Retaining Wall: What Is Its Purpose? Pros And Cons?

Do you know the purpose of a retaining wall? Chances are, you have one if you live in a home with a backyard. Retaining walls are typically made from concrete, masonry, natural stone, or timber to keep soil and other materials from sliding down a slope. Though their primary purpose is to retain material, retaining walls also provide many benefits to homeowners. But before we get into all that, let’s discuss the pros and cons with Dirt Werx LLC of having a retaining wall in your backyard.

Retaining Walls – A Brief Intro

Before getting into the pros and cons, it’s essential to understand the basics of retaining walls. As we briefly mentioned, retaining walls are structures that keep soil and other materials from sliding down a slope. This is done by transferring the weight of the material to the ground below the wall.

Retaining walls can be used for both residential and commercial purposes. For example, you’ll often see retaining walls along highways to prevent rockslides. Or in parking lots to keep dirt and water from spilling onto the pavement.

The Different Types of Retaining Walls

There are four main types of retaining walls:

1. Gravity Walls:

These are the most common type of retaining walls. They’re made of heavy materials like concrete, stone, or bricks. Gravity walls rely on their weight to hold back the soil.

2. Cantilevered Walls:

Cantilevered walls are made of lighter materials like wood or aluminum. They’re supported by steel rods that are driven into the ground.

3. Anchored Walls:

Anchored walls are similar to cantilevered walls, but they’re anchored into the ground with cables or rods.

4. Sheet Piling Walls:

Sheet piling walls are interlocking sheets of metal, wood, or plastic. They’re used in areas with a lot of water or where the soil is very loose.

What Is the Purpose of a Retaining Wall?

Retaining walls are built to hold back soil, rocks, or water. They’re commonly used in areas where there are a lot of slopes or where the ground is unstable. Retaining walls can also be used to create level areas in your yard or to create raised planting beds.

Pros and Cons of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls have many benefits, but there are also some drawbacks.

Pros:

1. Retaining walls prevent soil erosion.
2. Retaining walls create level areas in your yard.
3. Retaining walls create raised planting beds.
4. Retaining walls improve the looks of your yard.
5. Retaining walls can add value to your home.

Cons:

1. Retaining walls can be expensive to build.
2. Retaining walls can require a lot of maintenance.
3. Retaining walls can be dangerous if they are not constructed properly.
4. Retaining walls can be ugly if they are not designed or built correctly.

Here’s How Dirt Werx LLC Can Help!

Dirt Werx LLC is a family-owned and operated business serving the Bangor, Maine, area for over 25 years. We are experts in excavation, septic, and site prep services. We can help you with all of your retaining wall needs. Contact us today or get a free estimate now!

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