Retaining Walls

The most common cause of retaining wall failure is inadequate drainage behind the wall. Water builds up in the soil, creating hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall outward. Other causes include insufficient footing depth, lack of reinforcement, and walls that were simply undersized for the load they were carrying.

In Iowa, footings for retaining walls need to extend below the frost line (typically 42 inches or more) to prevent frost heave from destabilizing the wall. The exact depth and footing dimensions depend on wall height, soil conditions, and the load being retained. We size footings appropriately for each project.

Permit requirements vary by municipality and wall height. Many jurisdictions require permits for walls over 4 feet in height, and some require engineered drawings for taller walls. We'll let you know what's required in your area and handle the coordination as part of the project.

Yes. Tiered wall systems are an effective way to manage steep grade changes while keeping individual wall heights manageable. Each tier is properly spaced, footed, and drained. This approach also creates usable flat terraces in yards that would otherwise be difficult to landscape or use.