Why Retaining Walls Lean in Colorado & How We Fix Them
Why Retaining Walls Lean in Colorado & How We Fix Them
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What’s Going Wrong?
Leaning retaining walls are one of the most common issues we’re called to fix in Colorado. While they might look fine at first, time reveals what’s missing behind the scenes — especially with the region’s clay soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and fast builds. This post breaks down the top causes of wall failure and how we prevent it in every installation.
1. Poor or Missing Drainage Behind the Wall
1. Poor or Missing Drainage Behind the Wall
The number one cause of retaining wall failure is water pressure buildup. When moisture accumulates behind a wall without proper drainage, it creates lateral force that pushes outward, causing the wall to lean or collapse.
Our solution includes:
3/4" crushed gravel backfill for excellent drainage
A perforated pipe system (French drain) to channel water away
Geotextile fabric to separate soil layers and prevent clogging
Proper slope design to direct water safely away from the wall
2. Shallow or Inadequate Base Preparation
2. Shallow or Inadequate Base Preparation
A retaining wall is only as strong as its foundation. Many walls fail because they rest on a thin gravel layer or directly on dirt, leading to instability.
Our approach:
Excavation to the proper frost depth for your region
Solid, compacted gravel base instead of sand or fill material
Ensures long-term stability and prevents settling
3. Wrong Material for the Height or Load
3. Wrong Material for the Height or Load
While landscape timbers or stackable blocks may work for short garden walls, they are often insufficient for walls holding significant soil or structural loads.
We use:
Structural-grade materials rated specifically for your wall height and soil pressure
Durable solutions designed to stand the test of time
4. No GeoGrid Reinforcement (When Needed)
4. No GeoGrid Reinforcement (When Needed)
Walls taller than 3–4 feet usually require geo-grid reinforcement — a strong mesh embedded in the soil behind the wall that anchors it securely to the slope.
Why it matters:
Prevents leaning or collapse caused by soil movement
Skipping geo-grid is a common shortcut that compromises wall integrity
5. Freeze-Thaw Movement in Colorado’s Climate
5. Freeze-Thaw Movement in Colorado’s Climate
In climates like Colorado, moisture behind retaining walls freezes and expands, causing shifting forces that worsen over time.
Preventative measures:
Proper drainage and backfill spacing
Thorough compaction to resist freeze-thaw cycles
Designed to minimize structural damage from seasonal changes
Summary: How We Ensure Long-Lasting Retaining Walls
Summary: How We Ensure Long-Lasting Retaining Walls
Proper drainage systems that relieve water pressure
Deep, compacted gravel bases for solid foundations
High-quality materials matched to your wall’s needs
Geo-grid reinforcement for taller walls
Design that accounts for local climate challenges
How We Fix Leaning Walls
How We Fix Leaning Walls
In most cases, repair means rebuild — but with the right base, better drainage, and reinforced construction. We also:
Regrade the slope behind the wall
Reuse materials where possible
Upgrade to structural block or boulder if appropriate
Related Services:
Related Services:
Want a Wall That Lasts?
Want a Wall That Lasts?
If your current wall is showing signs of failure — or if you want to avoid rebuilding in a few years — reach out. We’ll walk the site and give you honest recommendations.
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