Name: Engineered Retaining Walls®
Address: 8364 US 64W, Murphy, NC, 28906, US
Telephone: (706) 970-0704
Rating: 5.0

Question 1

What is the best type of retaining wall for a steep slope?

Accepted Answer

For steep slopes in the Blue Ridge Mountain region, engineered concrete segmental block walls — like Redi-Rock, Allan Block, or Versa-Lok — are typically the best choice. These systems are designed with geogrid reinforcement that ties the wall back into the hillside, dramatically increasing load capacity. The right system depends on soil conditions, wall height, surcharge load, and drainage. ERWalls evaluates all of these factors before recommending a wall type.

Question 2

How tall can a retaining wall be?

Accepted Answer

Residential retaining walls typically range from 2 to 20+ feet in height. Walls under 4 feet can often be built without an engineer's stamp, but anything taller requires structural engineering. ERWalls specializes in complex, tall walls — including tiered wall systems that break a large grade change into multiple supported levels. We engineer every wall regardless of height to ensure long-term performance.

Question 3

How much does a retaining wall cost in North Carolina or Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Retaining wall costs in the Blue Ridge Mountain region vary widely based on wall height, length, soil conditions, access, and materials. A basic block wall might start around $50–$80 per square face foot installed, while complex engineered walls with geogrid reinforcement and drainage systems can run $100–$200+ per square face foot. ERWalls provides free on-site evaluations and detailed proposals — call (706) 970-0704 to schedule a visit.

Question 4

How long does a block retaining wall last?

Accepted Answer

A properly engineered and installed concrete block retaining wall can last 50 to 100 years. The lifespan depends heavily on drainage — most wall failures are caused by water pressure building behind the wall, not by structural weakness. ERWalls designs every wall with drainage systems including gravel backfill, drainage fabric, and outlet pipes to eliminate hydrostatic pressure and protect the wall for decades.

Question 5

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in NC or GA?

Accepted Answer

Most North Carolina and Georgia counties require a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height, and some require permits for smaller walls depending on the municipality. Walls that retain slopes near structures, roads, or property lines may also require engineering review. ERWalls is familiar with local permitting requirements across our service area and can guide you through the process.

Question 6

What is geogrid and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Geogrid is a high-strength polymer mesh that is laid horizontally in layers behind a retaining wall and extends back into the hillside. It creates a reinforced soil mass that dramatically increases the wall's ability to resist lateral earth pressure. For walls over 4 feet tall, geogrid reinforcement is typically required to meet structural standards. ERWalls uses geogrid as standard practice on taller walls to ensure long-term performance.

Question 7

What causes retaining walls to fail?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes of retaining wall failure are: 1) Poor drainage — water builds up behind the wall creating hydrostatic pressure that pushes walls outward. 2) Inadequate base preparation — walls built on soft or unstable soil settle and tip. 3) Insufficient reinforcement — walls that are too tall for their block type and depth without geogrid. 4) Improper backfill — using expansive clay soils that swell when wet. ERWalls addresses all of these through engineering-grade design and construction.

Question 8

Can ERWalls repair an existing failing retaining wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes — wall repair and reconstruction is a significant part of our work. We evaluate the cause of failure first, because a wall rebuilt the same way will fail the same way. Our repair process typically involves removing the failed wall, correcting drainage, re-engineering the structure with appropriate reinforcement, and rebuilding with proper compacted backfill. Call (706) 970-0704 to schedule an evaluation.

ENGINEERED
RETAINING
WALLS®

(706) 970-0704

Our Service Areas