Retaining walls take many forms and can provide needed protection and a decorative element in your yard. They are often found in places where extra support is needed to prevent the earth from moving downhill with erosion, controlling soil erosion, slope failure, or sloughing. The most basic function of a retaining wall is to battle gravity; the lateral force of the slope must be offset in the retaining wall's design. Retaining walls can also provide usable land expanding the yard or creating space for landscaping. Quality construction of the walls is critical to its longevity, installing a proper drainage system behind the walls is critical for a longer-lasting end result, minimizing movement and future structural problems. Water that is allowed to drain into a retaining wall will build up unwanted and damaging pressure, causing premature failure or requiring the need for repairs to ensure the structural integrity of your retaining wall system. |