In our industry, completing projects that will last is far more important than having a blueprint based solely on design. Retaining walls serve a purpose that can really benefit the space when it comes to keeping everything where it needs to be, and it is because of this that it’s crucial for a retaining wall to be built the right way. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you build and maintain your retaining wall.
Keep Your Wall Short & Stout.
As you build your retaining wall, the laws of physics come into play and unfortunately cannot be ignored. When designing your wall, it’s in best practices to keep your wall short, within the 3-4 foot height range. As your wall gets taller, your wall also becomes less sturdy. The retaining wall’s top priority is to keep soil back and in place, which can be compromised if the wall is not built properly. If you are looking to build a retaining wall higher than 5 feet, a building permit and more strategic, mathematical planning is required.
Plan Accordingly With Your Greenery.
Choosing the type of greenery, whether it be shrubs, plants, or trees, that you will have near your retaining wall is a very important choice to make. We have found that shrubs that have a shallow root system that are low-growing and spreading tend to work best by retaining walls. Roots are the number one enemy of retaining walls, so making sure that wide-spreading roots stay far away from your wall should always be a top priority when making plans to build.
Invest In The Proper Supplies To Make Your Wall Last.
No one wants to spend time, money, and effort into a project that will fall apart in few years time. One aspect of a retaining wall that will help keep it sturdy is creating a proper drainage system which allows the soil to stay at a weight that the wall can manage. Another aspect of building a retaining wall is making sure you’re investing in a quality of stone that looks good, gets the job done, and will continue to get the job done for years to come.
When it comes to retaining walls, trust a company like Lafarge Fox River Stone to provide you with the supplies you need to make your walls last. For a full list of resources we supply, you can visit our website or give us a call today at (847)-888-6133.
