If you’re a property owner, you’ve probably heard about retaining walls before. These walls offer significant benefits to the landscaping of residential and commercial properties.
But if you aren’t well-versed in masonry, you may wonder what the point of a retaining wall is and where the ideal place is for one to be installed. This guide discusses the uses for retaining walls and which situations warrant investing in them.
What Is a Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls are specifically constructed to hold back the soil. Depending on where you’re installing the wall and what type of soil the wall is securing, the ideal material you use to build the wall may vary.
The primary purpose of retaining walls is to manage a property’s run-off water and prevent erosion. They also offer other benefits, such as being a statement piece in a landscape or giving your lawn balance so you can use it as a more functional space for features like stairs or a patio.
Where Do You Find Retaining Walls?
If you’re considering retaining wall installation, you want to gather as much information as possible about factors like the property’s slope, soil texture, and drainage patterns. The details about the soil are imperative to building the proper structure that gives you the maximum support.
Damp or wet soil can create problems during installation and can damage the wall over time as it expands and contracts during colder weather.
However, retaining walls add value to virtually any property as long as the plans are well thought out. There are even a few instances where they can be particularly beneficial, especially for homeowners.
Driveways or Stairways
Retaining walls can give other features in your landscape some extra support. Driveways and stairs can suffer from awkward slopes in the land, but building a retaining wall can help reduce their chances of shifting.
If your landscape is very uneven, these walls can even double as a safety feature to provide extra stability as you or others move around your yard.
Fencing
Incorporating a retaining wall into your fence or using them together could be a budget-friendly option that adds intrigue and visual interest to your space.
Using these two elements together offers flexible options. You can use the retaining wall as a standalone fence or install the fence on top of the retaining wall for even more security and protection.
Flower Beds
Some yards have so much potential, but they need something extra to help them realize their potential. Retaining walls allow you to take advantage of every inch of space, creating more areas to plant flowers and other plants.
These walls can provide excellent benefits like correcting slopes and protecting your home’s foundation while also acting as a versatile design feature that lets you get creative with your outdoor space.
Protect Your Home and Yard with American Precast Concrete
Are you interested in designing a custom retaining wall to fit your needs? Get in touch with American Precast Concrete for more information and a free quote for your project.