If you’ve seen properties on a sloping piece of land, then you’re no stranger to retaining walls.
They may come in different shapes and sizes but they all have the same objective: to hold the earth back so that a leveled surface can be created on the property.
Retaining walls are necessary so you can make use of land that would otherwise be unusable. That’s the practical side of their purpose. When it comes to aesthetics, they’re quite the design piece as well.
Let’s take a closer look at how both their form and function serve to improve your home.
What are retaining walls for?
You’ll often see them on the edge of a property with a house on elevated land, or at the side of a driveway that’s higher up than usual, leading to a garage. They’re a necessary structure to keep the foundations of a property in place when it is built on sloping land.
Any type of building can only be constructed if the land it will be built on is leveled. For residential properties, retaining walls are a great way to level out the land while also providing an attractive design accent. This is mainly due to the different materials retaining walls can be made from.
How are they built?
Retaining walls can be built from many different materials. There’s wood, concrete, stones, brick pavers, and many more. The construction tools necessary will also depend on the material.
Since you’ll be dealing with the foundations of your property, this is not a job that just anyone can do. You’ll need the help of a professional contractor who specializes in this field to ensure you won’t damage your property and that the retaining walls will last.
Why is drainage important to think about?
One area that should be properly planned for in the construction of a retaining wall is the water drainage. Retaining walls should only hold back the earth. Any water that seeps down to the ground that it’s holding back should have a way to flow out.
If a proper draining system is not in place, there are several problems that can occur. These include unwanted growth on the walls, mineral deposits, and rust stains from the wall ties.
If you live in a place with cold winters, a good drainage system is even more vital. The constant freezing and thawing will definitely take a toll on the structure of the retaining wall if water drainage is not taken care of.
As an important part of your property, you don’t want to take any chances with your retaining walls. Let the experts handle the job to ensure the safety and quality of the work.
PMS Brick Pavers provides hardscape design, installation, repair and maintenance services. We’ll make sure that your retaining walls are built to the highest standards. And when it comes to its design, we will also make sure that enhances the overall look of your property. Get in touch with us today.
