What retaining wall work looks like
Common signs you may need retaining walls include The wall is leaning or bulging outward at the base or middle, Water is pooling or running behind the wall instead of draining through it, Soil is eroding or washing away at the base of the wall.
What retaining wall work looks like
- Remove or demolish the existing wall (if replacing) or unstable sections (if repairing)
- Excavate and level the base to proper depth and compaction—this is critical to wall life
- Install drainage stone or perforated pipe behind the wall to manage water runoff
- Set the first course level and square, using proper base compaction beneath each stone or block
- Build the wall course by course, checking level and plumb regularly, backfilling and compacting soil behind each section
- Install cap stones or finishing material at the top
How we assess your retaining wall
- Walk the full length of the wall and measure any lean, bulge, or visible movement with a level
- Inspect the top, front, and base for cracks, separation, or loose stones
- Check drainage behind the wall—look for standing water, wet soil, or drainage pipe blockage
- Assess the soil behind the wall for settlement, erosion, or saturation
Red Wing sits on the Mississippi River bluffs with significant elevation changes and clay-heavy soil. Drainage is critical—water doesn't percolate here like it does in sandy regions. A wall that works in dry terrain fails fast in Red Wing without proper drainage and compaction. This is why we focus on the unseen infrastructure, not just the stone.