Project Scope: A 10’ retaining wall wrapping around the side of a yard.
Location: New Paltz, NY
Project Date: October 2016
Products Used: Rosetta Outcropping
The Challenge
A steep grade on one side their property was a cause for worry for this homeowner. The most pressing issue was the eroding hillside that could threaten the stability of their garage. Aside from that, they were hoping to expand the usable space in their side yard, and create some extra parking space around their garage.
To solve this issue, we inverted our approach to this outdoor living space in Highland from a few years ago. Rather than cutting away, we decided to raise up and level the area around the garage and yard, and use the retaining wall to reinforce it – a trick we also used here.
Inside the Wall
The pressure and weight the wall had to carry was going to be pretty intense, so we had to get a little innovative. The biggest challenge was going to be the corner. With tight space, the wall would have to take a 90 degree turn. To make sure that area could bear the load, we reinforced the base with concrete. We also used geogrid between each course of wall stone. That’s a netting that keeps the stones from slipping under pressure – it’s a pretty standard practice.
Of course, drainage was key. A perforated drain was installed inside the base of the wall to collect and relocate moisture and precipitation that might overload the wall. Not unlike footing drains along your foundation. The garage itself had gutter drains that also needed to be accounted for; they got their own drain pipe at higher level. Both of these exited right out of the side of the wall.
Of course, drainage was key. A perforated drain was installed inside the base of the wall to collect and relocate moisture and precipitation that might overload the wall. Not unlike footing drains along your foundation. The garage itself had gutter drains that also needed to be accounted for; they got their own drain pipe at higher level. Both of these exited right out of the side of the wall.
Result
The retaining wall stabilized the hillside, and gave the homeowners peace of mind about their garage. It also added an additional iii square feet to thier side yard, which was finished off with a split rail fence for safety. Finally, they got a little extra parking space too.
Some Words from the Homeowner
“We needed a retaining wall to prevent erosion and increase the usable space around our garage. It was a big job in a difficult, confined space but Mark and his crew did a great job. They were polite and professional, mindful of the neighbors along our shared driveway and always left the job site safe and tidy when they left for the day.
Mark is very hands on and was always available when we had questions…every time I called I got Mark, not his voicemail. He even took the time to explain the work to our neighbors so that everyone felt great about the project, not just us.”