A retaining wall is a structure that holds soil in place behind it. They are used everywhere, in personal residences, agriculture, public areas, and more. Their popularity is because you can use the wall in a variety of applications and provide a wide range of benefits. If your property has a slope to it, you may benefit from having one of these walls installed.

An Introduction to the Retaining Wall

How It Works

The soil has considerable weight to it, and other environmental factors such as water runoff make it even heavier. As a result, a retaining wall should be much stronger than your average wall. There are a few options for building them to hold the weight of the soil in place without falling. A gravity wall is popular for shorter walls and uses its weight to balance out the soil’s weight. It has a wider base that leans back into the soil to push against the pressure. Taller walls require reinforcement with something placed behind it in the ground, such as earth anchors, geogrids, or soil nails.

Why It’s Valuable

Retaining walls create terracing, which gives you more useable land. This process isn’t only valuable in farming; it can be used in a home, for example, to provide you with a flower bed at the top of the wall with a larger paver patio space beneath it. It manages water runoff to prevent flooding and to divert the water away from the foundation. By holding the soil in place, it also prevents downhill erosion for the longevity of your land. Depending on the material you use, the wall can also be a stunning architectural feature in your landscape.

When you want to control erosion and get more useable space, have Hicon Inc. install a retaining wall. This construction company has been specializing in masonry services throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, region since 1977. They are dedicated to worksite safety and flawless results that last. See their completed work online and call (513) 242-3612 to schedule a free proposal consultation.