Retaining Wall Construction & Repair
Professional masonry retaining wall construction and repair services across Ontario. Safety-focused specialists with engineering partnerships, building standards compliance, and quality workmanship coverage for structural integrity.
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Warning Signs Your Retaining Wall is Failing
Don't wait for catastrophic failure. These signs indicate immediate safety risks requiring professional assessment:
Visible Leaning or Tilting
Even slight outward movement indicates structural failure and immediate safety risks requiring professional assessment
Critical - immediate safety hazard
Cracking in Wall or Foundation
Cracks allow water infiltration, signal structural stress, and indicate foundation problems requiring expert evaluation
High - accelerates without intervention
Bulging or Bowing Sections
Wall losing structural battle against soil pressure, indicating inadequate design or foundation failure
Critical - potential collapse risk
Water Pooling Behind Wall
Poor drainage system or failed weep holes causing basement flooding and foundation undermining
High - threatens building integrity
Separation Between Blocks/Stones
Structural integrity compromised, mortar failing, joints opening allowing further deterioration
High - structural failure progression
Foundation Settlement
Gaps at base, surrounding pavement cracking, indicating bearing failure or inadequate foundation design
Critical - foundation issues
As one homeowner told us: "I was super worried this was going to collapse considering we have children who will be on this wall." Your family's safety depends on addressing problems before catastrophic failure occurs.
Masonry Experts Who Understand Structural Safety
Unlike general contractors who treat retaining walls as landscaping projects, we're masonry specialists who understand that retaining walls are structural elements requiring engineering knowledge and safety-first approaches.
Safety-first masonry experts, not general contractors
Engineering partnerships for taller wall compliance
Proper building standards compliance
Comprehensive drainage systems preventing basement flooding
Quality foundations below appropriate frost line depth
Structural integrity evaluation and assessment
Transparent cost discussions and honest assessments
Emergency response for failing wall safety hazards
Why 30% of Retaining Walls Fail Within Years
Poor drainage systems: Missing weep holes and drainage layers cause water damage
Inadequate foundations: Too shallow or narrow for loads, not below frost line
No engineering: Walls over 1.3m require professional engineering by law
Wrong materials: Improper mortar types and construction shortcuts
Get Your Retaining Wall Construction & Repair Assessment
Answer a few questions for your free professional retaining wall evaluation
Helps our team provide accurate estimates and scheduling
Licensed • Insured • WSIB
4.9/5 from 1,200+ homeowners
Quick response
Professional Construction Methods We Use
Concrete Masonry (CMU) Walls
High-strength reinforced construction for structural applications requiring engineering design and code compliance
Key Features:
- • High-strength compressive blocks
- • Grade 400 steel reinforcement with proper cover
- • High-strength concrete core filling
- • Type S structural mortar for load-bearing
Best For: Engineered walls requiring structural capacity
Natural Stone Masonry Walls
Premium aesthetic construction using quality stone with proper bedding and through-stone bonding
Key Features:
- • Dense, durable stone with low water absorption
- • Natural bedding planes horizontal orientation
- • Header stones every 1.5m maximum spacing
- • Weather-resistant Portland cement mortar
Best For: Heritage properties and premium aesthetic applications
Gravity Wall Construction
Engineered mass walls using weight and proper design for structural stability without reinforcement
Key Features:
- • Base width 0.5-0.7 times wall height
- • Quality dense stone or high-strength concrete
- • Complete drainage system integration
- • Foundation below appropriate frost line depth
Best For: Lower walls up to 3-4 meters in stable soil
Ontario Building Code Compliance
Professional engineering is required by law for walls over 1.3 meters. We partner with licensed engineers to ensure compliance and safety.
Engineering Required
Walls over 1.3 meters require professional engineering design with sealed drawings and municipal permits.
Safety Standards
All construction meets Ontario Building Code requirements with proper load calculations and safety factors.
Inspection Process
Municipal inspections during construction ensure code compliance and structural integrity verification.
Professional Retaining Wall Construction Process
Our systematic approach ensures structural integrity, code compliance, and long-term performance
Site Assessment & Engineering
Comprehensive structural evaluation, geotechnical investigation if required, and professional engineering design for taller walls
Permit & Code Compliance
Building permit applications, municipal approvals, and building standards compliance verification with professional engineering seals
Excavation & Foundation
Proper excavation to frost line depth, soil preparation, and foundation construction with adequate width and bearing capacity
Drainage System Installation
Complete drainage layer with filter fabric, properly spaced weep holes, and connection to collection systems
Wall Construction
Professional masonry construction using appropriate materials, proper reinforcement, and quality workmanship with full joint coverage
Quality Control & Warranty
Construction milestone inspections, performance verification, project documentation, and workmanship coverage
What Our Customers Say
"I was super worried this was going to collapse considering we have children who will be on this wall. Fix My Brick took the time to explain exactly what was wrong and the new wall has been solid for three years."— Sarah M.
"After getting quotes from three landscaping companies, Fix My Brick was the only one who said we needed proper engineering. The engineered solution has been perfect."— David K.
"Outstanding craftsmanship and they keep the job site very clean. The drainage system works perfectly—no more water in our basement during heavy rains."— Jennifer L.
"Their honest assessment saved me money by showing which parts could be repaired vs. replaced. Will definitely use them again for future projects."— Michael R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ontario Building Code requires professional engineering for walls over 1.3 meters (about 4 feet) high. We partner with licensed structural engineers to ensure code compliance and safety.
About 30% of retaining walls fail within a few years due to poor drainage, inadequate foundations, wrong materials, and lack of proper engineering. We prevent these failures through proper design and construction.
Project cost depends on multiple factors including wall height, soil conditions, drainage requirements, material selection, and engineering complexity. Walls over 1.3m require professional engineering which adds to initial investment but prevents costly failures. We provide detailed estimates after thorough site assessment.
We assess whether repair or replacement is appropriate based on structural condition, code compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Safety is our first priority in making recommendations.
Professional masonry retaining walls with proper engineering, drainage, and construction last decades when maintained properly. We provide comprehensive warranties on our work.
We're masonry specialists who understand structural requirements, partner with engineers, ensure building code compliance, and prioritize safety over shortcuts. We educate customers and provide transparent assessments.
Comprehensive Masonry Solutions
Retaining wall projects often connect to other masonry needs. Our complete service range ensures all your structural requirements are properly addressed.
Foundation Repair Services
Foundation problems often affect retaining walls. Our masonry foundation specialists provide comprehensive solutions.
Stone Masonry Services
Natural stone retaining walls require specialized masonry techniques and material expertise we provide.
Hamilton Masonry Services
Our Hamilton team provides rapid response for emergency retaining wall assessments throughout the region.
Contact Fix My Brick for Safe, Professional Retaining Walls
When your family's safety depends on structural integrity, choose masonry specialists who understand that retaining walls are engineering structures, not landscaping features.
Why Choose Fix My Brick
- • Masonry specialists, not general contractors
- • Engineering partnerships for code compliance
- • Safety-first approach with transparent assessments
- • Comprehensive warranties and ongoing support
Professional Assessment Process
- • Structural and drainage system evaluation
- • Building code compliance guidance
- • Honest repair vs. replacement recommendations
- • Transparent cost discussions and workmanship coverage explanation
Don't wait for catastrophic failure. Contact Fix My Brick today for professional assessment and engineering-backed solutions that protect your family and property.