All About Retaining Wall Fence | What’s A Retaining Wall | A Retaining Wall with A Fence | Fence On Top of a Retaining Wall

All About Retaining Wall Fence

Retaining Wall Fence

Retaining Wall Fence

Think of it as Associate in Nursing material dam. Retaining walls area unit engineered wherever spaces of soil at higher elevations have to be compelled to be “retained” relative to the conservation area below.

Sometimes when the development of the wall. Property house owners ought to build fences on their walls as a security or security live. There are a unit varied choices concerning the planning of the fence itself and the way to connect the columns.

Non-corrosive metal fence posts area unit extremely counseled for picket fences. You also do not have to be compelled to replace the fence anytime presently. Because the installation value is abundant on top of putting in a fence within the garden.

They’re nice at keeping the ground down and appearance nice. However, they are doing nothing for the realm higher than the wall. It uses a wall fence.

By combining holding walls and fences, each holding soil and securing the higher a part of the location area unit achieved. Railings increase safety and security by keeping folks away and preventing falls from walls.

Holding walls management, the bottom and supply a solid foundation for the fence. they are going along therefore well and appearance nice once done right.

The wall is bolstered with a fence. you’ll build one directly higher than or behind the wall. holding walls hold the bottom and lower the slope of the property. however, they conjointly produce drops that fall simply.

If you’re mistreatment stone or concrete, the railing will typically be latched right to the highest of the wall. With poured concrete, fence posts are put in whereas the concrete is being poured into the wall. this can be a really powerful technique.

For fences engineered behind holding walls, concrete footings area unit generally want to anchor the posts. These scaffolds may be tied to the wall structure for superimposed support.

What’s A Retaining Wall?

What’s A Retaining Wall?

A strengthened wall may be a wall that uses some sort of reinforcement to feature strength to the wall structure, leading to a higher ability to carry the soil behind it. For SRW (segmental holding wall), this filler is named geogrid or grid.

Geogrids area unit sandwiched between courses of wall blocks and area unit displayed throughout installation on a slope or hill to make a stronger and a lot of stable soil mass.

Simply put, strengthened blocks, geogrids and clods work along to make an oversized and serious wall structure.

counting on the area and different website conditions, grids might not be the proper answer for a project, therefore various reinforcements like concrete, soil nails, or ground anchors ought to be used.

These styles of fittings sometimes need a neighborhood engineer to style and an authorized contractor to put in.

A wall could be a sturdy and rigid structure that’s accustomed retain the soil laterally. they’re designed to carry the soil in an exceedingly manner that they cannot on their own.

Let’s say you’ve got a garden that slopes from one finish to the opposite, however you wish it to be flat. a good thanks to come through this goal is to use a wall.

Once the grade is leveled, the higher elements should be supported. Otherwise, the soil is scoured. as a result of the soil alone cannot face up to steep slopes.

The flat land created by holding walls is employed to create homes, gardens, backyards and even roads. Retaining walls will be fabricated from wood, stone, block or concrete.

Some area unit solely many feet tall, whereas others area unit ten feet or additional. Note that tall holding walls should be designed by associate degree engineer and frequently need a allow.

When the wall is constructed, it additionally creates a steep slope from the division to the new flat space. It uses a fence. Railings build tall holding walls safer by preventing them from falling.

Retaining walls will carry loads of weight and area unit degraded by water. If you build one, take care to place correct drain behind the wall. this can be vital to stay the wall sturdy and secure. the foremost common reason for wall harm is poor drain.

Also Read: All About Remove Texture from Walls | What Are Textured Walls | Common Methods To Remove A Textured Wall

A Retaining Wall with A Fence

A Retaining Wall with A Fence

Railings will be added ahead, behind or higher than retentive walls. In most cases, retentive walls don’t offer ample security. Adding a fence permits you to get pleasure from the planning of the wall and its safety.

When adding a fence, you wish to create certain that the walls will support the fence. If the solution is affirmative, then you wish to come to a decision wherever and what quite fence to create.

Once the mounting and supports square measure in situ, the remainder of the project ought to go swimmingly.

A wall will have railings on the front, back, or prime of it. Fencing not solely provides additional security, however conjointly safety and wonder.

Walls alone don’t offer enough security unless they’re engineered terribly high. the typical height of residential walls is a smaller amount than three feet. Passing it’s not tough. however, the typical fence is 6-8 feet. you’ll complete this height distinction by adding a railing.

If you propose to create a fence in conjunction with a wall, it’s necessary to understand however the fence can interference. Railings are often delayed with nearly any wall material, together with wood, poured concrete, masonry, and block.

However, the thanks to build a wall isn’t solely its ingredients. If you’re building your own wall, create the railing a part of the look. This makes it terribly simple to create fences.

Once victimization poured concrete, the railing is often engineered directly into the concrete. However, if you are putting in the fence on a wall you did not build yourself, consult AN engineer to form certain it’s sturdy enough.

Will your wall be ready to support the new fence? If the wall isn’t sturdy enough, it’s going to not be potential. In such cases, the fence ought to be engineered behind the wall instead of over it.

This is often the simplest thanks to build a wall with a fence once the wall cannot support it, as a result of the fence will have its own foundation.

If you do not have enough strength to support a fence however still need to create it on a wall, you have got choices. Strengthen the wall. to feature the required support to the fence and walls, you wish to excavate behind the walls.

Fence On Top of a Retaining Wall

Fence On Top of a Retaining Wall

Another way to put in a fence while not compromising the integrity of the wall is that the post-installation system. this method uses a hard and fast cantilever block that’s anchored underground behind the wall.

This method will produce counterweights and maximize house in your landscape. There square measure some ways to make a fence within or between retentive walls.

In any case, it’s counseled to consult associate engineer to make sure that the fence is made with integrity and longevity. One of my favorite fence ideas is to create a wall over it.

Once the 2 – area unit combined in a very style, i feel it’s terribly lovely. Also, the wall section, if properly designed and made, are often a good foundation.

The advantage of building a fence right high of a wall is that it does not take up an excessive amount of area in your garden. If you build the fence many feet behind the wall, you lose that a lot of area. this could be problematic in little enclosures.

Another advantage is maintenance. albeit the fence recedes, properties should be maintained between the fence and therefore the fringe of the wall.

Typically, it’s simply grass, however you’ll be able to plant shrubs and flowers in a very row. keep in mind that something you plant during this space can have to be compelled to be maintained later on.

This is often tough due to the placement. it’s easier if the area little or very giant. Building an iron, wood or vinyl fence on high of a solid wall are often terribly esthetically pleasing.

However, note that the fence is tough to take care of in some places. we tend to encourage all our customers to put in a maintenance free fence. Iron and vinyl area unit nice selections, however wood is often problematic.

Building a fence on a wall depends entirely on the strength of the wall and the way the beams area unit hooked up. The walls area unit the bottom and web of the fence. Thus, you would like terribly sturdy walls and brackets to carry the bases in situ.

It is a lot of easier to put in a fence on high of poured concrete walls as a result of the posts are often put in directly into the concrete.

Building A Fence on Top of a Retaining Wall

Building A Fence on Top of a Retaining Wall

Below we tend to discuss alternative ways to attach the fence to the wall.

Surface Mounted

Surface Mounted

Surface fences square measure nice for retentive walls that have already been designed. during this methodology, mounting brackets and anchor screws square measure want to fasten the fence to the wall.

Attach the mounting bracket to the wall and fasten the bottom to the bracket. each the walls and also the brackets should be robust enough to support the load of the fence.

You must keep at intervals the bracket limits to use this methodology. Most surface mount brackets solely work with fences that square measure 3-4 feet tall.

Face Mounted

Face Mounted

Railings can even be connected to the edges or on the wall rather than the highest. To do this, you may would like facet mounting brackets and anchor bolts.

This is often primarily identical as surface mounting the fence, however rather than being connected to the highest, it’s latched to the edges.

Front mounting of the fence is stronger than surface mounting as a result of additional posts will be secured. For surface mounting, the mounting bracket solely rises regarding half-dozen inches from the bottom.

This suggests that solely the 6-inch posts square measure fastened. however, with a face mount, the post will be placed two feet below the face and secured with a couple of brackets if desired. These choices aren’t offered for surface mounting.

Embedded Posts

Embedded Posts

Instead of mistreatment mounting brackets, you’ll install the railing posts directly into the wall. a really powerful thanks to build a fence as a result of the posts can be buried deep within the wall. Nice for building new walls.

Cast-in-place concrete retentive walls square measure an excellent thanks to use embedded supports. By putting the posts as you pour the concrete, you basically build the railing a part of the wall. Iron posts additionally permit you to connect the railings to the wall.

Installing fence posts in previous wall is troublesome, however not possible. it’s counseled to try and do this solely on iron fences with skinny bases. build a deep hole within the wall and so clean it.

Once finished, you’ll slide the metal fence posts in. Attach the column to the concrete within the outlet mistreatment Simpson’s anchor cement.

Another way is to use a steel pipe. Drill a large hole within the wall and fix the steel pipe with cement. This square measure the pipes that interruption the chain link fence.

Once the pipe is in situ, a vinyl or wood sleeve will be put in around it. This construction methodology adds strength to the fence posts and offers the looks of a vinyl or wood fence.

Cantilever

Cantilever

Cantilever supports square measure sometimes solely used once the wall cannot support the fence. Concrete or steel beams square measure buried within the ground and also the foundation is fastened behind the wall. once viewed from the facet, it’s formed.

The L console extends to the sting of the wall and supports the fence. different elements of L square measure underground and anchor the whole structure. this enables the fence to be designed on the wall while not adding weight to the wall itself.

Also Read: All About Vinyl Fence Heights | How to Raise the Height of a Vinyl Fence | Extend Your Vinyl Fence’s Height with a Fence Kit | Vinyl Fence Post Extensions

How High Can a Retaining Wall Fence Be?

How High Can a Retaining Wall Fence Be?

When deciding the peak of the fence, the resistance of the wall ought to be thought of. If designed on a wall, it should be stable enough to support the railing.

You can play with the peak of the fence; however, it shouldn’t exceed six feet six inches. This most height includes guardrails or watermark fences within the set up.

Once close buildings like faculties or playgrounds, these limits might modification. If doubtful regarding the lawfulness of your fence height, it is usually best to examine along with your native building commission.

  • There are several issues once it involves wall fence height. we’ll cowl a number of the foremost common ones.
  • Consider the strength of the wall and also the style of the fence once electing fence height.
  • If you are building on a wall, make certain it’s robust enough to support each the burden of the fence and lateral hundreds.
  • If the fence is solid, the lateral load is way larger as a result of the wind pushes it up sort of a sail.
  • Fences that don’t seem to be as solid as steel or wire nets, with the wind passing through them, bear abundant less lateral load.
  • Consider mounting brackets. several are solely 3-4 feet tall. However, facet brackets will be for much longer.
  • Code and HOA rules are vital once setting fence height. this can be very true if the fence is within the yard.
  • In several areas, retentive walls account for the utmost fence height. Basically, the wall is taken into account a part of the fence. thus, if the utmost height of the fence is half dozen feet from the slope, it will be half dozen feet as well as the wall and fence. It all depends on that facet of the fence you live the peak from.
  • Also deem why you would like a fence. wall fences ar usually designed not up to home security fences for beauty and safety. Generally, three to four feet is needed for safety. A fence acts a lot of sorts of a fence than associate actual fence.

When Is It Necessary to Build a Fence on Top of a Retaining Wall?

When Is It Necessary to Build a Fence on Top of a Retaining Wall?

There square measure many reasons for building a fence over a wall. We’ve already talked concerning security and privacy.

Alternative reasons you would possibly need a wall fence square measure to feature a novel look to your landscape, add security, or give another barrier to your property. square measure there any things wherever you wish a fence on a retentive wall?

When safety becomes a problem, fences ought to be engineered. If the walk, living space or alternative a part of the yard is behind the wall, it’s higher to draw a fence thereon.

This prevents individuals or animals from falling or falling on the opposite aspect. Some international building codes dictate that retentive walls taller than thirty inches need fencing.

Plan together with your neighbors once victimization fences and retentive walls as property barriers. you would like to form} positive that your building does not create a lot of issues for those around you.

Careful coming up with and allowing before construction will prevent hassle and stress down the road. There are a unit many reasons why you ought to build a fence on a wall.

We’ve got already talked regarding security and privacy. another excuse you may need a wall fence is to feature a singular dimension to your landscape, add security, or give an extra barrier to your property. Is it generally necessary to put in a fence on the retentive wall?

If your safety is compromised, you have got to make a fence. putting in a fence on a wall means there’s a path, elbow room or alternative a part of the garden behind it. In some cases, it’s nice.

This prevents folks or animals from falling on the opposite facet. Some international building codes need retentive walls to be over thirty inches high to incorporate fencing.

If you propose to use a fence or wall as a barrier to your property, discuss your intentions along with your neighbors.

You wish to create positive that what you are doing does not cause additional issues for those around you. Careful coming up with and pre-construction approvals can prevent time and cash within the long-term.



What’s The Best Way to Build a Retaining Wall Fence?

What’s The Best Way to Build a Retaining Wall Fence?

Is there a wall that cuts the property line? If you wish to use a fence for privacy and security around your property, you ought to build this fence on the wall. does one need it?

In this scenario, commonly build the fence to achieve the wall. At now, you’ll have to put in giant footings beginning at the bottom of the wall that may reach well on top of the stone. By putting in this new post, consequent a part of the fence may be placed on the wall.

The best thanks to build a wall depends on the wall and therefore the fence. you wish to create certain that the walls are stringy enough to support the fence style you’re building.

This additionally applies to fence height changes. With a really sturdy new wall, you’ll be able to most likely build virtually any fence, however if it’s previous or weak, you are restricted.

Please don’t make it. If the wall or installation technique fails to support the fence, the wall or fence might break. If the wall is powerful enough to carry the fence, I opt to build the fence directly on the wall.

once deciding, think about the look of the wall and fence. If unsure, consult Associate in Nursing engineer. The most powerful technique is to imbed the columns within the walls.

I additionally like that it’s the simplest as a result of the mounting bracket isn’t visible. the best thanks to do that is once building a brand – new wall.

If the wall cannot support the fence, build the fence back many feet. this permits you to pour a concrete base to support the fence. When building a fence, perpetually begin with the posts. Set all the posts, then build the cooking pan on the panel.

Remember to contemplate lateral masses, not simply the burden of the fence. Wind will produce several lateral forces that walls and installation strategies should support.

Also Read: How Many Bags Of Concrete Per Fence Post | How Many Concrete Bags Per Fence Post Chart | What’s The Best Concrete Mix To Use On Fence Posts

Can You Build a Retaining Wall Next to A Fence?

Can You Build a Retaining Wall Next to A Fence?

Retaining walls will be designed against fences. this is often done if the fence already exists. If the soil lifts this fence, the fence can facilitate shield the wall. holding walls forestall soil from pushing into your fence or spilling into your yard.

Adding a wall to your fence has sensible edges and may add slightly of beauty to your landscape. you’ll use these walls to make raised floors for your garden or customize the blocks you’re employed with to make distinctive landscape styles.

Yes, retentive walls will be engineered against fences. Adding a wall to your fence has each practical and aesthetic edges. Use these walls to form raised garden beds or pots for tiny plants. select wall blocks that match the landscaping and color scheme of your home.

If you’re building a wall right next to AN existing fence, take into account however the fence is supported. i do not wish the fence to weaken or become weak.

If your fence posts area unit supported by a concrete footing, you will be ready to attach them to a wall structure that reinforces each the fence and therefore the wall.

Remember the facet load. If the railing is solid, the wind can produce an oversized lateral force against it and place pressure on the system.

It may also stress the wall if it presses directly on the bottom of the supports. this {can be} wherever engineers can facilitate style. Hollow fences have fewer lateral forces to think about because the wind passes through them.

How Close to A Retaining Wall Can I Build a Fence?

How Close to A Retaining Wall Can I Build a Fence?

Fences impose further prices on walls. you’ll not comprehend it, however a gentle cyclone wind processing against a fence will place quite five hundred pounds of force on every fence post.

This is often enough to destroy the complete wall. If inserting a 3-foot fence behind the wall is not ideal, there square measure alternative choices.

In some cases, the fence may be engineered up to the wall. In most cases, it is best to stay a couple of feet apart. ask your engineer, check the walls and tell you if the highest can handle the additional force that the new fence will add.

Fences support lateral wind forces, particularly if the fence is solid. the planning of the fence plays a major role during this. a protracted solid fence produces a lot of lateral force than a brief hollow fence.

To determine however shut you’ll be able to get the fence to the wall, you would like to see the wall. Some walls will handle the additional load from being nearer to the fence, others cannot.

If the wall is recent and weak, build a 2–3 – foot fence behind the sting of the wall. This house is enough in order that the inspiration of the fence doesn’t interfere with the walls.

If the wall is new and really robust, you’ll be able to install the fence directly higher than it. particularly if the walls area unit poured with concrete.

Have your engineer check the walls to see if they will support the load. As a general rule, the nearer the fence is to the wall, a lot of force it exerts on the wall.

Consider what to try and do with the house between the fence and also the wall. it should need landscaping or be used for fence maintenance.

For this reason, typically it’s higher to be a touch larger than smaller. there’s not abundant area to maneuver the legs. If you cannot build the fence directly higher than the wall, it always sets back concerning three feet.

Why Would You Need a Retaining Wall Fence?

Why Would You Need a Retaining Wall Fence?

An integral wall is also needed if the fence follows uneven ground. retentive walls square measure accustomed hold soil once there’s a height distinction between yards or different uneven tract.

There are a unit several reasons why you may would like a wall fence. Not solely will it look nice, however it’s only a few advantages.

Safety

Retaining walls are often created terribly high. This not solely holds the soil and smooths the surface beneath the wall, however additionally creates a steep slope at the highest, which may be a significant safety hazard. Add a railing to the highest of the wall to stop it from falling.

In most cases, international code 1015.2 needs guardrails for retentive walls larger than thirty inches tall. A fence designed on a wall acts as a protecting fence for anyone on it aspect of the wall.

Privacy

A wall fence will offer additional privacy if the fence is solid. Keep this in mind once coming up with fences and walls. a robust fence has to carry additional lateral wind masses; thus, it desires stronger support.

The height of the privacy fence is additionally a vital thought. The stronger the fence you build, the stronger your walls and foundations have to be compelled to be.

Security

Fences additionally increase the safety of your home. this is often an additional hurdle that burglars need to overcome before they will get to your home. the upper and tougher the climb, the larger the protection.

Privacy additionally provides additional security. this is often why most of the safety fences we have a tendency to install area unit either solid or designed behind numerous landscaping. retentive walls with fences and thick landscaping area unit major deterrents.

Curb Appeal

Retaining wall railings area unit an attractive style and may have a good result on the charms. once coming up with a wall or fence, do not simply believe practicality and strength.

Also, take a while to believe however it all appearance. I in person just like the combination of masonry walls and fences. i prefer the design higher than the tall fences. Together, these 2 components facilitate to divide the layout and conceal the peak.

Choose 2 ingredients that go well along. fortuitously, most building materials work well with wood, black iron, or white vinyl.

Choosing A Retaining Wall Fence

Choosing A Retaining Wall Fence

It is necessary to concentrate to the kind of wall fence. Chain link or iron fences are terribly completely different from wood or vinyl.

Wood, concrete, or block are the foremost common materials want to build retentive walls. once selecting a fence, concentrate to the fabric of the wall.

Conjointly think about however you may build your fence. there’s a giant distinction between mounting it on a wall and mounting it three feet away.

Fortunately, colors are neutral, therefore virtually any material is appropriate for masonry. Black, wooden, metal and white are the foremost common fence colors.

Please think about maintenance. If your fence is on a high wall that’s troublesome to keep up, don’t use painted wood. Remember the peak restrictions.

Make sure the wall will support the fence material you wish to use. Consider lateral forces thanks to wind. Safety, security, privacy, look and strength are the foremost common considerations once selecting a fence.

Many points ought to be thought of once selecting a wall fence. I continually begin from the wall itself. particularly once adding a fence to Associate in Nursing existing wall, Associate in Nursing previous wall will limit your fencing choices.

I continually deem my look. Everything employed in the house shouldn’t solely work properly, however conjointly look smart. remember restricted charm.

Can A Fence Be Used as A Retaining Wall?

Can A Fence Be Used as A Retaining Wall?

In most cases, fences mustn’t be used as holding walls. Fences aren’t designed to face up to lateral forces from soil, water and soil. However, if fences are properly designed and created, they’ll retain a little quantity of soil victimization kickboards.

A fence kickboard, additionally known as tons board, could be a horizontal board at rock bottom of the fence. they’re known as rot boards as a result of the bit the bottom rather than fence panels. These kickboards rot rather than real fences.

Their main purpose is to extend the lifetime of fences by preventing decay. however, they’re additionally nice at keeping some stains cornered.

Once the legs are in situ, attach the kickboard between rock bottom legs. Treated wood works nice as a kickboard. 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12 are all sensible sizes. Please use in keeping with the quantity of dirt.

I like to use multiple layers of wood. as an example, if you’re victimization 4×4 posts, use 2 boards. this offers you additional power.

Kickboards additionally add a touch additional strength to the bottom of the fence. as a result of their underground, they’ll be secured to posts otherwise than different fence posts.

I typically use lag screws that are abundant larger and uglier. you’ll additionally place your scooter on the bottom for additional support. Use long picket or metal sticks.

Also Read: All About Wood Fence Panels to Metal Posts | Can You Attach Wood Fence Panels to Metal Posts | Comparison Between the Metal Fence and Wood Fence

When Is a Fence Required on Top of a Retaining Wall?

When Is a Fence Required on Top of a Retaining Wall?

If the drop is bigger than thirty inches, a fence on top of the wall is typically needed. Remember that retentive walls not solely hold soil and level the bottom of the wall, however additionally produce a vessel slope at the highest.

Railings facilitate stop individuals and pets from falling through walls. International code 1015.2 needs guardrails for retentive walls over thirty inches high. This in all probability applies to your new walls also.

Fences is designed on, before of, or behind retentive walls for intercalary safety, security, privacy, and appeal. However, invariably contemplate the development and style of the wall and also the purpose of the fence before building something.

conclude if their square measure any restrictions by your native business department or HOA. And contemplate lecture Associate in Nursing engineer. particularly with high walls.

Do you have a wall or square measure you building one? they’re nice at keeping the ground down and appearance nice. I particularly like buildings created with natural stone or solid concrete.

however, they are doing nothing for the realm on top of the wall. It uses a wall fence. By combining retentive walls and fences, each retentive soil and securing the higher a part of the positioning square measure achieved.

Railings increase safety and security by keeping individuals away and preventing falls from walls. retentive walls management the bottom and supply a solid foundation for the fence. they’re going along therefore well and appearance nice once done right.

The wall is strengthened with a fence. you’ll be able to build one directly on top of or behind the wall. retentive walls hold the bottom and lower the slope of the property.

However, they additionally produce drops that fall simply. this can be smart in some things; however, it may be a security issue. A fence in conjunction with a wall corrects this.

The wall provides a solid foundation for the fence. If you’re victimization stone or concrete, the railing will typically be fast right to the highest of the wall.

With poured concrete, fence posts are put in whereas the concrete is being poured into the wall. this can be a really powerful methodology.


Frequently Asked Question(FAQ):

Retaining Wall Fence Requirements

Retaining walls up to three feet in height are allowed within any front yard. In the case of a retaining wall that faces the exterior of the property on which it is located, an open fence up to three feet in height may be built directly on top of the retaining wall (See Figure 9.08. 070-1).

Retaining Wall Height Regulations

While the recommendation from NCMA, the limit set by the International Building Code, and the general guideline for obtaining a retaining wall permit is 4′ in height, there are exceptions in nearly every state.

Fence on Top of Retaining Wall Code

In a required side or rear setback, if required by the California Residential Code, an open work fence or guardrail, not more than forty two inches (42″) in height, may be erected on top of a retaining wall.

Fence Requirements for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can be tall. Perhaps behind your wall sits a part your yard, a walkway or a seating area at a restaurant. If that’s the case, you will want a fence to prevent people or pets from tumbling over. In fact, International Building Code 1015.2 requires guards (a fence) on any retaining wall over 30″ tall.

Retaining Wall Fence Cost

Generally speaking, the California average cost for a retaining wall is anywhere between $300-$900 per linear foot.

What Are Retaining Walls Used for?

Retaining walls are often found in places where extra support is needed to prevent the earth from moving downhill with erosion. The most basic function of a retaining wall is to battle gravity; the lateral force of the slope must be offset in the retaining wall’s design. Retaining walls can also: Provide usable land.

What Are Gabion Baskets Used for?

Gabion baskets are most commonly used as retaining walls for erosion control and to prevent slope soil from sliding or eroding. Gabion baskets can also be used to create temporary flood walls, perimeter fences, and can even be used for more creative applications, such as planters, pond surrounds and much more.

Gravity Retaining Wall

Gravity retaining walls depend on their own weight and any soil resting on the concrete in resisting lateral earth forces. They are generally economical up to 10 feet in height for cast concrete structures. Usually are sufficiently massive to be unreinforced. Monolithic cast walls are generally formed on site.

When Is a Fence Required on Top of a Retaining Wall?

In fact, International Building Code 1015.2 requires guards (a fence) on any retaining wall over 30″ tall. Installing a fence on top of the retaining wall can help provide a safe area above the fence.

Install Fence on Top of Retaining Wall

Unless specifically designed by an engineer, installing a fence directly on top of a retaining wall is not recommended. As described above, the wall must be designed to handle over 500 lbs of force at each fence post

How High Can a Retaining Wall Fence Be?

The combined height of retaining wall, wall and or fence shall not exceed eight feet of solid surface (See Figure 9.08. 070-4). ii. A six-foot high retaining wall may be placed three feet or more from the side or rear property line (See Figure 9.08.

How High Can a Retaining Wall Be Without a Fence?

A retaining wall may not exceed a height of 6 feet. 3.

California Building Code Retaining Wall Height

A retaining wall greater than 48 inches in height is permitted subject to conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 11.5. 20: Development Permits. 4. A guard rail shall be placed, when necessary, on a retaining wall in accordance with the California Building Code.

Can a Fence Be Used as a Retaining Wall?

In most cases a fence should not be used as a retaining wall. Fences are not designed to withstand the lateral forces created by earth, water and soil. But, if designed and built the right way, a fence could retain a small amount of dirt using a kickboard.

Installing Fence Next to Retaining Wall

For non-engineered walls, the edge of the fence foundation must be placed at least 3-ft from the back of the retaining wall. By edge of the foundation, this means the edge of the hole and edge of the concrete placed around the post. The 3-ft minimum offset is required by the International Building Code.

Retaining Wall Height Requiring Fence

If a walkway, seating area, or another part of the yard sits behind your retaining wall, it is a good idea to place a fence on top. This prevents people or animals from falling over or off onto the other side. Some international building codes state that you need a fence on any retaining wall over 30″ high.


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