Everything You Need to Know About a Retaining Wall

Are you planning to construct a retaining wall on your property? Retaining walls are beneficial in hilly areas and provide wonderful support for your foundation. They are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, available in various styles. However, there are a few things you need to know about a retaining wall before investing in one. Let’s see what these are.

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a beautiful, structured wall made of concrete, stone, brick, or other materials. Its primary purpose is to protect the soil from erosion, and it is usually used in backyards, patios, and high-traffic areas. Many homeowners use this to elevate the beauty of their landscapes.

Retaining walls can be easily customised to suit various designs and styles. However, to avoid collapsing, it is advisable to hire a trusted company to build your retaining wall.

Types of Retaining Wall

Here are the different types of retaining walls most commonly used in homes.

Gravity Retaining Wall

This wall needs a lot of construction material; it starts wide and becomes smaller by the top. These are rare and mostly used only if the soil erodes, and the gravity retaining wall is the only solution.

Sheet Pile Retaining Wall

This requires interlocking steel or wood sheets placed in the ground and anchored using cables. This is a cost-effective solution and easy to place in cramped spaces. It provides good structural support to the constructions and prevents soil erosion.

Anchored Wall

These are aesthetically pleasing and suitable for people wanting a wood finish. Anchored support beams are placed in the ground, connecting them to the wall. Wood is layered on them afterwards.

Cantilevered retaining wall

A vertical wall is connected to the foundation, and a horizontal base extends into soil and other materials. This is a naturally sturdy structure and relies on the principle of balance. A cantilevered retaining wall balances the soil pressure and allows the creation of taller walls without added support. These provide good stability and are very effective against soil erosion.

Advantages of a Retaining Wall

The following are the advantages of retaining walls.

Improves Drainage

They help preserve the structure and improve water drainage by directing water away from the area. This prevents water buildup and reduces the risk of flooding.

Soil Stabilization

Retaining walls help stabilise soil, which is crucial to maintaining the integrity of roads and building structures near sloping terrain.

Provides Structural Support

In areas prone to earthquakes, these provide structural support and stability. This helps increase the safety of the buildings.

Aesthetic Appeal

The retaining walls can be customised and made with various materials, such as concrete, stone, and wood finishes. This increases the aesthetic appeal of your property and outdoor space.

Optimal Space Use

These are used in sloped terrains, gardens, patios, and pathways. This increases the use of empty land and the value of property.

In conclusion, retentional walls add a new look to your property while being functional. These are a wonderful investment to save soil erosion and prevent damage to your home during earthquakes. So, when are you planning to build a retaining wall for your home?