Retaining walls can be an essential component of landscaping and a permanent solution for providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. Here are some clues that a retaining wall is needed and will be a maintenance-free and functional solution.
- Erosion Problems: If you notice your yard washing away from heavy rains and over a period of time, these sections of your property will have significant erosion issues. This is especially obvious in sloped settings, where gravity causes water to erode soil downhill. Retaining walls can help to stabilize the terrain, prevent future erosion, and protect surrounding structures and landscaping.
- Uneven Terrain: Sloping ground can be difficult to manage. If your yard has a steep grade, a retaining wall will provide and create space for patios, gardens, or playground areas. In doing so, unstable slopes are transformed into a level area that increase the functionality and visual appeal of your outdoor space.
- Foundation Concerns: Properties built on or near hills may experience shifting soil, putting your home’s or other structures’ foundations at risk. Water from heavy rains will find its way through foundation walls eventually, causing cracks. Dampness and could be an early warning sign. Retaining walls will help stabilize the soil and redirect the water away from the foundation, lowering the risk of foundation damage and providing long-term peace of mind.
- Flooding or Poor Drainage: After a storm, water may collect at the base of a hill or around your property, indicating inadequate drainage. Retaining walls with integrated drainage systems help redirect water flow to a rain garden or small retention area that is landscaped appropriately. At Tim U. McOwen & Associates Inc., we specialize in drainage solutions with results that have been proven by safeguarding your property from water damage.