Is Your Property at Risk for Erosion?
CalWalls builds effective solutions that last. Fast-moving water flows from extreme storms put drought-damaged soil at further risk. Protecting your yard footprint and structures along any waterway has challenges such as ecological considerations, regulations, and construction limitations. As Northern California’s retaining wall specialist since 1985, CalWalls provides the latest, most innovative retaining wall systems to resolve your erosion concerns.
Bank Erosion
Footprint Reduction
Soil Destabilization
Complex erosion situations demand cutting-edge solutions.
As a property owner, you know that construction projects near bodies of water, slopes, and scenic areas are anything but simple. Standard structural erosion approaches are often not practical or permitted along drainage basins and waterways.
With nearly 40 years of experience, CalWalls is a trusted authority in retaining walls of all block types, wall applications, specifications, aesthetic designs, and the latest technologies. We are the exclusive regional installers of GS2 Block, an innovative wall system that offers reliable erosion control while efficiently navigating wet soil conditions, compliance with regulations, and environmental impact concerns.
Preventing permanent damage starts with spotting early signs of erosion.
If you live near a waterway or drainage area, it is important to evaluate and address erosion concerns as soon as possible. Shorelines can change rapidly, especially with high-volume stormwaters or loss of vegetation.
Erosion happens when water lifts soil and carries it to another location. This can be a slow, gradual process or a sudden, catastrophic event that results in significant property damage. Here are common signs that erosion may be compromising your property.
- Puddles: Areas where dirt has eroded, allowing water to collect.
- Gullies: Small water channels that carry away soil and deepen with every storm.
- Bare Soil: Vegetation is uprooted by flooding, leaving soil bare and at risk for further erosion.
- Sunken Areas: Chronically wet soil that feels spongy and unstable.
- Exposed Roots: Floodwaters remove soil covering root systems, leading to additional vegetation loss and erosion.
- Creek Changes: Unusually muddy conditions, loss of shoreline, cracks along the banks, or rivulets running across your yard towards the waterway.
- Structural Damage: Cracks in concrete or building finishes may be a sign of erosion beneath the foundation.
What are the main challenges when installing erosion solutions near waterways?
Scenic regions, drainage basins, creeks, and other waterways have sensitive ecosystems and surrounding soil conditions tend to compromise construction projects. Finding an ideal erosion control option for properties near waterways can be challenging, but new developments in wall system technology offer effective solutions.
Regulation Compliance
Construction near creeks are subject to stringent regulations and permits to protect the waterways and their ecosystems from any adverse impacts caused by installation. Concerns include erosion control, sediment control, materials management, and water contamination. Because GS2 Block with helical pile wall systems significantly reduce soil displacement and concrete use, they can be successfully used in sensitive waterway environments.
Wet Soil Conditions
Soil conditions create significant issues for traditional retaining walls near drainage and waterways. Wet soil tends to be less compact and can shift or sink. Moisture can interfere with concrete curing, cause cracking, and compromise foundation strength. Creekside soil typically contains minerals and organic debris that can compromise structural integrity. GS2 Block with helical pile wall systems incorporate concrete later in the installation process, resulting in a strong, effective all-weather solution for soft, loose, or damp soil.
Environmental Impact
With all construction near waterways, care must be taken to avoid disturbing the surrounding environment. Traditional retaining wall installation causes significant soil disruption, leading to further erosion, water contamination, and environmental damage. GS2 Block with helical pile wall systems have zero lot line capacity that requires less excavation and less concrete, minimizing impact on the surrounding environment, vegetation, and water quality.
Concerned about erosion on your property?
Our team of retaining wall specialists is available for consultation at no cost or obligation to you.
Areas We Serve
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Napa / Sonoma
- Pleasanton / Livermore / Concord (680 Corridor)
- Fairfield / Davis / Sacramento