Is It time to Install a Retaining Wall on Your Property?

Retaining walls are common to many homes, businesses, churches, schools and the likes. They are beautiful additions to any property but often times go unnoticed. These stylish walls serve a fundamental purpose in that they enhance the use of your outdoor living space. Here at Harpeth Valley Hardscapes, our team of professionals takes tremendous pride in the top-rated services we provide to all our clients and in meeting the individual needs of each of our residential and commercial clients.

MAKE THE MOST OF A RETAINING WALL

A retaining wall that is designed and built properly can add extra support as well as style to other architectural designs on a property such as patios, and driveways by preventing the ground below from moving downhill. They also provide a number of other benefits in that they help to slow water runoff from your home or business. In addition, they protect your property from heavy rainfall flooding. The flat area of the wall serves to break the existing momentum of the running water, keeping it from running straight downhill. Finally, they provide more usable space along your home or business property.

WHEN IS A RETAINING WALL THE RIGHT OPTION?

If you are unsure as to whether or not you need a retaining wall, this blog will help. Here are a few different scenarios that would warrant the building of a wall on your property.

• If your property sits at the base of a hill, you want to protect against flooding. Installing a retaining wall can help protect your home or business structure from flooding and erosion which could occur over time.
• If you have a walkout basement, one of these stylish walls can protect the basement entrance.
• If you are planning on installing a pool on your property, you want to be sure that the land is perfectly level. A newly constructed wall can ensure that the land is level and is suited for the installation of a pool.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF RETAINING WALL AND MATERIALS

There are two common versions of a retaining wall. One is a gravity wall and the other an engineered wall. Gravity walls use the weight of stone or block materials to retain the soil and hold the core of the wall together. Engineered walls are constructed with a geosynthetic material known as a Geogrid and are designed to stabilize the soil. The geosynthetic material reinforces the soil and is designed to hold back a hill slope. It typically has a veneer finish which presents with a beautiful appearance on the face of the construction. The materials you can use are many, including natural stone and concrete. There are other materials that can be used that create a different aesthetic look and create various functions for the wall.

• Natural stone – Natural stone is commonly used for smaller walls. These are some of the most beautiful stones and present with a very natural look.
• Segmental retaining wall blocks – Constructed with an interlocking system, these blocks hold a wall together while fortifying its structure.
• Railroad ties and wood timbers – These provide a beautiful, natural aesthetic appeal that serves smaller walls better. Though wood can rot over time, it still makes for a stylish, functional wall.
• Poured in place concrete walls – This material is best suited for walls that must withstand heavy flooding. Concrete is by far the best material and can be veneered with a number of natural products.

TRUST OUR PROS WITH ALL YOUR HARDSCAPE NEEDS

We hope you found this blog useful. Investing in a retaining wall means that you will have a structure on your property that can offer you protection for years all the while affording you additional space as well as a stylish enhancement to your property. For more information about the design and build of these trusty walls or for a free estimate, you can reach out to the experts here at Harpeth Valley Hardscapes who are more than qualified and happy to assist.