Using Concrete Retaining Walls For Landscaping Renovations
A retaining wall is used to support soils and help prevent land movement. They support land that would otherwise not be supported and hold the land in place for many reasons. Retaining wall contractors create these walls to ensure they are effective and efficient. The following retaining wall information will help you with landscaping renovations:
Using Retaining Walls for Better Landscaping Designs
When you are planning landscaping renovations, the retaining walls can be a great way to take advantage of space. They can help you create more useable spaces, gardens, and various design features. Therefore, you want to start planning the retaining walls when designing the new landscaping.
Often, you need to use retaining walls to hold back soil to reduce the slopes of landscaping elevations. When these areas are high, they need to have a structural concrete retaining wall that is reinforced with steel bars. These retaining walls can be used to reduce erosion problems and create different spaces in your landscaping design.
The Options for Concrete Retaining Wall Finishes
When you are installing concrete retaining walls, they can have different finishes. One of the most common finishes for exposed concrete walls is a stamped finish that can be sealed. There are also options like acid staining or veneers that can finish the exposed faces of retaining walls.
There are several options for the veneers used to finish the face of retaining walls. These can be simple stucco finishes that enhance the appearance of the walls or stone or brick materials used to create an attractive finish.
Permitting Requirements for Retaining Walls
Permits are required for most retaining walls. The type, location, and condition of the soil on your property determine which type of retaining wall you need.
Most retaining walls are load-bearing walls. The walls must be properly braced to resist lateral (side-to-side) forces that push the wall away from the supporting soil. If they are not, the wall could collapse. This is why it is wise to consult a structural engineer before building a wall.
Different types of bracing can be used to support retaining walls, but the most common is tying the wall to the supporting soil with steel rods called ties. The ties make sure that the wall has sufficient strength.
There are going to be some excavations and footings that need to be done and inspected before the actual wall can be built. An inspector will also inspect the forms of concrete retaining walls before they can be completed.
If you are ready to renovate your landscaping with retaining walls, contact a retaining wall contractor to start planning the project.
