Blog Archives

The Empire Walls team recently completed a retaining wall replacement in Langwarrin, for a client that was in need of a backyard freshen up!

The existing retaining wall was looking a little worse for wear and was well due for replacement, as you can see in the below before picture.

Our team came in to clear the space, ready for a brand-new retaining wall to be constructed.

Using concrete sleepers and galvanised steel uprights, our team constructed a set of new walls and steps to create a split level, useable area for our client.

Plenty of space has been created for new greenery and turf which will be a great feature in our client’s yard.

The new set of retaining walls and steps will last for many years to come!

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

If you are in need of a new retaining wall, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

When it comes to choosing the right retaining wall for your space, the choices out there might seem overwhelming. Read along for a few of our tips and some info to help with your decision.

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a stabilising structure that supports earth and soil laterally so that it can be held at different levels on each side.

What is the purpose of a retaining wall?

Retaining walls are designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion and slope failure. They are used to create flat or terraced spaces for landscaping, gardening and recreation. Many homeowners choose to have a retaining wall built to create a neat and defined space in their yard.

What materials can I choose from?

Depending on your specific needs and preferences, these are some of the options available:

• Timber sleepers with timber or galvanised steel uprights
• Concrete sleepers with galvanised uprights
• Reinforced besser block
• Brick
• Stack stone
• Segmental block

To ensure your retaining wall is fit for purpose, ask your local retaining wall specialist to assess your specific needs and make a recommendation on materials best suited in terms of safety, functionality, performance, and design.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

Contact us for a free quote and consultation today!

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Is your retaining wall looking a bit worse for wear these days? There comes a time where every retaining wall will need to be replaced. Here’s how to tell when your retaining wall needs replacing.

A retaining wall is a professionally engineered stabilising structure designed to hold sloping earth and soil in place. If the wall fails, soil collapse can put your property at risk and ruin the aesthetic of your garden.

Many property owners are unaware how integral these walls are to the overall health of their property. It is vital to maintain and regularly check your retaining wall, and to understand their role in the protection of your home.

So, what should you look for?

• The wall is titled forward, or has a bowed appearance
• The appearance of sloping or uneven floors, decks and outdoor living spaces
• Cracks or crevices are starting to appear in the wall
• Cracks or crevices are appearing in the adjacent flooring
• The face of the wall is crumbling
• One section is separated from the surrounding structure

If you notice your retaining wall showing any of these signs, it would be best to call in a registered retaining wall builder to inspect it for you.

What causes a retaining wall to fail?

• The issue could be related to the material used – for example, a timber retaining wall may warp and/or rot
• Poor drainage, which can also mean the soil becomes too heavy for the wall to hold any more
• The wall may have come under stress factors that it wasn’t originally designed to cope with
• The retaining wall in place may not be best suited to the circumstances
• Poor workmanship
• The age of the retaining wall, all retaining walls will need to be replaced at some point

Usually, the safest option is to tear down the existing retaining wall and replace it completely. Your retaining wall specialist will advise you on what will be best for your property and garden.

It is crucial to remember that tearing down and replacing a retaining wall isn’t a weekend DIY project. It is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure the safety of yourself and your property isn’t compromised. They will be able to assess the site-specific issues you are having and make recommendations on how best to proceed.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Empire Walls Heads to Frankston South- Retaining Wall Replacement.

Empire Walls recently headed to Frankston South to replace an aged retaining wall running along our client’s driveway.

As you can tell by the pictures below, the existing wall was quite old and had started to deteriorate. The garden bed was no longer supported, and the overall appearance was looking a bit sad.

Our team came in and constructed a new smooth concrete sleeper retaining wall for one very pleased client.

The pictures below show how much the visual appeal of the driveway and front garden has improved, a brand-new inviting entrance to the property.

Now that the retaining wall has been replaced by Empire Walls, the front garden and plants will be supported for many years to come!

Hot Tip

Council approval is sometimes required when you’re installing a retaining wall. Make sure to gain approval through your local council to avoid any issues.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Empire Walls recently completed a job for a client in need of a retaining wall replacement in Mount Martha. The existing wall had deteriorated, and the split-level backyard was in need of some support.

Take a look at the before picture below,

Empire Walls constructed a brand-new set of walls using galvanised steel uprights and concrete bluestone sleepers, check out the finished job below!

We were able to help bring our clients dream space alive by creating a useable area, perfect for entertaining and with plenty of space for the whole family.

The yard is now ready for some new turf and plants to finish off our client’s vision.

Hot Tip

Council approval is sometimes required when you’re installing a retaining wall. Make sure to gain approval through your local council to avoid any issues.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

If you are in need of a new retaining wall, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Stuck trying to think of an idea to improve the appearance of your small front or back yard? Often a small retaining wall can make a big difference!

It doesn’t take much to improve the visual appeal of a small space, a retaining wall will not only prevent soil erosion, but it will also create useable land for planting and entertaining.

Take a look at one of our recent jobs below, this small retaining wall has greatly improved the street appeal of our client’s property.

Before;

After;

These beautiful trees would eventually have toppled over after the original retaining wall started to deteriorate.

Replacing with a small concrete sleeper retaining wall has not only improved the aesthetic of this area, but it will also make sure these trees will be around to surround the basketball court for many years to come.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Transform your backyard with Empire Retaining Walls. Many homeowners are unsure on how to maximise their yard into a useable space. If you have a sloping or uneven terrain, building a retaining wall is a great way to add function and visual appeal to your garden.

Retaining walls are designed to support the weight of the soil between different levels of your yard. They also prevent soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.

Check out some of our recent work below! Our client’s sloping yard was transformed into a much more appealing and useable area.

Before;

After;

You might feel up to the task of building a retaining wall yourself however we recommend leaving it to the experts. Unless you have the necessary background and experience, it may end up more costly and to ensure safety it would be wise to hire a professional.

If you’re ready to transform your backyard and create the outdoor space of your dreams, contact Adam today!