pros and cons of different retaining wall materials

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Pros and Cons of Different Retaining Wall Materials The Pittsburgh, PA area is famous for its sloping roads and amazing views. One of the by-products of this unique topography is the need for many home-owners to construct retaining walls on their property. If you own property in Pittsburgh retaining walls are likely to be an essential part of your landscape design. For this reason, it may be useful to have an understanding of the various materials used for these walls, and their respective pros and cons. Concrete This type of wall can either use concrete bricks or poured concrete. Bricks are the best choice if you want curved walls that accentuate the lay of the land; however, they can only be erected to about 4 feet or so, and aren’t ideal for high retaining walls. Poured concrete can provide greater strength, but is a high-skill task that doesn’t lend itself to being a DIY project. However, experienced retaining wall contractors will be able to do this accurately so there aren’t cracks, bulges or waves in the structure that reduce its strength and longevity. Brick This is a very durable and strong material for retaining walls. It goes well with homes of a traditional design, and can withstand a great amount of lateral earth pressure. However, a project such as this is labor intensive and requires special accommodations for drainage. Gabion This alternative is very amenable to non-skilled installation, and it can also be a great way to use recycled materials. Since a gabion wall is designed differently from other retaining walls, it actually moves with the earth and is therefore suitable for waterfront properties. However, the wire basket used as the ‘form’ for the wall may rust and disintegrate over time. Wood This is another popular material for retaining walls because of its availability and ease of installation. Naturally, it is

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Page 1: Pros and cons of different retaining wall materials

Pros and Cons of Different Retaining Wall Materials

The Pittsburgh, PA area is famous for its sloping roads and amazing views. One of the by-products of this unique topography is the need for many home-owners to construct retaining walls on their property. If you own property in Pittsburgh retaining walls are likely to be an essential part of your landscape design. For this reason, it may be useful to have an understanding of the various materials used for these walls, and their respective pros and cons.

Concrete

This type of wall can either use concrete bricks or poured concrete. Bricks are the best choice if you want curved walls that accentuate the lay of the land; however, they can only be erected to about 4 feet or so, and aren’t ideal for high retaining walls. Poured concrete can provide greater strength, but is a high-skill task that doesn’t lend itself to being a DIY project. However, experienced retaining wall contractors will be able to do this accurately so there aren’t cracks, bulges or waves in the structure that reduce its strength and longevity.

Brick

This is a very durable and strong material for retaining walls. It goes well with homes of a traditional design, and can withstand a great amount of lateral earth pressure. However, a project such as this is labor intensive and requires special accommodations for drainage.

Gabion

This alternative is very amenable to non-skilled installation, and it can also be a great way to use recycled materials. Since a gabion wall is designed differently from other retaining walls, it actually moves with the earth and is therefore suitable for waterfront properties. However, the wire basket used as the ‘form’ for the wall may rust and disintegrate over time.

Wood

This is another popular material for retaining walls because of its availability and ease of installation. Naturally, it is susceptible to rot and must be waterproofed and treated with preservatives, but it can last for up to 20 years when installed properly.

Dry Boulder

This is probably one of the oldest materials used in retaining walls, and is reminiscent of British-style or Colonial homes. The flip side to this type of esthetically appealing wall is the challenge of controlling water flow. Accumulation of water may also destroy the integrity of the structure over time.

Finding the best material for your retaining wall is more a matter of budget and preference rather than one material being better than another. Your Pittsburgh retaining wall contractors should be able to guide you to the best solution so that you can balance cost, longevity, curb appeal and other considerations when having your retaining wall constructed.

http://retainingwallpittsburgh.com/