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If you’re looking to help clients improve the aesthetics and usability of their outdoor space, you might want to add a retaining wall. This type of structure breaks up major slopes, prevents soil erosion, and provides more even surfaces. To build one, you need a quality concrete supplier and enough construction knowledge to put together a stable structure. Here are some best practices and mistakes to avoid.

Do:

Choose sturdy materials.

Retaining walls need to be able to stand up to gravity and the elements. Leftover bricks or stones from other building projects may not be up for the challenge. Instead, find a reliable concrete supplier that can provide you with materials specifically made for this purpose.

Get the proper permits.

Local communities often have regulations surrounding the building of retaining walls, since it can impact the look of properties as well as erosion and drainage in the area. Before contacting a concrete supplier, check with local building agencies or your HOA to make sure you meet all the requirements.

Don’t:

Start with an uneven surface.

concrete supplierEvery building project needs a strong foundation, and that includes retaining walls. If there are any uneven surfaces, the structure won’t be sound enough to handle all the pressure from soil and moisture building up on one side of the wall. Start with an even surface, then check the level of each row of blocks as you go to make sure it stays that way.

Forget to add drainage.

As precipitation falls, the soil that your retaining wall is holding up will begin to grow heavier. If you install drainage, including perforated pipes and crushed stones underneath the soil. This helps the moisture easily escape and distribute evenly, rather than staying stuck on one side of the wall.

 

If you’re building a retaining wall and need a reliable concrete supplier, look no further than Childers Concrete Company. Serving High Point, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro, NC, the company offers a wide array of precast concrete, ready-mix, and decorative concrete solutions for contractors and businesses. In business since 1946, the company has more than 20 team members who are dedicated to delivering concrete solutions on time and on budget. For a full list of services, visit the company’s website or call (336) 841-3111 to speak with a member of the team.

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