Retaining walls are great landscaping tools for holding soil. However, a retaining wall will only serve its purpose well if it is well designed and installed. That is why you need to consider all the crucial aspects when designing and building retaining walls to ensure everything flows smoothly. From the materials you are going to use for the walls to the length you are going to dig to make walls strength to environmental factors, you need to check on every aspect before constructing your retaining walls.
Proper planning will ensure everything doesn’t come tumbling down the last minute. If you are wondering where you should start when designing and selecting a retaining wall, the following are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.
Designing the Wall
When designing a retaining wall that will suit your needs, you need to consider the following:
Location
This is the most crucial aspect that you need to consider when designing a retaining wall. You need to have an understanding of the area you are planning to install the retaining walls to help you know the right walls to choose from. Check whether utilities are passing over or underground the area that may affect the installation process. You should also consider the sloping of the area because it determines where the walls will be installed and how strong they should be.
Soil
The soil you will be installing the walls should be strong. If the soil in your area is loose, the walls should be installed deeper to give them stability. You should ensure the soil is dry because if it’s wet, it will contract with weather and may damage the wall.
Drainage
Check the drainage patterns on your landscape before installing a retaining wall. This will avoid designing a wall that is against the pattern; hence, subjecting it to too much pressure that may cause it to collapse.
Selecting the Ideal Retaining Wall
After considering the location, soil, and drainage, its time to pick the wall that will match well with these factors and your landscape. The following are some of the retaining wall options that you can choose from:
Gravity Wells – These walls use their weight to hold soil behind them. This explains why these types of retaining walls are often constructed using heavy materials. Their sizes vary from as low as 4 feet or less to around 10 feet in height.
Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) – These are industrially manufactured walls that are made out of concrete and typically dry-stacked without mortar. They are designed to interlock to avoid overturning or sliding around. These walls can be installed with or without reinforcement. SRWs are strong and highly durable.
Even if you have the right retaining wall, you will need professional help to ensure the installation is done right. That is where we come in as a company. We are the best when it comes to offering landscaping services. At Capital Land Companies we specialize in transforming your outdoor space through our exceptional landscaping services. Contact us today; we help you in turning your vision into reality.