Retaining Walls and Fences

Tips

• Check the wall design
• Avoid drain lines
• Use light, open fences on top

Related: Fences on retaining walls.

Why it comes up so often

Charlotte’s rolling Piedmont ground means many lots, especially newer ones in south and north Charlotte, were graded with retaining walls between terraces and neighbors. Homeowners want a fence at the top for privacy or safety.

How walls work

Segmental block walls rely on their weight, reinforcement grid buried behind them and drainage stone and pipes to resist soil pressure. Drilling big holes through the cap or digging through the reinforcement can weaken the wall.

Options in more detail

• Posts behind the wall: set back from the wall face, outside the most critical zone; usually the best choice for block walls
• Sleeves built into new walls: if you’re building a wall, plan post sleeves with the wall designer
• Core-drilling poured walls: possible when the wall was designed for it

Safety at drop-offs

Where a wall creates a significant drop, a guard may be required, and it’s a good idea anyway for kids and pets. Aluminum or steel railings and fences work well because they’re strong and open.

Before you build

Ask for the wall’s design or builder information if you have it, and check that drainage outlets aren’t blocked.