Retaining Walls are vital elements to include in your landscape. They are used for decorating the exterior of a home as well as preventing erosion or collapse of high-level ground onto a building. These walls are perfect for places where there are slopes. They can be made from different types of materials such as rock, treated woods, paver stones, concrete and many more. The type of material used is determined by factors such as the ground water conditions, soil characteristics, cost and height of the wall.
Before you begin constructing your retaining wall, you need to decide whether to hire a professional landscaper or to do the work yourself. If you choose to do the work yourself, ensure you have the required knowledge and tools to do so. Note that a retaining wall is constructed in a series of steps. If these steps are not followed, there are chances that the wall will tip or collapse. While they are seemingly easy to design and construct, there are specific techniques for building solid and reliable walls. It is for this reason it is essential you hire a professional to do the work for you.
There are many types of Retaining Walls. Some of the most common include:
1. Cantilever walls:
These are made from poured concrete. They have two major parts, which include the base slab and the stem. Cantilever walls are economical to construct and can go up to 25 feet in height.
2. Sheet piling walls:
They can be made from wood, vinyl or steel. They depend on pressure from the ground to remain supported. They are mostly used on coastal properties to prevent water from flooding to the grounds.
3. Gravity walls:
As the name suggests, gravity walls depend on gravity to stay supported. They can go up to 10 feet in height. These walls have a thick base to enable them to withstand extensive pressures.
There are other types of walls you can use to enhance the exterior beauty of your home. To ensure your retaining wall is constructed properly, it is imperative you hire the services of professional as well as use the right masonry supplies. For more information about the different types of walls you can include in your landscape