The walls are basically supporting the entire structure of any building. Therefore, it is important to see that these walls are functional and become a protective structure. Hence the design of the architect has to be meaningful keeping in mind all the benefits of walls that are both attractive and useful. One of the types of wall structures that you would have noticed in the residential or commercial space is the retaining wall. These walls are designed to provide extra support to the soil. Moreover, the design also adds to the curb appeal of the garden or the place where they are built.
Retaining Walls – A Structural Support
The retaining walls are structural support in order to keep the soil in its own place. This is applicable to landscapes like small hills. You will find that it serves as a barrier so that the soil can be prevented from sliding down. Therefore, the retaining walls are considered to be a safety feature in any landscape. It will not only bring welfare to the house but also the outdoors.
Prevents Soil Erosion as Well as Controls Floods
The power of retaining walls is tremendous in any of the landscape and this may be either due to wind or water. If you are going ahead with landscaping or you have a wide area where you would want to plant saplings, then it becomes important to conserve soil. One of the best ways is to have large trees or shrubs, but, what if you don’t have them. You can go to the retaining walls. This also will reduce the runoff from the surface especially by the reduction of sharper gradients. The erosion is prevented because the speed of the water that travels over the surface is reduced.
Addition of functional space
The best part about retaining walls is that you can add a bit of creativity to it. Coloring it, lighting it up, and structuring it well, will help in giving it a beautiful appeal. The use of natural stone can make the structure more impressive. The best thing about retaining walls is that it can go very well with any other features.
 |
| Retaining Walls |
How Is It a Home Improvement Project?
- The idea of retaining walls increases the overall value of the property. Its installation is not only easy but also quite affordable. The value increases because you add versatility to the space that is present around the house.
- When you go to choose the design and the type of these walls, you will find that there are a variety of options in the market. There is an option to build a gabion wall that is mesh filled with stone and also a dry stack wall that is made from stones and that too without a mortar. The retaining walls can also be made from ecologically friendly materials. This will be also very economical.
- You do not have to spend much to maintain the retaining walls. Once it is constructed, there is nothing else to do, just leave it alone. Since they are made up of natural products, they are able to withstand harsh weather conditions. This is the reason that there is not much wear and tear.
- The functional part of these walls is highly tempting. These walls can actually withstand tons of weight. If you built it correctly, then it has the capacity to hold earth or even water for decades. The designs of the walls are so attractive that it can be sued to create space as well as attractive vertical gardens.
 |
| Retaining Walls |
Types of Retaining Walls
If you are planning to have one of these at your place, then there are four popular option that rules the market:
Gravity Retaining Wall - It is the most basic retaining wall which makes use of the weight of the stone to hold the soil at its place.
Cantilevered Retaining Wall - These are also known as a reinforced retaining wall. It makes use of a wall fixed t a slab foundation that is there under the soil.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall - If you have space issues, then the sheet piling retaining wall is a good choice. It is a thin wall usually made up of wood, steel or vinyl which is held directly into the soil.
Anchored Retaining Wall - This type of wall supports a variety of fronts by anchors that are driven deep into the earth behind them.
The lovers of ecology prefer to build these walls as it requires less than 50% of concrete than the traditional walls. This will help to reduce disruption to the natural vegetation of the particular area. These walls are made from sustainable products, therefore are long-lasting as well as beautiful. Connecting with a good contractor will help you get the best-suited type of retaining wall for your place.
