ORANGEVALE, Calif. — September 15, 2025 — Homeowners across the Sacramento region are facing a costly and dangerous problem: failing retaining walls. Cracks, leaning, and collapses have become common as aging walls give way under pressure. In response, South Canyon Construction of Orangevale has launched a new “Engineering-First Initiative” to ensure retaining walls are built to last for decades.
Located at 7520 Telegraph Ave. in Orangevale, the company has witnessed firsthand how widespread these failures have become. The new initiative aims to change the way retaining walls are designed and constructed in Sacramento County by putting engineering and safety first.
Two main issues are behind most failures:
Rainwater seeps into the soil behind walls, becoming trapped. As water builds up, it exerts heavy pressure. Without proper drainage, even strong walls eventually crack or buckle.
Many walls are built on shallow or unstable bases. Without a deep, compacted foundation, walls shift and sink over time.
“These are preventable problems,” said the company. “By addressing water and foundation issues before construction, we can eliminate the most common causes of wall failure.”
South Canyon’s new process treats every retaining wall like a structural project, not just backyard landscaping.
Each wall includes engineered drainage, with gravel backfill and perforated pipes to redirect water away from the wall.
Crews dig deep to build a thick, compacted gravel base, anchoring the wall for long-term stability.
Plans are developed with engineering principles in mind, ensuring compliance with safety and durability standards.
“In 2025, we want homeowners to understand that a retaining wall is a serious structure, not just a landscaping project,” said Dennis from South Canyon Construction. “We see too many failures in the Sacramento area because of shortcuts with drainage and the foundation. Our new plan is simple: we focus on building a wall that is engineered right from the ground up, so it protects your property and gives you peace of mind for decades to come.”
Failing retaining walls are more than an eyesore—they pose serious safety risks and can cause property damage or reduce home values. Rebuilding a collapsed wall can cost homeowners thousands of dollars, often more than building it correctly in the first place.
South Canyon Construction’s initiative is designed to save homeowners money in the long run while giving them confidence that their property is protected. By focusing on engineering from the start, the company hopes to set a new standard for retaining wall construction in Northern California.
South Canyon Construction is a locally based landscaping and retaining wall contractor serving Orangevale and the greater Sacramento area. Known for their expertise in solving structural and drainage issues, the company specializes in building retaining walls that stand the test of time. Their Engineering-First Initiative reflects their mission: to protect local properties with safer, stronger, and smarter construction.
Originally reported by EIN Presswire in CW 39 Houston.
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