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Retaining Walls
If there is a steep slope on your property,
you may want to build a retaining wall that
will allow you to level out the ground so
that it becomes more attractive and useable.
Choosing the most appropriate material for
the wall is the first decision you will need
to make. The area of the country you live
in, the style and construction of the buildings
on the property, and your budget will all
be important considerations. Since the integrity
of any wall is only as good as the base it
is built on, you will also need to determine
what kind of base, backfill, and drainage
you may need.
If you are thinking of building
or replacing
`a retaining wall, consider the
following:
- Stone wall are an attractive choice in most
parts of the country. They
offer unlimited
design possibilities, as they
can follow
the natural contours of the
land. They are
time consuming and labor intensive
to build,
however, so they are generally
an expensive
choice. Stone walls can be
dry stacked or
mortared for extra strength.
Since stone
walls are very heavy, it is
important that
they have the proper gravel
base and drainage
systems.
- Modular block systems are an easy way to
achieve the look of a natural stone wall
without the great expense. These wall systems
are made from very strong concrete that has
been formed into tumbled blocks of uniform
size, so they look like natural stone. They
are available in a variety of styles, colors
and patterns. These blocks are stacked and
pinned together to create extremely strong
walls that are very long lived. Most systems
are comprised of basic wall blocks, corner
pieces, and cap stones that are versatile
enough for almost any design. These walls
go up very quickly.
- Stacked timbers often make good, inexpensive
retaining walls. In dry areas of the country
timbers can be placed directly on the ground,
but they will need gravel drainage beds where
the ground is likely to be damp for extended
periods. Timbers can be treated with chemicals
that will make them more rot resistant, but
generally these wooden walls have the shortest
life expectancy. They may also be unsuitable
for many landscapes, as they have a decidedly
rustic look.
- Poured concrete and concrete blocks are the
most complicated and expensive choices for
retaining walls. They are, however, the strongest;
and if they are veneered, their unattractive,
utilitarian look can be disguised. These
heavy walls need extensive excavations for
the footings that usually should be poured
by a professional contractor. Brick, stucco,
and natural or cast stone are all good choices for veneers. These
veneers can be matched or harmonized with
the house to affect a pleasingly customized
appearance.
If your retaining wall will be
more than
five feet high, consider building
more than
one wal, so that your property
is terraced
into several levels of lawns
or gardens.
One massive wall may be so overwhelming
that
it is less visually appealing
than two or
more smaller walls. Smaller walls
can be
easier and less expensive to
build, as they
may not need the complicated
construction
details which may require permits
and special
engineering. Always check local
ordinances
and zoning laws before building
a wall. |
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