Does Your Sierra Vista Property Need a Concrete Retaining Wall?

Understanding Sierra Vista’s Unique Soil Challenges

The unique conditions present in Sierra Vista’s desert area, specifically the harsh temperature variations and lack of vegetation, lead to an increased risk of soil erosion throughout the entire region. In dry conditions, the ground in Sierra Vista becomes extremely hard and may even resemble a “concrete-like” state. However, due to the fact that the soil is so dense, when it does receive precipitation, the soil rapidly loses its strength and stability.

A second factor that contributes to the high risk of soil erosion in Sierra Vista is the presence of the Huachuca Mountains. This mountainous range creates microclimate conditions that can increase the amount of runoff created by precipitation events. As with all of Arizona, the structure of the soil itself plays a large role in determining the level of damage caused by soil erosion. For example, a great number of damaged buildings are directly attributed to characteristics of the soil itself (i.e., shrink-swell soils, collapsing soils). A third element that increases the risk of soil erosion in Sierra Vista is the topography of the land. Specifically, properties located at the base of steep slopes, such as Garden Canyon, or along steep-slope areas, such as the foothills, are most susceptible to erosion during the storm events that occur in the Sierra Vista area.

Impact of Monsoons on Property Stability

Monsoon season in Arizona typically lasts from June through September and produces severe thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and flash flooding. During this time-frame, the relative humidity in Sierra Vista jumps from 23% in June to 47% in July, producing frequent afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms. These intense storms produce a tremendous amount of rain in a relatively short period of time, causing concentrated runoff to flow down slopes in areas such as Coronado National Memorial and Carr Canyon Road, rapidly eroding unprotected slopes. Retaining walls help to mitigate soil erosion in areas where the land has steep slopes, and this is particularly important during monsoon rains or flash-flood events.

Flash Flooding and Runoff Concerns

As Sierra Vista contains varying elevations, water naturally flows towards lower elevations, possibly transporting soil and debris with it. Areas that have properties situated below natural drainage patterns or near washes are particularly vulnerable to erosion. Hard-packed soil, combined with a sudden moisture event, provides the perfect environment for rapid erosion of the soil once the surface has been compromised.

Indicators That Your Property Requires a Concrete Retaining Wall

There are several indicators that suggest your property in Sierra Vista would benefit from a concrete retaining wall. One of the most apparent indicators of a need for a retaining wall is visible soil erosion following a storm event. Any property containing slopes of 30 degrees or greater will likely need to have a retention system installed. If the soil around your home begins to wash away, exposing your foundation, this is a major cause for concern. Finally, if you find that water is collecting in areas where you do not want it to collect, or sediment is depositing on your property following rain, these are clear indications that your drainage system has been compromised and that a retaining wall could correct this issue.

Benefits of Landscape and Usable Space Improvements

Retaining walls can convert a property with sloping or uneven terrain into usable flat space for gardens, patios, or driveways. Many homeowners in Sierra Vista have discovered that correcting erosion issues also presents many opportunities to create new outdoor living spaces. Properties located near Fort Huachuca or residential areas such as Village Meadows can benefit from the creation of terraced landscaping that retaining walls can create.

Advantages of Using Concrete Retaining Walls in Arizona

Unlike many other states, Arizona experiences aa dryclimate that, coupled with extreme heat, takes a toll on many types of retaining-wall materials, including untreated wood or stone. The advantages of using block-wall retaining walls in the Arizona region include resistance to ultraviolet-light degradation and extreme temperatures. Concrete retaining walls offer superior durability against extreme temperature fluctuations found in Sierra Vista. Additionally, concrete retaining walls require very little maintenance compared to other types of retaining-wall materials and provide the highest level of structural support available to resist massive soil loads. Due to the thermal mass of concrete, it acts as a heat sink and moderates extreme temperature swings that can negatively affect other retaining-wall systems.

Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness

While a quality concrete retaining-wall system will cost more upfront than other types of retaining walls, the long-term benefits of having a concrete retaining-wall system in Sierra Vista far outweigh the cost. Properties that choose to install a quality concrete retaining-wall system avoid future repair costs associated with less durable materials. Insurance companies also prefer homes with quality concrete retaining walls, since they represent a better defense against damage caused by erosion.

Building Permits and Professional Installation

All fences or walls, including retaining walls, require building permits in Sierra Vista. However, retaining walls that are 4 feet or less in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are exempt from permitting requirements unless they are supporting a surcharge. The Cochise County Building Department requires permits for retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height.

Engineered Plans Required

Due to the potential risks involved with taller walls or those supporting additional loads, professional engineering is required for taller walls or those supporting additional loads. All retaining walls, regardless of size, require engineered plans to be submitted to and approved by the city before installation. It is imperative that homeowners work with experienced contractors to ensure compliance with local building codes and that proper concrete installation techniques are followed.

Importance of Proper Drainage

Proper drainage behind a retaining wall is vital to preventing water buildup and pressure. The seasonal rainfall patterns in Sierra Vista necessitate properly designed drainage systems that can accommodate both regular conditions and intense monsoon events. French drains and weep holes are crucial elements to successful retaining-wall installations.

Protecting Your Investment

Property values in Sierra Vista are greatly enhanced by the implementation of effective erosion-control methods. Properties with well-engineered retaining walls sell for more money upon resale and experience fewer maintenance issues. Today, homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of professional landscape-design engineering in desert climates.

It is far less expensive to implement preventative measures to mitigate erosion damage than it is to perform remedial repairs after erosion damage has occurred. By addressing potential problems before they occur, homeowners save themselves the cost and inconvenience of performing emergency stabilization projects. At Sierra Vista Concrete Works, we specialize in designing and installing concrete retaining walls that protect Sierra Vista properties while increasing the functionality and value of those properties.