Many inventions add to the final look and functionality of outdoor features and fixtures of residential and commercial buildings. Some improve the aesthetic function, while others allow for more functionality. More modern ideas serve to achieve both. Retaining walls are such an invention. You should seek professional help when choosing and installing a precast concrete retaining wall. With that in mind, here is all you need to know about the uses, types, and benefits of using precast concrete retaining walls.
Why you should choose precast concrete retaining walls
There are many materials used to create a precast concrete retaining wall. Knowing the reasons for this will add to the confidence you need in choosing them over other materials for your retaining walls.
- Durability: Companies that manufacture precast concrete retaining walls use engineering technology to ensure the panels have reduced permeability, increased strength, and assured durability. Retaining walls are subject to too much weight and pressure over time. Other materials used bulge and sometimes crumble over time. The materials and the reinforcing fibre in precast concrete retaining walls help to prevent weathering, chemical attack, and abrasion. They are fire-resistant, soundproof, and resistant to sudden impact with minimal damage.
- Cost-effectiveness: Precast concrete retaining walls can be used and reused for decades. These aspects effectively translate to lower the cost in production, making them very affordable. Also, the durability aspect lessens the maintenance cost, with experts recommending regular cleaning and inspection only.
- Easy installation: Unlike traditional concrete walls, precast concrete retaining walls are easy to install. They are made in a temperature-controlled facility, then transported to your place, lifted, then installed. Traditional concrete walls require more skilled labour, time, and the waste produced takes time to remove. For precast concrete walls, installation takes less time, no skilled labour is required and no waste is produced.
- Smooth finish: As mentioned, concrete retaining walls serve both aesthetic and functional aspects. For precast concrete, the smooth finish is the most popular with real estate companies. A smooth finish provides a stylish and elegant look. Also, it discourages water collecting and inhabiting of pests. Finally, it is easy to clean, easing maintenance.
Use of precast concrete retaining walls
Property owners have freedom and creatively use retaining walls for better outdoor landscapes. The general use of retaining walls is to hold soil. However, the specific intended use varies with every project. Precast concrete retaining walls can be used to enhance security, prevent erosion, and prevent water flooding. In small and relatively flat landscapes, retaining walls are used to raise flower beds and water fountains.
Factors to consider when installing precast concrete retaining walls
You have indeed made the right choice to prefer concrete over all other materials used in making retaining walls. However, there are other factors that you must consider to achieve your needs and goals. The factors include:
- Functionality: How will the retaining wall impact you and your family’s lifestyle? What value does it add around the commercial area? If it is purely for aesthetic purposes, you need to decide on colour, texture, and design. The appearance should blend in or improve the general look of the building to achieve a seamless look. Other walls are used as outdoor sitting areas or for protecting gardens, among other uses. In the end, you need a wall that is more useful and worth the investment.
- Height: For precast concrete walls, height makes all the difference. The higher the wall, the more risk it creates. For high walls, you will need a structural engineer to come to assess your landscape and ensure all safety recommendations are considered. To avoid any eventuality, seek the advice of an expert in the process of choosing and installing retaining walls.
- Drainage: Part of planning your landscape is to figure out the drainage system. Without careful considerations, placing retaining walls wrongly can encourage water flooding. When using precast concrete retaining walls to raise the ground and achieve a step-like arrangement, use gravel at the base of the wall as it helps absorb water.
- Have a budget: As with every other serious project, you cannot overlook the importance of planning how much it will cost you.Depending on your project, having precast concrete retaining walls is an expensive yet worthy experience.You don’t want to start a project and leave it halfway. Ensure you ask for quotes from different companies to have a rough idea of how much it costs, to prepare a workable budget.
With the information above, you have everything you need to realise your dream of a beautiful and functional landscape. Searching the internet for pictures and visiting places with precast concrete retaining walls can help improve your creativity and add to the ideas you already have. Ensure you purchase precast concrete retaining walls from a reputable company.