Retaining walls are designed to retain soil that is drained by means of a stream or river. They are built to withstand the test of time and weather and are often used for homes, parks, and other public areas. But what kinds of materials are best suited as a retaining wall? A good contractor can help you determine the options that are best for your situation.
Retaining walls can be constructed out of concrete, stone, or a combination of these materials. The actual construction process can take as long as one day or as short as two days depending on the size and type of retaining wall that you have to build. The first step in the process is to excavate. This may be done using a shovel or a backhoe. The area should be excavated at least six feet below the surface level.
Once the site is excavated, the next step is to identify the specific location for the retaining walls. It is important that this location is near enough to the sewer and water lines to allow for easy draining during heavy storms. When this is done, workers will dig a trench for placing the retaining walls.
Once this is done the concrete will be poured. Most contractors use steel for this project because it is strong and durable. The length of the retaining walls can be between three to six feet. The weight of the materials should be considered when constructing them. They should be firmly planted but the distance between them should be considered so that they don’t pose a hazard to anyone walking behind them.
When installing retaining walls contractors make sure that they are completely level. They should be as close together as possible without any bumps or divots. Contractors also shouldn’t install the retaining walls too close to each other. This will make it harder to clean later on.
There are a variety of reasons why retaining walls need to be repaired. Some of these reasons include inadequate ground conditions, the passage of an unexpected heavy rainfall, the settling of the land for building, the digging of a ditch to have a septic tank, the building of a house with poor foundations, and the digging of ditches for sewer lines. In many cases, the soil at the foundation of the home is not of adequate quality and is not compacted properly. Heavy rains may cause the soil to break loose and move which will cause roots to breakthrough.
Retaining wall systems are often made of concrete or reinforced steel. For the most part, these materials provide a very durable barrier that helps retain all the soil in place. They also protect valuable landscaping, keep heat from escaping and act as a safety feature against vandalism. In many cases, you will also need to repair or replace these walls as they get damaged over time.
You can expect your contractor to ask you several questions about your property. One of the most common questions is whether you are planning on building the retaining walls yourself or having someone else do it for you. If you plan on doing it yourself, ask your contractor if they would recommend any particular materials or suppliers. If they do have a recommendation, make sure you find out what their reasoning is. A good contractor should be happy to show you examples of past work they have done and show you examples of the various styles that retaining walls can be built with.
When selecting the material for your retaining walls, you may also want to consider the climate in which you live. Wood is commonly used because it is so durable and easy to work with. For those who live in areas that receive little or no snow, concrete is often a great choice. Concrete blocks are inexpensive and can stand up to strong winds.
Once you have selected the material you prefer, it is time to decide what style fits best with your home. There are several popular styles including Gothic, Greek, and Victorian. Each of these has beautiful designs, but there are others as well. The style you select should reflect your personal taste and compliment the style of your home.
Once the retaining walls are complete, the job is not done. Now it is time to waterproof them. Waterproofing your walls is imperative if you want them to last for years to come. Waterproofing should be done by a professional who uses eco-friendly products to reduce moisture build-up. When done properly, your walls will retain their beauty and last for many years.