What Is a Retaining Wall? Is It Something You Really Need?

September 25, 2018 11:45 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Look around and you will notice that retaining walls are everywhere. There’s one in a neighbor’s front yard. Your favorite restaurant has one running along the border of its patio. But what is the purpose of retaining walls in Marinette County, WI? How do you know you need to build one? Read on for some helpful information!

Functions of retaining walls

Done right, retaining walls can be both functional and decorative. Traditionally, a homeowner or business owner installs a retaining wall to provide extra support for areas that are prone to erosion. These types of walls are designed to keep the soil from shifting, and can also protect homes, buildings and landscaping from damage caused by erosion. Let’s check out some of the main functions of retaining walls:

  • To control water runoff: A proper retaining wall can slow the flow of rainwater off lawns. This means more water for your plants and grass, and less storm water flowing into the streets and storm drains, and eventually into nearby rivers and streams. Talk to a retaining wall contractor about ideas for this type of system.
  • To make land usable: If your yard is huge but sloped, it’s probably not as functional as it could be. In fact, slopes can make the space feel smaller than it really is. Improve your space with retaining walls to create separated areas for gardening, grilling, sitting and playing.
  • To provide outdoor seating: Some people install retaining walls as the base of a fence, while others use them to make a more level space for landscaping. Some retaining walls provide extra outdoor seating. These types of walls can transform the look of a garden space, and even invite people to sit down to hang out, read or meditate.

Reasons to install a retaining wall

Wanting to install a retaining wall for aesthetic purposes or as a part of your fence is one thing, but it’s another to actually need to install one. What are some reasons why you might need a retaining wall? Let’s take a look:

  • Minimize erosion: During periods of heavy rainfall, it’s not unusual for sloped lawns to fall victim to soil erosion and excessive runoff. Moving soil can cause costly property damage. The solution to this problem is to minimize erosion with a strong retaining wall.
  • Divert floodwater: Flooding is a valid threat in many parts of the country, especially when severe weather hits. A reliable retaining wall standing alone or paired with a good drainage system will divert rainwater runoff away from your home or building, preventing flooding and property damage.
  • Prevent sinkholes: Sinkholes form when rainwater seeps through the top layers of earth and slowly dissolves the stone beneath. Whether you can see the sinkholes or not, these formations of any size can cause irreparable damage. The good news is that a properly installed retaining wall can keep water from pooling and prevent soil from shifting.

For more information about the benefits of retaining walls in Marinette County, WI, don’t hesitate to contact Kwiatkowski Construction Co., Inc. Call to speak with one of our team members today!

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