A retaining wall may be an invaluable landscaping feature, especially if your property, yard, or outdoor space has an unusable sloping area. If your Macomb County, MI property has a steep grade, you could be thinking if a retaining wall can help. This article will help you better decide if a retaining wall can be the best solution for your Macomb County, MI home.
How Does a Retaining Wall Function?
A retaining wall is a vertical structure used to hold back the soil. This prevents erosion and creates level areas. Retaining walls are made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and concrete. Both the material and construction method impact the stability and durability of the wall.
Retaining walls can be straight or boast curves. Their special features enhance a landscape in various ways. For instance, the addition of a smooth coping can serve as an additional seating area permanently. These walls also help increase privacy by doubling up as a backdrop for outdoor rooms.
What are the Different Types of Retaining Walls?
There are four primary types of retaining walls. These are as follows:
● Anchored Walls
● Cantilever Walls
● Piling Walls
● Gravity Walls
Naturally, each of these types has individualized advantages and strong points.
Anchored walls make use of tension supports. These supports are anchored to a rock or to the soil to resist pressure and support the wall’s structure. The anchors can be combined with other kinds of retaining walls for enhanced support.
Gravity walls use the wall’s weight to hold the soil back. This type of wall is best suited for slopes that are three feet high or lower.
Piling walls have long poles, which extend into the ground and act as supports for the wall. The poles offer support and make the walls more stable.
Similar to gravity walls, cantilever walls boast a slab that serves as a base that goes underground. The slab utilizes the soil’s backfill materials and weight to keep the wall strong and stable.
What are Some of the Major Advantages of Retaining Walls?
There are several advantages of a retaining wall. These range from controlling soil erosion to multiplying the value of your property. The following benefits can help to decide if a retaining wall is the right step for landscaping improvements:
● A retaining wall controls the rainwater flow by including drainage features that guide the water. You can use this water to hydrate plant beds and dry spots in your yard.
● If your home is downhill, chances are that water runoff and erosion washes out soil that surrounds your foundation. This problem can be solved by installing a retaining wall.
● With one or multiple retaining walls, you can try segmenting different sections of your property. This can serve as an effective visual tool, especially when you have ample space.
Based on the size of your yard and your landscaping needs, our landscape experts can discuss and work with you. Together, we can determine the ideal retaining wall options for your Macomb County, MI property.
Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!
If you have any questions regarding brick pavers or hardscape design, contact us today. Please feel free to give JJW Brick a call today for your Macomb County, MI home. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We hope to hear from you soon!
