When constructing a building, it is normal to overlook some elements that may not be of immediate concern. For instance, the roofing structure of your home may get the better part of your attention than would a retaining wall. As a matter of fact, most people don’t understand the essence of a retaining wall in landscaping until need presents itself. Right from the onset of your construction project, engaging excavating services professionals can help identify areas in your compound that may need retaining walls.
A retaining wall is a robust barricade which is erected in a downhill-sloping area in your compound. It serves the purpose of preventing uncovered earth from moving downhill due to soil erosion and the effects of gravitational pull. This could be in areas such as edges of a compound that slopes down a small valley. In order to serve its purpose, a retaining wall is designed in such a manner that it offsets the lateral force of the sloping land.
Considerable evidence of downhill erosion is one reason to get a retaining wall constructed. A lot of design work goes into constructing a home, such as the positioning of a drainage ditch. Eroded material could find its way into the drainage ditch and clog it up, only to cause flooding once there is heavy downpour. Retaining walls manage water runoff, especially in sloppy lands. They slow down the speed of the water and its force which in turn reduces the impact on eroding the soil. A retaining wall also decreases the angle of the slope and in turn, holds any eroded soil behind it. This is particularly beneficial to homeowners with flower gardens and lawns.
If your home is constructed downhill from soil fault lines, you’ll constantly need to adjust piers under the house to keep the foundation level. Fault lines are where the earth breaks when an earthquake occurs. To offer more stability, it will also be critical to have retaining walls constructed. A retaining wall will battle gravity to lessen the impact of an earthquake in case of occurrence. Once a land surveyor ascertains that your home sits on fault lines, engage a construction professional immediately so they can put up a retaining wall.
Folks with an irregular sloping land make use of retaining walls when leveling the compound. They do this by making terraces between the leveled land and the edge of a slope. Such land can be used for different purposes, such as erecting a gazebo or constructing a family swimming pool. A retaining wall can also double as landscaping seating. This can be an added advantage for homeowners who want to maximize their limited compound space. The wall need not be straight. You can take a creative design approach to it to match your home’s aesthetics. Landscape seating from a retaining wall makes a beautiful spot for sitting and chatting with friends while enjoying a glass of wine in the evening.
Depending on your budget and taste, there are various materials you can choose form for retaining wall construction. Retaining walls made of timber are the most affordable. They are however not the most durable. Interlocking blocks and natural stone walls are an excellent alternative, offering both robustness and flexibility in design. Whichever material you decide to go with, make sure you hire well experienced excavating contractors who can build a sturdy retaining wall that can withstand the forces of nature.