Retaining walls are hardscape structures that help keep soil in place, typically on a slope or hill, where a natural barrier does not exist. They not only add this functionality to your yard, they also add beauty to an outdoor space with many design options to consider. So, how do you know if building a retaining wall is right for your property? Consider a few main things.
Erosion and Soil Instability
Professional retaining wall builders like the team at Southern Elegance can help you determine how much erosion your soil may see over time. You may also notice exposed roots, rocks you didn’t see before, or signs of splashing soil or mud on pavement. These are all symptoms of soil erosion and should be addressed before they cause issues with your home’s foundation or the health of your lawn.
Sloping Landscape
If a portion of your property is a slope (also called a hill), retaining wall construction could be key to making use of the space and preventing erosion in the long term. When you add a series of retaining walls to sloping landscapes, you can create a tiered effect that creates terraced flat spaces that can be used for outdoor entertaining, gardening, fire pits, and more! Our creative design team loves customizing property retaining wall solutions to meet each client’s needs, aesthetics, and the unique slope of the yard.
Water Drainage Issues
When considering retaining wall construction, it is important to understand all the factors necessary to build a sound structure that will drain properly and not cause additional damage to your yard. Professional retaining wall builders like the hardscape designers and crew at Southern Elegance understand how to install drainage systems inside your retaining wall so that the new structure’s integrity remains, and your property will not experience water buildup.
Soil Pressure
Understanding the math behind a retaining wall is integral to its structural integrity and ensuring the soil you are keeping in place doesn’t come spilling toward your house in a few months when the wall can no longer stand up to the soil pressure behind it. Professional retaining wall builders know how to calculate the lateral earth pressure for each property to create custom retaining wall solutions that will last.
Visual Appeal
Retaining walls, while functional for draining and preventing erosion, also add attractive elements to your yard. You can choose from a variety of materials including stone, marble, wood, and brick to create the look you want for your retaining wall. These hardscape elements can match your home or other outdoor features such as a deck or outdoor fireplace. When building a retaining wall think about how the aesthetic can complement your existing property and design from there. Our team will partner with you throughout the process to bring your vision to life.
Increased Property Value
When a retaining wall is built to code with quality materials, it can add to the value of your home and property. This is often related to the fact that retaining walls can help create usable space from a steep slope in your yard, providing more outdoor opportunities for recreation. Retaining walls also help secure the health of your home’s foundation, which is also a good return on investment for this hardscape feature.
If you are ready to consider professional retaining wall construction, contact us or give us a call today at 404-518-6171. The Southern Elegance team will visit your property and help you determine if it’s the right solution for your property and design a custom retaining wall to fit your needs. We look forward to meeting you.
