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January 2022
You probably pass at least one a day but never notice it. Retaining walls can be found at homes, schools, highways and businesses. It's one of those things that you don't really think about until you are faced with an issue that might need one.
We will look at what a retaining wall is and whether or not you are or could be in need of one.
The Functions of a Retaining Wall
A "retaining wall" holds back (or "retains") the soil behind it. The pressure behind a tall wall, holding back tons of soil and water, can be enormous; it is vital to have someone with considerable knowledge and experience to take on the project. Even a well-constructed wall can be compromised over time if the builder fails to provide a proper outlet for runoff, as water pressure would eventually build up to an unsustainable level.
A retaining wall can provide a home with the ability to have a much easier time of maintaining it's landscaping when there is a level area.
Water Runoff
Retaining walls also help manage the flow of rainwater; It diverts water away from the foundation of your home to control erosion, runoff, and silt accumulation. A retaining wall is used for supporting soil mass laterally so the soil can be retained at different levels on two sides.
Need a seat? A retaining wall can also become a gathering place in your yard, as depending on it's height and location, it can provide seating or a cozy place to spend a warm afternoon. It might become one of the most popular places in your home!
You Might Need a Retaining Wall If…
1. You have a great deal of erosion happening. Retaining walls minimize erosion by decreasing the angle of a slope and holding back soil.
2. Your home is downhill from soil fault lines. Even if erosion isn’t threatening your home now, it could under the right conditions.
3. Your foundation is threatened by a sliding hill. Erosion can threaten your home’s foundation. If the soil around a downhill foundation is washing away, or erosion from a slope is compacting an uphill foundation, a retaining wall can help. In such cases, building retaining walls is one of the most important services landscaping and contracting companies perform.
Retaining Wall Design Options
Improperly installed retaining walls can bulge, crack, or lean. This occurs because either the contractor failed to build a strong enough wall to hold back the pressure of the hillside, or no drainage mechanisms were included in the wall’s design. If you live in a wet location, ask about draining options when researching retaining wall services. Landscaping design should last a lifetime, and your retaining wall will be better equipped to hold back gravity for years to come if you include drainage solutions.
While there are many different materials that can be used for retaining walls, retaining wall blocks are becoming a popular option due to the variety of design options, and durability. Retaining wall blocks are available in many different colors, shapes, and sizes and can add considerable charm and beauty to a space with a customized design.
Don't Make A Costly Mistake
A poorly constructed retaining wall can suddenly break, unleashing a flood of stones and mud that can jeopardize the stability of your home. Landscaping that is improperly packed behind a retaining wall can shift, taking your home with it.
For these reasons, building a retaining wall is one time when it just makes sense to arrange for professional services. Redline Stone Solutions offers a team of skilled experts that will design and install a retaining wall that will stand up to years of extreme weather while adding beauty and character to your home. For a free quote, call Redline Stone Solutions at 678-642-7762 or visit us on the web at www.redlinestonesolutions.com.
