Reasons to Install a Retaining Wall During Home Upgrades
Undertaking a home improvement project is a great way to spruce up the look of your home. There are various projects to consider during a home upgrade, including bath and kitchen remodeling, lighting upgrades, new flooring and more. However, retaining walls are often overlooked, but they offer numerous benefits.
While you may want to care more about the look of your home, a retaining wall will come in handy during heavy rains. It helps reduce soil erosion, prevent floods and add that appealing element to your home exteriors.
Types of Retaining Walls to Install in My Home
Retaining walls feature different materials and come in various types. The common ones include;
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity walls use their weight to resist the earth’s pressures. They use their weight and mass to hold soil in situations that could otherwise lead to erosion. Gravity retaining walls allow different types of materials. They are all about weight, and you will get them in bricks, pavers or stone. Most of these walls require a small trench or concrete footer for enhanced stability.
Cantilevered Retaining Walls
Cantilevered walls consist of a slab base and stem, which acts as a footing for additional support. These retaining walls nz feature extra vertical wings or steel bars to the foundation for additional strength and rigidity. During erosions, the vertical stress is transferred to the base, thus preventing toppling. Due to their superior strength, cantilevered retaining walls are commonly used in commercial buildings.
Anchored Retaining Walls
Anchored retaining walls mostly feature concrete, supporting your building to ensure enhanced stability. They feature ground anchors for improved load-bearing capacity and safety.
The anchors are mechanically driven into the ground for additional support, particularly for thinner walls.
Sheet Piling Retaining Walls
Sheet piling retaining walls are ideal for space-constrained areas. They are thin walls made of steel, wood or vinyl with a vertically corrugated structure; they are driven directly into the soil to enhance stability. These walls are ideal for softer soils, and a third of the sheet piling should be drilled into the ground.
Why Invest in a Retaining Wall?
There are various reasons to install one in your home. Check out some benefits;
1. Flood Control
Retaining walls act as a water barrier and keep out excess water during floods or maximum water levels. They work as dams or dykes and will safeguard your home from flooding, which can pose considerable damage to your property.
The worse thing about floods is that they can occur anytime, and you need adequate preparation to avert damage in your home. If unsure of the risk of flooding in your location, search for a flooding hazard map from the local authorities.
2. Improves the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Home
Home improvement is all about enhancing the look of your home, which is the reason why most homeowners go for attractive décor pieces. However, a retaining wall will also add to the aesthetic appeal of your property.
When we talk of these walls, imagine block concrete or wooden walls. While this may be true, these walls come in different materials and are quite attractive. You can go for wood, concrete, or bricks-your options are endless.
3. Acts as a Boundary Marker
Do you want to mark your boundary between your neighbors and don’t know how to go about it? A retaining wall will help! Sometimes your fence may not be enough, and you may want an additional barrier to stop others from climbing and accessing your yard. A retaining wall will benchmark your property and keep intruders at bay.
4. Maximize Your Space
A retaining wall allows you to make better use of your available landscaping space. The wall creates a terraced area that you can use for planting or designing a flower bed. This way, you will have an additional beautiful space to enjoy nature with loved ones and guests.
Moreover, a retaining wall helps segment your space, enhancing visibility if you have an extensive landscape. You only need to hire a design specialist to aid you make the most out of your space.
5. Lower Landscaping Maintenance Costs
No one wants to spend millions tending their landscape. With a retaining wall, you enhance the look of your space and lower your landscaping expenses. As we all know, your yard requires proper care and maintenance, which can be costly. However, a retaining wall will maintain soil and flowers in place, which minimizes the need for replanting and other maintenance tasks.
Which Materials Should I Choose?
You may need a retaining wall if your landscape is sloppy. You may also need such a wall to create a tiered garden. Nonetheless, you can have your wall designed from different materials. Your choice will depend on budget, desired aesthetics and the height of the wall. The common materials include wood, concrete, stone, and brick, and the builder can help you in the selection.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather elements. They can last for decades and require minimal maintenance and cleaning. Concrete blocks are also easy to install and are a worthwhile investment in your home. They are suitable for retaining walls up to four feet high.
Brick
Bricks are popular retaining wall materials that require minimal maintenance. They are eco-friendly since they are made from natural materials such as clay and shale.
Bricks are also durable and will add that unique look to your home.
Wood
Wooden walls blend perfectly with natural landscapes and make great options for raised planter beds. It is cost-effective and ideal for homeowners on a budget. Go for treated wood to enhance its durability and enjoy improved aesthetic appeal in your home.
Natural Stone
Natural stone can be in the form of boulders or field stone. It is favorite among many homeowners since it adds depth to the wall. You will get natural stone in various colors, mostly gray and blue. Other natural stones for your project include sandstone, slate, granite and limestone.
Get Professional Help!
Installing a retaining wall should form part of your home improvement projects. Such walls come in various materials and designs and will improve the look and value of your property. However, you need experts to guide, hire professionals and avoid many blunders that homeowners make!
