Retaining Walls For Sloped Yards

Retaining walls are a great way to direct water flow in certain areas, such as near a water source. However, there are many regulations regarding their construction that you need to be aware of before beginning the project. Getting the proper permits and knowledge from your local building department is important, as well. Read on for some helpful tips on retaining walls. You can use these walls to transform flat spaces into a patio, a sports court, or even extra parking.

Retaining walls are a common and inexpensive way to make your yard look more level and attractive. They can range in height from a few inches to several feet. They do not have to be straight and can even be curved to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Taller retaining walls may require permits and engineering designs. However, if you can create a retaining wall with an attractive curve, you’ll be surprised by how much usable yard space you can create.

Retaining walls can range in cost, depending on the length, height, and design. They are not covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, but many providers consider them to be detached structures that fall under Coverage B, which means that they require separate insurance. The coverage limit for such a structure is generally equal to ten per cent of the main building’s coverage limit. It’s best to consult a building engineer before deciding on a design.

Types of Retaining Walls

Regardless of how tall the retaining wall is, it should lean into the hillside one inch for every twelve inches of height. To properly tie timber walls to the hillside, use deadmen anchors. Deadmen anchors are long T-shaped tiebacks that extend 6 feet back into the hillside. If you’re building a four-foot timber wall, deadmen anchors must be buried six feet into the hillside.

Stone retaining walls often require proper drainage. The stone or brick walls should be built with sufficient drainage. Brick retaining walls require technical expertise to install properly. If you are constructing a stone wall, ensure that the area you’re building is flat and dry enough to allow for proper drainage. They should also be drained to daylight on the ends. A stone or brick wall should be built with drainage in mind to avoid any unforeseen water problems.

Another type is the sheet pile retaining wall. This type is generally used in tight spaces or on sloping land. A sheet pile retaining wall can be made from different materials and may vary in height depending on its environment. However, if the slope is less than three feet, this type is not recommended. An anchored retaining wall, on the other hand, is the most sturdy. You can combine anchored walls with other techniques. A base is placed deeper into the hill and serves as an anchor for the wall.

Stem walls are another type of retaining wall that can be used for stabilizing a slope. They are made from precast concrete or are formed on-site. Depending on the height of the wall, these walls are cost-effective. A single stem slab can be up to ten meters tall, and it requires less concrete than a gravity wall. It is important to consider sliding pressures as you build a stem wall to ensure its stability.

Some Tips on Building Retaining Walls

If the retaining wall is built over a sloped area, it should have drainage holes. If you don’t plan to place drainage pipes under the wall, the water will seep right through. This causes mineral efflorescence and discolouration of the veneer. This moisture is also the enemy of decorative veneer. To prevent moisture from entering the wall, waterproof membranes must be installed on the backside of the wall. The type of waterproof membrane you choose depends on the climate and soil conditions in your area.

Gravity walls are built on mass, with heavy material resisting pressure from behind. Some gravity walls are made of segment concrete units or mortarless stone. The latter type of wall doesn’t require a rigid footing and is more flexible. In recent years, taller retaining walls are constructed as composite gravity walls. In addition to this type of wall, gabions are also used. Gabions are steel wire baskets filled with rocks, while crib walls are log cabin style cells.