Retaining Walls 101
North Texas has its share of hills and slopes. It’s part of what makes our landscape so pretty – but it also brings with it landscaping challenges.
Many homeowners and commercial property managers love the look of hillsides, those slopes can cause drainage problems that lead to erosion. Over time, this can lead to larger concerns such as foundation issues.
The best way to address these challenges is with a retaining wall. Just as a dam retains water in a specific area, retaining walls are built to retain earth and create more stable surfaces to combat erosion.
There are several types of retaining walls, and they can be customized to fit your property’s needs and look:
- Mortared stone
- Stackable mortarless stone (blocks or pavestones)
- Wood
- Concrete bags
It’s What’s Underneath that Matters
When installing a retaining wall, it’s important to understand that there is more to the structure than meets the eye. Not all bids are created equal; the small details that save a few dollars now affect the final look of your project and can cost more money down the road in repairs and upgrades.
The most important part of the retaining wall is what you can’t see: the footing underground. Approximately 30% of a retaining wall is underground, and this footing helps to maintain the structural integrity of the wall so it will last for years to come.
We’ll also create drainage systems called “weep holes” that help to push water out. Last, once a wall is built, we’ll backfill it to create a flat surface and stop any erosion that has already happened. Completing a retaining wall can take a few days or several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the structure.
When to Call the Pros
Anytime you see signs of erosion, it’s important to get a professional assessment. In some cases, erosion can be controlled with ground cover, proper tree trimming, and other strategies. More complex situations call for structural reinforcement like retaining walls.
The bottom line: a retaining wall is a simple and effective way to manage erosion – as long as you don’t cut corners. The right structure can help you control erosion and can bring a beautiful aesthetic to your property.
If you want to know more about retaining walls, or if you want a free assessment to learn how to best control erosion, contact us today.
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