Tips For Installing A Retaining Wall
Concrete retaining walls can be a great way to control any sloping land on your property. They can help prevent landslides around your home and turn your land into an aesthetically pleasing landscape design. A concrete retaining wall, if done professionally, can not only offer protection from damage, but also increase the value of your home. If you are considering installing a concrete retaining wall on your property, remember these tips to ensure the job is done correctly.
Seal Any Cracks
To prevent water from seeping through the cracks of your wall and flooding a basement, seal any cracks on walls close to the house.
Backfill As You Go
Rather than backfill all at once after the concrete retaining wall is completed, try to backfill as you progress with the structure. Backfilling should be done in eight, ten, or twelve inch intervals. Be sure to keep it compacted to prevent a sunken look upon completion.
Use Gravel
If the purpose of your concrete retaining wall is to hold back soil that slopes down toward it, use gravel behind the wall with a pipe and filter fabric. This lets you determine the direction of any water that might flow around the wall.
Build The Wall With A Curve
Sometimes a curve in the wall can increase the strength of the structure. A good way to handle a curve is to place a garden hose near the area you want the wall and follow the curve of the hose as you dig.
Step Up
To support frequent changes in slope, step the base of your concrete retaining wall up in increments. The is necessary when you are starting from a lower grade.
A Level Is Necessary
Nobody wants to deal with an uneven wall. Using a level while installing the base ensures your concrete retaining wall will be even and structurally sound upon completion. Making tiny adjustments to shim the blocks as you go along is not something you want to deal with.
Be Sure The Base Is Solid
Rather than use soil that has been used in landscaping projects before, use virgin soil to ensure a solid base. A solid base is the most important aspect of a concrete retaining wall, as you want to start out on a good surface. Be sure to dig your base well below grade as well.
Use Manufactured Blocks
There are many benefits to using manufactured blocks when building your concrete retaining wall. Manufactured blocks come in multiple colors, styles, and shapes. They also come in uniform dimensions, making them easy to lay and put together. Manufactured blocks ensure your wall will look as professional as it possibly can.
Following these tips when constructing a concrete wall will help you end up with a structure that not only serves to prevent landslides and other damage, but also looks beautiful and adds value to your property.
Seal Any Cracks
To prevent water from seeping through the cracks of your wall and flooding a basement, seal any cracks on walls close to the house.
Backfill As You Go
Rather than backfill all at once after the concrete retaining wall is completed, try to backfill as you progress with the structure. Backfilling should be done in eight, ten, or twelve inch intervals. Be sure to keep it compacted to prevent a sunken look upon completion.
Use Gravel
If the purpose of your concrete retaining wall is to hold back soil that slopes down toward it, use gravel behind the wall with a pipe and filter fabric. This lets you determine the direction of any water that might flow around the wall.
Build The Wall With A Curve
Sometimes a curve in the wall can increase the strength of the structure. A good way to handle a curve is to place a garden hose near the area you want the wall and follow the curve of the hose as you dig.
Step Up
To support frequent changes in slope, step the base of your concrete retaining wall up in increments. The is necessary when you are starting from a lower grade.
A Level Is Necessary
Nobody wants to deal with an uneven wall. Using a level while installing the base ensures your concrete retaining wall will be even and structurally sound upon completion. Making tiny adjustments to shim the blocks as you go along is not something you want to deal with.
Be Sure The Base Is Solid
Rather than use soil that has been used in landscaping projects before, use virgin soil to ensure a solid base. A solid base is the most important aspect of a concrete retaining wall, as you want to start out on a good surface. Be sure to dig your base well below grade as well.
Use Manufactured Blocks
There are many benefits to using manufactured blocks when building your concrete retaining wall. Manufactured blocks come in multiple colors, styles, and shapes. They also come in uniform dimensions, making them easy to lay and put together. Manufactured blocks ensure your wall will look as professional as it possibly can.
Following these tips when constructing a concrete wall will help you end up with a structure that not only serves to prevent landslides and other damage, but also looks beautiful and adds value to your property.