Retaining Walls
Retaining Wall Construction Services for Cary, Apex & Raleigh, NC
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Retaining Wall Installation
Retaining wall installation is a way for property owners to prevent soil erosion from damaging a particular area of soil. A retaining wall will hold back the soil behind it and prevent it from being blown away by the wind or washed away by the rain. Retaining walls are typically used on properties that have a hill or slope. Here are a few steps that you should follow to install a retaining wall properly.
Retaining wall installation involves several steps if you want to do it right, which most people do. The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out where you want the retaining wall to sit on your property, then you dig two feet back towards the hill you want to protect your soil from.
The next step is marking up where exactly you want your retaining wall to sit within the space from which you removed the soil. From there you will dig a trench a couple of inches deep and wide enough to fit whatever materials you are using to build your wall.
From there it gets a little trickier, which is why hiring a team of contractors who specialize in retaining wall installation will help a lot. You’ll need to make sure the ground you are about to build on is level and then lay stone dust for the first layer of your retaining wall to sit on. After the dust is laid, you are ready to start building the wall.
Contact our contractors at Old South Masonry Inc. for assistance with retaining wall installation. We look forward to helping you protect the soil on your property.
Why Consider a Retaining Wall?
Our home’s landscapes are important to us. We enjoy the time we spend in our yards. However, soil erosion and sloped land are constantly something that we must deal with when in our yards. It is common for homeowners to want to have a patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and pool. Unfortunately, our landscapes can be resistant to our plans. Retaining walls are one way we can alter our landscape without the worry of soil erosion becoming a big problem.
Prevent Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is something that all homeowners must deal with. Wind and rain constantly wear away at the soil. This can cause a lot of damage to your property. Retaining walls help slow down the process of soil erosion.
Safety: Soil erosion and sloped land can present real safety concerns. Soil erosion can cause structures on your property to become unstable and sloped land can cause objects such as trees and rocks to fall toward your property. Retaining walls can help catch these objects from falling and causing property damage.
Increased Functional Space: Walls can allow you to create functional spaces. You can cut into slopes, create a flat spot, and erect a wall to protect it. You can then use this new space for many projects such as patios and outdoor kitchens.
Retaining Walls
How Can You Tell It’s Time to Install a Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose in your landscaping design. They are designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion, creating level areas for your garden, driveway, patio, or other necessary space. If you’re wondering whether your property in the Apex or Raleigh, NC area requires a retaining wall, here are some potential signs:
Sloping or Uneven Terrain
If your property has uneven areas or spaces with severe sloping, it could be a sign that some intervention is necessary. A retaining wall can help level the ground, creating usable space and stabilizing your soil.
Soil Erosion or Instability
Excessive soil erosion can be a clear sign that a space is unstable. If you notice soil washing away, slipping, collapsing, or forming deep gullies in your yard during heavy rain or storms, adding a retaining wall can help support the soil and prevent further erosion. This is particularly important if your property is located on a hillside or near a body of water.
Cracks in Existing Structures
If you notice cracks in your foundation, driveway, patio, or walkways, it could be a sign of soil movement or inadequate drainage. A retaining wall can provide additional support and alleviate the pressure on these structures, preventing further damage.
Drainage Issues
Poor drainage can cause water to pool in certain areas of your property. This can damage your plants, weaken structures, and even put your home’s foundation in danger. Our team can incorporate functional drainage systems in your new retaining wall, which will help redirect water away from your property and prevent water-related issues.
Aesthetic Needs
Poor drainage can cause water to pool in certain areas of your property. This can damage your plants, weaken structures, and even put your home’s foundation in danger. Our team can incorporate functional drainage systems in your new retaining wall, which will help redirect water away from your property and prevent water-related issues.
What Should You Do?
If you observe any of these signs on your property, reach out to the masonry team at Old South Masonry to schedule a consultation. Our experienced hardscaping contractor can assess your specific needs, evaluate your soil conditions, and work with you to design a retaining wall that meets all of your requirements. A properly designed and constructed retaining wall can provide long-lasting stability, prevent erosion, and transform your landscape into a beautiful and functional space.
