include mold breeding and then spreading into outdoor living areas. Modular block retaining walls reeking of sour and sickly-sweet smelling mildew causing nausea and health concerns with children have also been reported.
Where to Build Modular Block Retaining Walls?
The best place to build retaining walls is where no one will see the them. To avoid the smell of mildew, the spread of unhealthy mold the use of modular retaining wall block should be at least twenty feet away from homes, children’s play areas and outdoor living areas.
The best place to build retaining walls is where no one will see the them. To avoid the smell of mildew, the spread of unhealthy mold the use of modular retaining wall block should be at least twenty feet away from homes, children’s play areas and outdoor living areas. Wherever you build a retaining wall with modular block, you may minimize the likelihood of a collapse by hiring a professional retaining wall company with a local structural engineer who specializes in retaining wall construction to evaluate the site and design a tailored engineering plan. Next, verify that the retaining wall company’s engineering plan will be approved by the city or county engineering department.
During the retaining wall construction, ensure site inspections are being conducted and approval stamps are being attached to the building permit. Finally, request your certification letter from the engineer and close the building permit having the city or county issue the final inspection signature. If all steps are completed as shown, certified modular block retaining walls can be a cost-effective retaining wall solution.
