Importance of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls provide an important service to your landscaping. If done properly, they can also enhance the aesthetic of the entire property.

• Soil retention: Whether you have small changes in grade or large hills on your property, the retaining wall is supporting a large amount of weight. They are especially important if the soil is unstable.
• Drainage control: A retaining wall can redirect water to control drainage when it rains. This prevents the soil from eroding and protect against flooding.
• Slope stabilization: Retaining walls help to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides, which can be particularly important in areas prone to earthquakes or heavy rainfall.
• Increased land use: If your property has slopes, a retaining wall will allow you to level areas for better land usage.
• Aesthetic appeal: As part of landscape design, a retaining wall can improve the aesthetics of your property.
• Property value: Every benefit of a retaining wall will help increase your property’s value.

Common Retaining Wall Building Materials

Retaining walls can be constructed of a variety of materials. Choosing the right material is based on the type of retaining the wall must do, and how it will aesthetically complement the landscape.

• Concrete: Concrete retaining walls are strong and durable, and easy to straightforward to build.
• Stone: Stone retaining walls can complement architecture, match the historic period of the property, and are aesthetically pleasing. Either natural or manufactured stone can be used.
• Brick: Brick and mortar retaining walls are durable. Brick is available in many different colors and textures to meet your design aesthetic.
• Other materials: These include wood, gabion, or even reinforced soil

What Happens if a Retaining Wall Fails

A properly built and maintained retaining wall is crucial. Any damage to the retaining wall can quickly grow due to the weight of the soil that it is holding back. It is crucial that your retaining wall is built properly, and repaired immediately if damage is observed.

• Property damage: A damaged retaining wall can cause damage to property, including buildings, landscaping, or anything in the vicinity.
• Serious Injury: If a retaining wall collapses, it can result in serious injury to anyone nearby at the time of failure.
• Soil erosion: If a retaining wall fails, any soil it was holding back can erode away and create unstable ground conditions.
• Landslides: Landslides are only likely in hilly or mountainous areas.
• Cost: The cost to replace or repair a retaining wall that has failure is much more significant than the cost to maintain it.

Cincinnati Masonry Experts can build, repair, or maintain your retaining wall. Contact us today!