Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

When Your Property Has Slope Challenges

Sloped properties create challenges. Erosion washes away soil. Water runs downhill where you do not want it. You lose usable yard space to steep grades. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil, controlling drainage, and creating level terraces you can actually use. Whether you need to stop erosion, create a level yard, or build a foundation into a hillside, properly constructed retaining walls make it possible.

We build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures throughout Silver Spring, MD. Since 2024, we have helped homeowners and businesses solve slope and erosion problems with walls that are both functional and attractive. We understand the engineering behind retaining walls and the local soil conditions that affect their performance. When you need a wall that will hold back earth reliably for decades, you need contractors who know what they are doing.

Why Retaining Walls Fail

You have probably seen failed retaining walls. Leaning, cracking, bulging, or completely collapsed. These failures happen for predictable reasons. Understanding what causes retaining wall failure helps you appreciate why proper construction matters so much.

Every one of these problems is preventable with proper design and construction. We design each retaining wall project for the specific height, soil conditions, and loads it will encounter. We install proper drainage systems behind every wall. We use appropriate materials and reinforcement. We build on stable foundations with adequate base width. The result is retaining walls that stay straight, stable, and functional for decades.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different types of retaining walls. Here are the most common types we install for residential and commercial clients in Silver Spring.

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Segmental concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining walls offer an excellent combination of strength, appearance, and cost-effectiveness. These interlocking blocks come in various colors and textures. They work well for walls up to 4-6 feet tall without requiring reinforcement. For taller walls, we use geogrid reinforcement that ties the wall back into the retained soil. Block walls go up relatively quickly and look great with minimal maintenance.

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

For taller walls, heavy loads, or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete cantilever walls are the answer. We excavate and pour a substantial footing, then build forms and pour a reinforced concrete wall. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or covered with stone or brick veneer for appearance. Poured concrete walls cost more upfront but provide unmatched strength and longevity for demanding applications.

Concrete Masonry Walls

Traditional concrete block or brick masonry creates attractive permanent walls. We build the wall with proper reinforcement, then apply stucco, stone veneer, or leave the blocks exposed depending on your aesthetic preferences. Masonry walls work well for both retaining applications and freestanding walls for privacy, enclosures, or architectural features around your property.

The Critical Role of Drainage

Drainage is the single most important factor in retaining wall performance. Water weighs about 60 pounds per cubic foot. If water builds up behind your wall instead of draining away, it creates enormous pressure that will eventually push the wall over. Proper drainage eliminates this hydrostatic pressure and extends the life of the wall indefinitely.

We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall we build. This includes perforated drain pipe at the base of the wall, gravel backfill that allows water to drain freely, and weep holes or drainage gaps that let water escape. We also make sure surface water is directed away from the top of the wall. These drainage details cost a bit more upfront but prevent the failures that would cost thousands to repair later. It is not optional if you want a wall that lasts.

Creating Usable Space with Terracing

Retaining walls do more than just hold back soil. They create opportunities to use sloped property that would otherwise be unusable. By building a series of terraced walls, we can create level areas for patios, gardens, parking, or lawn where there was previously just a steep slope. Each terrace provides functional space while the walls control erosion and drainage.

Terracing also reduces the height of individual walls, which means each wall is simpler and less expensive to build. Instead of one tall wall requiring heavy reinforcement, you get several shorter walls that are easier to construct and more visually interesting. We design terrace systems that maximize your usable space while working with your property's natural contours and drainage patterns. The result is functional outdoor space where you previously had an unusable hillside.

Frequently Asked Questions