Types of Retaining Wall Blocks
You can boost your property by adding a retaining wall or upgrading the existing one. The main items to consider while undertaking a retaining wall upgrade or installing a new one are the materials and the type of installation preferred. If a retaining wall is installed correctly and the right materials used, that wall will last for decades before natural elements take a toll. If you are a new property owner, you might be wondering about the different types of retaining walls. There are three different type of retaining walls, namely: concrete, masonry, and stone. The materials you decide to build your retaining wall depending on the availability of these materials, the wall’s location, aesthetics preferred, and how long you anticipate the wall to last; retaining walls are expected to last for a lifetime.
A retaining wall can be used to contain soils in areas with a sloppy landscape. You can also use a retaining wall to set off patios and entertainment areas. You can also use retaining walls along with the pavers and paths. As you have seen, a retaining wall does a great job, ranging from security to aesthetics it brings in. Here are some facts concerning retaining walls. You want a better-retaining wall, whether concrete, natural stone, or masonry.
Here are some facts about the types of retaining wall blocks:
Concrete and masonry
Concrete is the strongest of all the types, and it can last for many decades. You can custom form and carved to give different forms and shapes as you please. These walls aren’t constructed to lean against the earth, but you can dismantle within short notice. There is another option for concrete blocks – an interlocking option with the DIY option. Interlocking retaining walls are straightforward to install and might not require a mortar to keep together. Masonry retaining walls can install with or without a mortar. With the right installation, your concrete and mortar retaining world may last for over 40 years.
Choosing the material
The retaining wall in a home is a permanent investment, and we need to focus more on the quality of the materials and artistry. Although there are various materials you can use them to build a retaining wall, making the right purchase decision to acquire the right materials with the right quality is paramount. Remember, the better the material used, the longer it will last. It should be remembered that a retaining wall is meant to hold back tons of soils; therefore, it should be built more than three feet high. In some instances, building a retaining wall might require an engineer and, in some cases, licensing. If aesthetics is critical, concrete will offer endless options for designs than natural stone.
For a masonry retaining wall, a professional is required to install. The footing of the retaining wall must remain below the frost line. The wall should be reinforced with a steel bar or mesh. Regarding poured concrete, you still want to hire a professional to install a retaining wall for you. Interlocking block retaining walls are also sound and will last for a long time. Although at some point it will need to be replaced. You will know it is time to make a replacement to interlocking blocks when the locks start to lean back, crack, sag or bulge.
