Installing retaining walls can preserve your yard as well as maintain its shape. Several different materials can be used to build a retaining wall like concrete, stone, and masonry bricks. How skilled the mason working on the wall is will also play a role.
Yards are seriously vulnerable to water. Those living in areas where they get lots of rain throughout the year know about this more than anyone else. The more uneven your yard is, the more damage it’s taking which could eventually lead to damage to your home. An uneven yard can direct water towards your house rather than away from it leading to damages.
Keep in mind that retaining walls over 4 feet is going to need a building permit. You can build walls that are under 4 feet freely, but 4 is the limit. There will also be certain codes and regulations to follow if the wall is over 4 feet. These restrictions should be kept in mind in order to avoid getting into trouble unknowingly.
Concrete Retaining Walls
A retaining wall made of concrete is great because of its design value. With concrete, you can choose the color, design, and texture of your retaining wall. Concrete can be applied to cover a block wall in order to give it a great look. It’s not recommended that you do this yourself as a homeowner. Hire an expert mason who can provide you with a great appearance for your retaining wall.
Stone walls are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Cut and uncut stones can be used and you will find different designs that suit your wishes. Again, a professional mason should be hired for the job and it’s not recommended that a homeowner build a stone retaining wall on his or her own without guidance or expert help.
Masonry bricks are a relatively cheap and very popular option. They can give your home the appearance of a traditional house which a lot of people seek. Whole and half bricks as well as brick veneers can be used to give you a couple of different looks. So you’re not completely without options when using masonry bricks.
Half bricks, as the name implies, are 50 percent of the size of a regular brick. They are applied to a block wall similar to concrete. A half brick retaining wall is probably the cheapest option you can get that still looks great.
Brick veneers are thinner than regular bricks and don’t offer as much protection as other materials including stones, concrete, and regular bricks. They’re lighter and are usually used for walls that don’t face too much damage, because as we mentioned they’re not as durable as others.
Give us a call here at Masonry Dr so we can help you with your retaining walls. If you’re looking to add value to your yard in Texas then a retaining wall might just be what you need. Different materials can be used, each material with its own pros and cons.
