Retaining Walls: What Is It and Do You Need One?

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Your property is one of your investments. It is essential to keep your residential or commercial spaces in good shape. Its layout, design and landscaping play a big role in creating a stable foundation. That is why we offer retaining walls to solve your landscaping issues.

It is best to consult an expert to make sure it is well-built. Here at Cairns Retaining Walls, our professional workers are knowledgeable and well-trained to provide the highest quality of retaining walls.  

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil and rocks behind it. There are several kinds of materials that are used in building retaining walls, such as concrete blocks, treated timbers, poured concrete, rocks, or boulders. Although these materials have different characteristics and properties, they can all prevent soil erosion.

Do You Need A Retaining Wall?

Retaining walls are a beautiful and functional addition to any outdoor landscape. There are a lot of factors you should consider before building a retaining wall. Here are signs that you need a retaining wall.

  • You have an old or badly made retaining wall
  • You live at the bottom of the hill; or an inclined steep
  • You have an issue with your water drainage
  • You’re concerned about your property’s foundation

Benefits of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls has a lot to offer. If you’re still thinking about building retaining walls, here are some benefits

Stability. If your property is built on a sloped landscape, soils can loosen and fall downward. Having a retaining wall installed will help stabilize the land. 

Prevents Soil Erosion. During extreme weather conditions like a rainstorm, water flows across the sloped soil and it slowly erodes. Retaining walls can make your landscape even – resulting in a decrease of water flowing down.

Increases Curb Appeal. Retaining walls add elegance and aesthetic appeal to your landscape. 

Increases Property Value. If you’re planning to sell your property, retaining walls can help boost the value of your home or business.

Prevents the risk of flooding. Retaining walls slow down and control the flow of rainwater.

Adds a functional outdoor space. Retaining walls can be used to build gardens or terraces.

3 Basic Types of Retaining Walls

There are different kinds of retaining walls you can choose from. Here are the basic types of retaining walls.

Gravity Retaining Wall

This type of retaining wall relies on its weight to resist the lateral pressure of the soil. It consists of concrete, bricks, and stone. Gravity retaining walls are the thickest type. If correctly installed, it can last for decades.

Concrete Cantilevered Retaining Wall

A cantilevered retaining wall uses leverage to resist the pressure of the soil. It consists of concrete slabs with reinforced steel. 

Piled Retaining Wall

Piled walls are lightweight because they depend on the ground to secure the retainer – making them easy to transport and install. This type of retaining wall is perfect for small spaces because it only takes up a minimal amount of space.