Terrace the Backyard Reader Mike Sieber of Mannington, West Virginia, stacked large stone modular blocks to level off a steep decline and make distinct areas for entertaining and game-playing. Carve Out a Patio Readers Dominique and Eric Butters of Silver Spring, Maryland, cut into the slope behind their home, lined the ledge with interlocking concrete blocks, and gained a patio with a sitting wall.
Transition to the Sidewalk Reader Sandra Yoshioka of Torrance, California, used stuccoed-block walls to create a flower-filled buffer between the sidewalk and her front door.
Create a Driveway Reader Clifford Parker of Jamestown, California, raised the grade in his yard and built a hybrid stone-and-timber wall to hold up the outer edge of a new gravel drive. Thanks for signing up! Check your inbox for a welcome email. Email required. Expected to last around years given their durability and quality, and the fact they aren't susceptible to insect or water damage like timber is.
Brick masonry is also expected to last up to years depending on the quality. Any wall system with galvanised steel uprights are expected to last a long time but are generally more expensive. We won't mention Gabion Walls because they are uniquely different and can last the test of time so long as the reinforced steel is able to support the weight of the rocks.
Search form Search. The life of your retaining wall depends on several different factors such as: The environment it's in Exposure to elements The type of material used for the retaining wall How much weight is behind the retaining wall The weather of the location you live in What is reinforcing the wall ie.
Additionally, wood is natural and looks beautiful on most landscapes. However, wood must be coated with a weather-resistant agent that seals out moisture. Proper drainage is a must for wooden retaining walls, and owners should look out for insects that could bore holes or cause structural damage.
Brick is a classic choice for creating a stylish, long-lasting retaining wall. You can use an interlocking method to erect a desirable retaining wall without relying on mortar. Many people love brick because it looks good, can weather the elements, and is easy to install.
However, it may be challenging having to replace a cracked or damaged brick in a retaining wall. Brick retaining walls last a minimum of years. Concrete is a versatile building material for retaining walls because it can be poured into the foundation, constructed using pre-fab concrete blocks, or concrete panels. Concrete retaining walls can last up to a century or longer because of its inherent strength, which builds over time as it cures.
Retaining walls made of concrete are low-maintenance and can be patched with mortar if cracks or wear-and-tear are present. A gabion retaining wall definitely has an inimitable look, consisting of wires filed with an assortment of loose rocks.
The lock of a gabion wall is not for everyone and an acquired taste. However, a gabion wall has a strong base, reduces erosion, and is low-maintenance. All construction materials do not come with a lifespan of nearly years. Check your retaining wall for flooding, cracks, buckling, or loose mortar.
In some instances, certain areas of a wall can be patched or corrected. But, a wall that is bowed, leaning forward, or has areas that are visibly degraded call for a replacement.
Routinely check up on retaining walls and provide any maintenance as needed for optimal performance and longevity. Look for loose or cracked mortar, loose stones, weeds that could penetrate the wall or shift areas of the wall, and signs of erosion.
A retaining wall needs to have adequate ground cover for absorption of water, so if any is missing replace it. Also, look for areas where the wall has shifted, bulging, or if there are any areas that need refilling and fortifying.
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