Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) offer an excellent solution for stabilizing slopes, preventing erosion, and enhancing the usability of your outdoor spaces. These walls not only provide structural integrity but also add aesthetic value to your property. At Genesis, we specialize in building retaining walls using Allen Block AB Classic, a premium, durable, and visually appealing option for homeowners seeking long-lasting, functional outdoor features.
Retaining walls are essential for managing soil erosion, leveling sloped landscapes, and creating terraced, functional outdoor spaces. Whether you’re working with uneven ground or adding multi-tiered levels to your property, a segmental retaining wall is an ideal solution. These walls help prevent soil movement, enhance stability, and increase the functionality of your landscape.
Retaining walls effectively manage runoff and prevent erosion on your property. By stabilizing slopes and redirecting water flow, these walls reduce the risk of soil erosion and protect your landscaping. Proper drainage is built into the design, ensuring water flows away from the wall and preserving its structural integrity.
Segmental retaining walls can transform unusable, sloped land into functional outdoor areas. By creating level surfaces, they allow for patios, gardens, and seating areas, effectively expanding your outdoor living space.
We begin by marking the proposed layout of your retaining wall using stakes and a string line or marking paint. This step ensures accurate positioning of the wall's front face.
The area is excavated to accommodate the wall blocks, drainage system, and geogrid reinforcement. The excavation depth and width vary depending on wall height and site conditions, but we ensure sufficient space for base material and backfill.
At the lowest point of the wall, we dig a trench 24 inches wide, with a depth consisting of:
a.) 6 inches for compacted base stone
b). 1 inch per foot of wall height for buried block embedment
We compact the trench thoroughly with a plate compactor to establish a stable
foundation for the blocks.
A 4-inch perforated drain pipe with a fabric sock is installed along the back of the trench at the lowest point. The pipe is pitched and vented every 50 feet to direct water away from the wall and reduce hydrostatic pressure.
A minimum of 6 inches of clean, angular #57 stone is placed in the base trench, leveled, and compacted, ensuring a solid foundation for the first course of blocks.
The first row of blocks is placed on the compacted base, with the raised lip facing outward. Each block is leveled side-to-side and front-to-back to ensure precise alignment.
After the base course, we fill the block cores and the area 12 inches behind the wall with compacted #57 stone for drainage and structural support. The remaining space is backfilled with soil in 8-inch lifts, compacted thoroughly. Geogrid reinforcement is added after the first course and every second course thereafter, extending into the slope to reinforce the wall.
The stacking process continues until the wall reaches the desired height. Concrete cap units are installed on top using a high-strength adhesive to provide a clean, finished look.
Allen Block AB Classic is made from high-quality concrete, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-term performance. These blocks are strong and stable, suitable for residential and commercial retaining walls, even those over 6 feet in height. The blocks offer reliable erosion control and structural stability for years to come.
The AB Classic block system is designed for easy, DIY installation. The interlocking blocks require no mortar, and their easy stacking minimizes labor and construction time. The raised lip and notch system ensures each block fits securely, creating a stable wall.
In addition to its functional benefits, Allen Block AB Classic offers great visual appeal. The blocks feature textured finishes that mimic natural stone, enhancing the appearance of your landscape. Available in a range of colors and textures, they allow you to match your design preferences, whether you're aiming for a modern, contemporary look or a rustic, traditional style.
With Allen Block AB Classic, you have the flexibility to design a wall that fits both your needs and aesthetic desires. The blocks can be stacked in various configurations to create curves, steps, and corners that perfectly suit your landscape. Whether you want a simple, straight wall or an intricate design, these blocks offer versatility in both function and style.
Stabilize hillsides, prevent landslides, and reduce water runoff. Essential for erosion control on sloped properties.
Transform a hilly or uneven yard into level, usable outdoor spaces for gardens, patios, or seating areas.
Use retaining walls to define different areas of your outdoor space, like raised garden beds, pool areas, or seating walls.
At Genesis, we specialize in creating custom segmental retaining walls that are both functional and visually appealing. Whether you’re looking to stabilize your land, enhance your landscape, or create a beautiful outdoor space, our team has the expertise to make your vision a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how Allen Block AB Classic can transform your outdoor living space. Let us help you create a durable, functional, and lasting retaining wall for your property.
In Wake County, North Carolina, retaining walls are subject to both state and local regulations to ensure safety and structural integrity. The North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) and local municipal guidelines provide specific requirements for their design and construction.
According to the 2018 NCRC, Section R404.4, retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the top and that retain unbalanced fill exceeding 48 inches (1219 mm) must be designed to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure, and water uplift. Additionally, certain retaining walls, such as those crossing property lines or supporting buildings, require design by a registered design professional.
While Wake County provides inspections and permitting services for unincorporated areas, specific guidelines for retaining walls may vary by municipality within the county.
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