Did you know that a retaining wall is a structure that holds soil behind it? These structures are actually incredibly complex and can be used for a variety of different reasons. The bottom line is that retaining walls make sloped areas functional. In essence, the walls flatten the slope so that water and soil do not flow downward. Retaining walls can also help provide pedestrian access to a sloped area. Instead of walking up and down the slope, a retaining wall makes it easier to walk since the area is flat.
Retaining walls are also utilized to direct the flow of water in certain areas. This is particularly helpful when a slope is located near a body of water. There are a plethora of state and city regulations when it comes to building a wall for this purpose. So, it’s important to choose a qualified retaining wall builder that can handle the job. One of the main uses of a retaining wall is to hold back soil. For example, if the soil slopes downward, it could easily create erosion in the area. Retaining walls can also be used to hold back water.
Without a retaining the shoreline can be exposed to erosion. That can cause the sea line to shift. Another reason why real estate owners have retaining walls installed at their residential, commercial, and industrial properties is for design purposes. You can add features to the retaining wall in order to make it a landscaping feature. For example, you can add lights and use beautiful stone, improving the overall look of any residential structure or building. People have retaining walls installed for a vast variety of reasons.
It’s important to maximize its durability with a strong material such as concrete blocks, poured concrete, pressure treated lumber, stones, rocks, and even large boulders. Many people use wood to build retaining walls because the material is cost effective. However, wood tends to rot easily when exposed to the elements, which does not make it an ideal retaining wall material. Your contractor must consider several variables prior to building your retaining wall. First and foremost, they must determine if the soil is made up of sand, clay, or something between the two. Your retaining wall builder must also consider what is above the wall.
For example, is it a driveway or parking lot, or something heavier such as a pool or another type of structure. Your retaining wall builder needs to factor in whether or not the ground above or below the wall will be sloped or level. All of these items factor into the width, length and height of your retaining wall.
If you have any questions about our retaining wall building services, or would like to schedule an appointment we are happy to help. Please contact us today! Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
Environmental related issues occur all of the time, and can strike at any time. That is exactly why you need to have a local and reliable environmental services company at the helm and ready to go whenever you actually need them.
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