Common Materials Used to Build Retaining Walls

Purpose of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are a great way to improve the look of residential backyards. They are also used to restrain soil from eroding or sliding away due to water or other factors. In addition to providing aesthetic value, retaining walls are also functional in that they provide increased stability for soil on sloped surfaces. They can be designed to serve as planters for flowers or shrubs and can also be used to create seating areas for outdoor living spaces. Retaining walls are an essential part of landscaping projects and have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and ability to add value to any property.

Advantages of Retaining Walls

There are several benefits of having retaining wall in your backyard. Some of the them are:

Improve Landscaping

The aesthetic benefits of retaining walls should not be overlooked either. Not only do they help shape your landscape design by providing you with options to break up large swaths of land or steep slopes; but they come in all shapes and sizes making them customizable to any home’s style and look. From natural stone structures to modern designs using building materials like concrete blocks, there is something available to suit every taste.

Reduce Erosion

One of the biggest benefits of retaining walls is their ability to reduce erosion. By holding back soil on hillsides or areas where water tends to accumulate during storms, these structures can help prevent damage to property and infrastructure below them by reducing runoff and sedimentation flow. Retaining walls also keep soils in place against the force of gravity, which helps ensure that any landscaping work or construction remains intact over time.

Improve Drainage

Having a professionally constructed retaining wall can improve drainage in the yard by redirecting water runoff away from buildings or areas where flooding could be an issue.

Retaining Wall Material

Mainly there are 4 types of building material that are used to construct a retaining wall. These materials include timber, masonry, poured concrete and interlocking concrete blocks. But the important question is:

How to choose the right material

In order to ensure that the wall will be stable, strong and long-lasting, it is important to choose the right material for its construction.

• The most important factor when selecting the material for building a retaining wall is its durability. It should be able to withstand all weather conditions without deteriorating over time. Look for materials with high strength ratings and those which can easily absorb shock from external forces like falling debris or heavy rains.
• Make sure you pick materials that have been tested against water seepage or erosion so as to guarantee their longevity.
• The aesthetic appearance of the wall is another important factor when deciding which material to use.

Masonry Retaining Walls

Masonry retaining walls are a great way to add character and stability to any outdoor landscaping project. Constructed from stone, brick, or concrete block, retaining walls help strengthen the soil and can be used for both utilitarian purposes as well as decorative accents. For the best results, it’s important to hire an experienced professional mason who knows how to properly build a durable wall that will last for years.

The most important step in building a masonry retaining wall is to make sure you have the proper footing for the structure. The footing must be placed at least 12 inches below the ground’s frost line, and should be three times wider than that of the actual wall itself. After you have your footing in place, it is time to begin constructing your wall using building material. To ensure stability, it also necessary that weep holes are utilized every 6 feet during construction; this will allow any water which accumulates behind the wall to escape properly.

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

These types of retaining walls are an effective and attractive way to keep soil in place while also providing a safe and decorative boundary. As the name suggests, these retaining walls are built by pouring concrete into forms that have been set up around the area where the wall is being constructed. This method of construction offers many advantages over other types of retaining walls because it is strong, durable and relatively easy to install.

The process for installing poured concrete retaining walls begins with excavating the area where the wall will go, then preparing any necessary foundations or footings. After this is done, forms are set up around the perimeter of the wall’s location, then filled with steel-reinforced concrete which has been mixed according to manufacturer specifications.

Remember weep holes are essential when forming poured concrete walls since they help improve drainage by allowing water to run off the surface when it rains or snows. This prevents water from pooling up behind the wall, which could cause instability or even structural failure over time. To properly install weep holes, use standard drill bits or rotary hammers spaced at 6-foot intervals along the length of the wall as you form it.

Interlocking Concrete Blocks Retaining Walls

Interlocking concrete blocks retaining walls are a type of hardscape structure used to contain soil and other materials. They are easy to work with, can be readily customized, and provide a long-lasting solution for containing soil and other materials.

These types of blocks are made from precast molds filled with a blend of Portland cement, aggregate and water that is then cured before being cut into individual units. These individual pieces interlock together during installation to form a strong but flexible retaining wall system. These walls provide superior structural integrity when compared to traditional poured-in-place methods due to the way the blocks install together. This allows for a variety of shapes and heights depending on the application needed.

How to maintain your retaining Wall?

Maintaining your retaining wall is essential for its longevity. Taking below steps will help keep your retaining wall safe and secure for years to come.

• Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that the wall is in good condition and any necessary repairs can be made.
• Inspect drainage systems around the wall to make sure they are functioning properly and fill in any eroded areas with soil or rocks.
• It’s important to monitor soil levels behind the wall as these can change over time and lead to damage if not monitored carefully.

Atlantic Brick and Stone: Retaining Wall Expert in Fredericton

Are you looking for a retaining wall expert to help you construct or repair an existing one? Atlantic Brick and Stone is the company to call. Our professional team has a lot of experience in helping clients to build their dream walls.

We are specialized in building a variety of outdoor structures that will enhance any landscape design. Our team of expert contractors can create beautiful paver patios, walkways, retaining walls and outdoor fireplaces that will leave your guests in awe.

We understand the importance of creating a unique outdoor space which is why we focus on listening closely to our clients’ needs and ideas while offering experienced advice throughout the entire process. With our hardscaping services, you can rest assured knowing you will get superior results every time.