Retaining walls are designed to keep the area behind the wall relatively dry. The design must route the water away from the back of the wall.

A sloped yard is a gardener’s worst nightmare. A retaining wall with proper drainage is the best option, and will have any serious gardener smiling again.

A build-up of water behind a retaining wall is not only destabilizing, it is potentially downright dangerous.
Weep holes in retaining walls are an excellent way to release water pressure.

Retaining walls leading to drainage ditches generally have weep holes built in right at the base of the walls.

A weep hole or a weep brick is a small opening that allows water to drain adequately. Weep holes or bricks are always located at the bottom of the wall to allow for the drainage and to overcome surface tension.

Weep holes can consist of small diameter plastic, clay or metal pipes extended through the walls to enable water to escape from the backfill.

Hollow plastic or metal tubes can be used for weep holes in retaining walls, keeping the spacing between the tubes to about 41cm apart.

The installation of the tubes must be done at an angle to allow water to drip out. There are other methods, but the tubes are definitely your best option. The holes must not be too small or they may not allow the air to circulate and the moisture will not vent out properly.

As you can see, a retaining wall with proper weep holes is a huge benefit to any gardener and household. Make sure when you have a retaining wall installed that the weep holes are correctly positioned and sufficient to enable them to release all tension from moisture on the wall.

Should you wish to discuss your options regarding a retaining wall, or would like to install or raise an existing wall or fence, please do not hesitate to contact us today to speak to one of our consultants, or to request a free quotation.