The Services Of A Retaining Wall Contractor
Retaining wall contractors use an array of hardscape materials to construct terraced backdrops, property borders, and other landscape features. A builder will assess the property and provide construction recommendations that will improve the appearance and performance of the land.
The Inspection
A retaining wall provides support in areas where loose soil is prone to the natural process of erosion. Wind and rain often result in the loss of topsoil. A retaining wall contractor will determine where the addition of a retaining wall will be beneficial.
Some landscape characteristics may indicate that parts of the ground are susceptible to erosion. If the topsoil that is covering the land is uneven, a contractor may determine that weather patterns have been causing the soil to shift.
Drainage Concerns
A contractor will provide a property owner with guidance, concerning where a retaining wall structure will be best suited. Before any construction processes commence, a contractor will establish whether the property has drainage concerns.
Poor drainage along a sloped section of land could be problematic. Due to the heaviness of soil when it becomes wet, a retaining wall structure installed in front of the soil will need to be constructed of sturdy hardscape materials. The durability of the materials will prevent a retaining wall from collapsing. A contractor may also advise that drain pipes are installed underground.
Wall Designs
Retaining walls can be straight or curved. A terraced wall will contain a series of step-like platforms. Each platform can be used as a flowerbed. This type of retaining wall structure will feature platforms that are constructed of specific hardscape materials.
After a property owner chooses a variety of flowering plants that they would like to display on the terraced wall, a contractor will add soil to the top of each platform. The contractor will transplant the flowering plants that the property owner has selected.
A basic retaining wall design will be constructed of one distinct hardscape material. This type of wall will not contain decorative features. The main purpose of a basic wall is to provide support along sloped land.
Materials
Pavers, bricks, natural or manmade stones, concrete blocks, and wood are some materials that can be used to construct a wall. Some hardscape materials may be designed to interlock. Others will require the use of mortar or a waterproof adhesive. Cap pieces are often installed along the top of a retaining wall. Cap pieces may contain a flat or angled surface.
Contact a local retaining wall contractor to learn more.
