The construction of a retaining wall is a change that many property owners will need to make. Yet, the purpose of these walls and what a homeowner should consider when making this upgrade can be poorly understood.

Retaining Walls Can Improve Soil Stability

Soil stability issues can be some of the problems that a person will be the most likely to encounter with their property. These stability issues can lead to the property being far more vulnerable to suffering from major erosion problems, and it can even lead to hills or other areas becoming unstable and collapsing. Unfortunately, individuals that wait until these areas are already suffering significant stability or erosion issues may make it more costly for them to have a retaining wall built. This is due to the fact that these soil issues will have to be corrected before the new retaining wall can be built.

Concrete Is Not The Only Material That Can Be Used In Your Retaining Wall

The strength and long lifespan of concrete can make it a popular option for individuals that are wanting to build an affordable retaining wall. However, some individuals may not enjoy the cosmetic appearance of concrete retaining walls, and they may want an option that is more visually appealing. To this end, there are retaining wall designs that will use stones or other materials to create a more appealing wall. During the design process, a retaining wall contractor may assist you with choosing materials that will complement the area where the wall is being built.

A Retaining Wall Can Require Surprising Amounts Of Design And Engineering To Be Effective

While some individuals may be fairly handy when it comes to small projects, the construction of a retaining wall will typically require significantly more design and engineering work than people may realize. If these walls are not properly designed, there will be a much greater chance of them suffering structural damage due to the force of the soil and water that is pressed against them. Eventually, these issues could cause sections of the retaining wall to collapse. A professional contractor will be experienced in designing retaining walls that are able to withstand these stresses without degrading. For example, these contractors may be able to design the retaining wall so that the contours of the soil will not create weak points that could be more prone to failure. Also, they can include drainage systems that will prevent water from pooling behind the wall.

Reach out to a company like Sculptured Earth to learn more.