Everything New Homeowners Need to Know About Retaining Walls
Learn all about retaining walls for new homeowners: from design options to maintenance tips. Build your dream landscape with confidence!
As a new homeowner, making decisions that come with owning a house can feel overwhelming. From choosing the perfect living room design to selecting paint colors, the list seems endless.
Among all these considerations, one often overlooked aspect is the type of walls to incorporate into your property.
Retaining walls has gained popularity recently, but before jumping on the bandwagon, it’s essential to know if they’re the right fit for your home.
Read on to know about retaining walls and see if it’s best for you.
What are Retaining Walls?
A stonemason for retaining walls in Sydney believes that these walls are built to hold back soil and prevent erosion. They’re commonly used in landscaping to create level areas on sloped terrain.
There are various types, including gravity walls, cantilever walls, anchored walls, and reinforced walls, each serving specific purposes based on design and construction needs.
Types of Retaining Walls
Here are the four common types of retaining walls:
1. Gravity Walls
2. Cantilever Walls
3. Anchored Walls
4. Reinforced Walls
1. Gravity Walls
Gravity walls are a type of retaining wall that relies on their weight and mass to resist the pressure exerted by the soil behind them. Typically made from heavy materials like concrete or stone, these walls are designed to withstand the lateral forces generated by the soil without the need for additional reinforcement.
Gravity walls are commonly used in landscaping and civil engineering projects to create terraces, flower beds, or to support roadways on hillsides.
Pros & Cons
Pros
*Relatively straightforward to construct compared to other types of retaining walls
*Due to their heavy construction, gravity walls are highly durable and can withstand significant pressure from the soil without failure.
*Gravity walls can be constructed using a variety of materials
Cons
*Gravity walls are typically limited in height due to their reliance on weight for stability
*Requires a wide base to distribute their weight evenly and resist overturning
*Once constructed, gravity walls are difficult to modify or adjust.
2. Cantilever Walls
Cantilever walls consist of a relatively thin vertical wall, known as the stem, which is connected to a horizontal base, known as the footing. Unlike gravity walls, which rely solely on their weight for stability, cantilever walls use leverage and the principle of counterbalance to resist the pressure exerted by the soil behind them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
*Cantilever walls can typically support greater heights compared to gravity walls
*It requires less horizontal space, which is ideal for a narrower base footprint
*Can be constructed with a variety of materials, including reinforced concrete, steel, or timber
Cons
*Requires careful engineering and construction to ensure proper balance and stability
*The cost of this retaining wall can be expensive to construct
*Limited aesthetic options
3. Anchored Walls
Anchored walls use tensioned cables or rods to provide additional support and stability. Unlike gravity walls and cantilever walls, which rely on their weight or leverage for stability, anchored walls use anchors embedded in the soil behind the wall to counteract the lateral pressure exerted by the soil.
Pros & Cons
Pros
*Enhanced stability
*Can support taller slopes and retain higher soil loads
*Allows customizable designs
Cons
*Can be complex to install
*Quite expensive to construct
*May require regular inspection and maintenance
4. Reinforced Walls
Reinforced walls, also known as reinforced soil walls or mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, combine the principles of conventional retaining walls with the use of reinforcement materials to enhance stability and strength.
These walls typically consist of a facing material, such as concrete panels or retaining blocks, supported by layers of compacted soil reinforced with geosynthetic materials like geogrids or geotextiles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
*Offer superior strength and stability compared to conventional retaining walls
*Flexibility
*Cost-effective
Cons
*Design can be complex
*May require specialized equipment and construction techniques
*Requires regular inspection and maintenance
Benefits of Using Retaining Walls
*Erosion Prevention: Retaining walls effectively hold back soil, preventing erosion and soil displacement on sloped terrain.
*Usable Space Creation: Allows for the creation of level areas on uneven terrain, effectively maximizing usable space in yards, gardens, and outdoor living areas.
*Aesthetic Enhancement: Can be designed using a variety of materials and styles to complement the surrounding landscape and architecture. Whether constructed from natural stone, concrete blocks, or timber, retaining walls add visual interest and texture to outdoor environments, enhancing the overall curb appeal and value of properties.
*Property Value Increase: Well-designed and properly constructed retaining walls can significantly increase the value of residential and commercial properties.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Retaining Walls
1. Property Topography: Assess the slope and terrain of your property to determine the most suitable location and design for the retaining walls.
2. Drainage Issues: Evaluate drainage patterns and address any existing or potential drainage issues to prevent water buildup behind the walls, which can cause damage and instability.
3. Local Building Codes and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations governing the installation of retaining walls, including height restrictions, setback requirements, and permits necessary for construction.
4. Soil Conditions: Understand the composition and stability of the soil on your property to ensure proper design and construction of the retaining walls. Different soil types may require specific reinforcement techniques or drainage solutions to prevent erosion and wall failure.
5. Budget Considerations: Determine your budget for the retaining wall project, including costs for materials, labor, and any additional features such as drainage systems or decorative elements. Factor in long-term maintenance expenses to ensure the overall affordability of the project.
How To Install Retaining Walls
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a retaining wall:
1. Site Preparation
Clear the area where the retaining wall will be installed, removing any vegetation, debris, or obstacles. Make sure you excavate the soil to create a level trench for the wall footing, ensuring proper drainage and stability.
2. Footings and Base Preparation
Construct the footing for the retaining wall by pouring concrete into the trench and embedding reinforcement rods or anchors as needed for stability.
Allow the concrete to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Install a layer of gravel or compacted aggregate base material to provide a stable foundation for the wall blocks or panels.
3. Wall Construction
Begin assembling the retaining wall by placing the first row of blocks or panels on the prepared base – make sure to use a level to ensure the blocks are evenly aligned and properly spaced.
Once you’ve added a block, continue adding additional rows of blocks, interlocking them or securing them with adhesive as required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Backfilling and Compaction
When you have built the retaining wall to the desired height, backfill the area behind the wall with soil, compacting it in layers to ensure stability and proper drainage.
Don’t forget to Install drainage pipes or gravel behind the wall to help manage water runoff and prevent pressure buildup.
5. Finishing Touches
Complete the installation by adding finishing touches such as capstones or coping stones to the top of the retaining wall for a polished look.
After placing all the blocks for the retaining wall, inspect the wall for any defects or areas requiring adjustments, and make any necessary repairs or modifications.
Conclusion
Understanding the fundamentals of retaining walls equips new homeowners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their properties. From erosion prevention to space creation, retaining walls offer practical solutions to various landscaping challenges.
