Get matched with top wall repair pros in Mclaughlin, SD

Q: Are railroad ties good for retaining walls?

• <div><p>Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they&rsquo;re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that&rsquo;s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.</p></div>

Q: Who do you hire to build a retaining wall?

• <div><p>There are contractors specifically trained in the design and construction of retaining walls. Retaining wall contractors are skilled at dealing with the soil on your property and assessing what kind of drainage should be installed. They will recommend the best materials to use for the project and can handle the processing of permits by local authorities.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a foundation wall and a retaining wall?

• <div><p>With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.</p></div>

Q: Does a 2-foot retaining wall need drainage?

• <div><p>Each design is different, so we can&rsquo;t say definitively if you&rsquo;ll need a dedicated drainage system in place for a two-foot retaining wall. However, you can likely skip the drainage, as this project is typically served for walls that are 4 feet tall or more. Even with a relatively low wall, consider drainage if you are building on top of clay or poor-draining soil types or if there are buried water sources nearby, like a well used for other <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/beginning-home-gardening-guide.htm">outdoor garden projects</a>.</p></div>

Q: What happens if you don't backfill a retaining wall?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t backfill a retaining wall&mdash;either at all or adequately enough&mdash;the wall won&rsquo;t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hardscape-features-bring-value-landscape.htm">hardscaping is adding value to your home</a>.</p></div>

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Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Repaired wall where 50 yr old plaster cracked. Explained in detail extent of work & duration of work. Excellent containment of dust & great job of cleaning up work site. Extremely happy with finished product."

+16

144 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by88%of homeowners

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Blackburn Foundation Repair, LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Blackburn came out to repair my garage foundation. They were quick, efficient, and left the area in great condition."

Response time1 day

96 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We’ve used Fix-it all for several projects the past few years. Mike was the guy sent out to remodel our bathroom. I’m very satisfied with that final result. Joe repaired our garage door trim and seals. He did an excellent job and was done in no time. Very satisfied with that project too. Kayan; Joe and Jesse just finished up our wooden fence repairs and did a very professional job. I’d recommend Fix-It-All for all your home repairs."

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today!\n\nWe specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton\n\nAL.Dothan 334-648-3817,\nAL Birmingham 334-648-3817,\nAL Huntsville 334-648-3817,\nAL Mobile 334-648-3817,\nAL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817,\nAL Montgomery 334-578-4761,\nAR Little Rock 334-648-3817,\nAZ Phoenix 334-648-3817,\nCA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817,\nCO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817,\nCT Hartford 334-648-3817,\nDE Dover 334-648-3817,\nFL Tallahassee 334-648-3817,\nFL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817,\nFL. Destin 334-648-3817,\nFL Gainsville 334-648-3817\nFl Jacksonville 334-648-3817,\nFL Orlando 334-648-3817,\nFL Panama City 334-648-3817,\nFL Tampa 334-648-3817,\nFL Miami 334-648-3817,\nGA Atlanta 334-648-3817,\nGA Albany 334-648-3817,\nGA Augusta 334-648-3817,\nGA Columbus 334-648-3817,\nGA Macon 334-648-3817,\nGA Valdosta 334-648-3817,\nIA Des Moines 334-648-3817,\nID Boise 334-648-3817,\nIL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817,\nIN Indianapolis 334-648-3817,\nKS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817,\nKY Frankfort 334-648-3817,\nLA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817,\nMA Boston 334-648-3817,\nMD Annapolis 334-648-3817,\nME Augusta 334-648-3817,\nMI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817,\nMN Saint Paul 334-648-3817,\nMO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817,\nMS Jackson 334-648-3817,\nMS Biloxi 334-648-3817,\nMS Gulf Port 334-648-3817,\nMT helena 334-648-3817,\nNC Raleigh 334-648-3817,\nND Bismark 334-648-3817,\nNE Lincoln 334-648-3817, \nNJ Trenton 334-648-3817,\nNM Santa Fe 334-648-3817,\nNV Carson City 334-648-3817,\nNV Las Vegas 334-648-3817\nNY Albany 334-648-3817,\nOH Columbus 334-648-3817,\nOK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817,\nOR Salem 334-648-3817,\nPA harrisburg 334-648-3817,\nRI Providence 334-648-3817,\nSC Columbia 334-648-3817,\nSD Pierre 334-648-3817,\nTN nashville 334-648-3817,\nTX Austin 334-648-3817,\nUT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817,\nVA Richmond 334-648-3817,\nVT montpelier 334-648-3817,\nWI Madison 334-648-3817,\nWV Charleston 334-648-3817,\nWY Cheyenne 334-648-3817

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Pro Fix is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 40 years of experience serving Bismarck and surrounding areas. There is no job too big or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Luis A Drywall LLC

New to Angi

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Veras Construction

New to Angi

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We here at Veras Construction take pride our work and always pay attention to the minor details. Our customers know they can rely on us no matter what the project may be. We are always going the extra mile to ensure quality on everything we do. For prompt and professional work, call us today for your painting needs.

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"He was very thorough and explained everything he was doing. I will definitely give him a call when I need something fixed."

Response time2 days

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Langerock Drywall L.L.C.

New to Angi

Serving Mclaughlin, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs, and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work, and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Wall Repair questions, answered by experts

Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they’re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that’s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.

There are contractors specifically trained in the design and construction of retaining walls. Retaining wall contractors are skilled at dealing with the soil on your property and assessing what kind of drainage should be installed. They will recommend the best materials to use for the project and can handle the processing of permits by local authorities.

With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.

Each design is different, so we can’t say definitively if you’ll need a dedicated drainage system in place for a two-foot retaining wall. However, you can likely skip the drainage, as this project is typically served for walls that are 4 feet tall or more. Even with a relatively low wall, consider drainage if you are building on top of clay or poor-draining soil types or if there are buried water sources nearby, like a well used for other outdoor garden projects.

If you don’t backfill a retaining wall—either at all or adequately enough—the wall won’t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your hardscaping is adding value to your home.

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