You may have heard about retaining walls and their usefulness as a landscape solution. They are becoming more popular in commercial and residential properties in Brisbane. Basically, retaining walls are structures built to restrain or support soil to prevent erosion. Besides that, it can transform your steep inclines into creative and usable outdoor spaces. With its high functionality and aesthetically pleasing structure, building a retaining wall can be an excellent option for those searching for a way to upgrade their properties.
Do you plan to have it built soon? What are the factors to consider when building it? Before you get into your construction plans, here are the dos and don’ts you may want to jot down:
Do check with the community guidelines.
Building laws and permits vary in the city or state where your property is, so it would be best to check with the community guidelines before proceeding with your plans. When a retaining wall is built, it can also affect the drainage and natural water flow in the surrounding areas. To avoid facing conflicts with your neighbors or the authorities, check the permits needed when building it. Besides that, you may also have to submit plans or arrange a property inspection.
Do pick a material that will suit the design and functionality you want to achieve.
Besides its main purpose of preventing soil erosion, you also have to consider the design and aesthetics you want for your retaining walls when choosing the materials. There is a range of options when it comes to retaining walls. You can select from poured concrete, timber, stones, bricks, blocks, and others. Depending on your budget, you can also consider each material’s quality and determine what can work with the design and functionality you have in mind.
Do have a strong foundation.
For you to build a strong retaining wall, you have to start with a good foundation. Depending on the height of the retaining wall you want to build, the trench’s depth will also change. To have a general idea about it, you can calculate the depth of the trench by getting the eight of the wall’s height and then adding three inches. A strong foundation is necessary to prevent the wall from shifting.
Don’t forget to invest in quality service and materials.
When it comes to erecting a retaining wall, it is essential to stick with landscaping contractors who deliver high-quality work and materials. Even though it may seem pricey at first, the problems caused by constant repairs will cost you more in the long run. It is also advised to hire licensed engineers or architects to help you develop the construction plan because they know what material, height, size, or functionality can work best with your property.
Don’t overlook your drainage requirements.
You have to consider your drainage requirements when structuring a retaining wall because you want to avoid the groundwater to make the soil swell and set extreme pressure on the wall’s backside. Make sure to create an escape route for groundwater by backfilling the space behind the blocks and setting a drain tile.
Conclusion
If you have plans to structure a retaining wall in your property in Brisbane, you can take note of the dos and don’ts we shared with you above. We know how hectic the planning of construction and refurbishments is, but in the end, if you get the quality and functionality you want to achieve, it is all worth it. Do you have more questions about retaining walls? If you are not quite sure how to get things started, you can always ask for the help of expert landscaping contractors in Brisbane to aid you in erecting high-quality retaining walls for your property.
