Drainage backfill may not be a term that everyone is familiar with. However, if you are considering building a retaining wall on your property, being familiar with this term can save you a lot of trouble in the future! Shepherd Earthworks is here to ensure that you have the right materials for your water drainage needs.
What is Drainage Backfill?
Drainage backfill refers to a layer of granular material (commonly gravel) that allows water to drain through and pass beyond the barrier of a retaining wall. Without it, water builds up behind the wall causing structural damage that could be costly overtime.
Why Do I Need Drainage Backfill for Your Retaining Wall?
While retaining walls present beautiful solutions for landscaping projects with elevational challenges, the issue of drainage must be addressed. Drainage backfill makes sure that water isn’t stuck behind your wall. Water damage is costly and worrisome regardless of where it occurs.
Even if the amount of water being held is minimal, you can run into the issues of mold and mildew, which can begin to eat away decorative materials such as stucco, stone, and tile. These issues may not be clear at once, but that doesn’t make them any less of an issue for the structural integrity of your wall. If a lot of water is held behind the wall, you may start to see other issues like bulging and cracking in the foundation. Neither of these issues is easily dealt with.
The rate at which the water moves away from your wall also must be considered. If water moves too fast, it can cause erosion in the subsoil, making the foundation of your wall faulty. If it moves too slowly, you again run into mildew and mold issues. The drainage rate can be controlled by the materials used and their utilization.
Why Should You Have Professional Drainage Backfill Installation?
Drainage backfill might seem like an easy endeavor for a DIYer, but even if you’re an experienced landscaper, the problems of not installing the drainage material properly can be overwhelming. Retaining walls are not trivial features that can be moved or replaced on a whim. These purposeful and labor-intensive structures must be thoughtfully considered before installing or repairing. Drainage is a key element of these considerations.
Shepherd Earthworks Can Help with Your Drainage Backfill
The experts at Shepherd Earthworks know how crucial proper drainage is. Contact us at Shepherd Earthworks today for all of your drainage backfill needs–leave the worry to us.