Retaining Wall Installation
Get a retaining wall designed and installed to meet your needs! Get quotes from Retaining wall installers in Melbourne. If you are interested in having a retaining wall built or if you are interested to learn more about how it is done, keep reading, as we take you through the steps of costing, uses, and design of the Melbourne retaining wall.
Get QuotesWhat Is A Retaining Wall?
Before we go any further, it is important to first elaborate on what a retaining wall is. A retaining wall is a wall built to protect your soil from sliding or caving in, especially after heavy rain.
Retaining walls are important for areas that have a steep slope and are unstable or areas that experience sporadic downfalls like those we experience in Melbourne.
Why You May Need A Retaining Wall
Having established what a retaining wall is, the next question you would be asking yourself is if you need to install one. Retaining walls have several uses:.
- Provides stability. For places with the landscape that is sloped, installation of a retaining wall will help in redistributing lateral pressure caused by the soil.
- Prevents soil erosion. As we know Melbourne is no stranger to heavy rains that result in soil erosion. Installing a retaining wall may be the cure to constantly losing your garden to the neighbour.
- Prevents water runoffs. With sporadic rains, water runoff has been a menace in Melbourne. Installation of a retaining wall with a drainage system will be the answer to this.
- Aesthetic and luxurious appeal. The other reasons mentioned may not appeal to you, but, how about installing a retaining wall to make your landscape look better. Retaining walls especially those installed by us offer great curb appeal and can provide additional seating areas or a place for children to play.
Types Of Retaining Walls Used In Melbourne
There are different types of retaining walls that we offer in Melbourne, depending on the needs, costs, tastes, and preferences of the client. The types of retaining walls depend on the raw materials used.
Concrete
Concrete as a raw material for building a retaining wall is the most common choice. The choice can be explained by the flexibility of concrete and its added durability.
Although concrete is the most expensive option, it is easy to install and maintain. Concrete also gives a unique visual appeal that goes well with most metropolitan Melbourne houses.
Brick
For those clients that prefer a warm appeal coupled with a rustic effect, brick is the best choice.
This option is durable and very easy to maintain. Brick is less expensive as a raw material compared to concrete.
Timber
Timber is an option that provides versatility and beauty. Additional painting can be done to enhance the visual appeal. This option is more cost efficient compared to concrete and brick.
However, timber as a retaining wall requires regular maintenance and may increase your costs in the long run. Additionally, timber is susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
Natural Stones
This option is not common, but, natural stones offer both versatility and durability coupled with a great visual appeal. Natural stones offer better playgrounds for children compared to the other three choices listed above.
Making A Decision On The Installation Of A Retaining Wall
Right now, you have a clearer picture of the retaining wall you need. However, there are still some choices you need to make before you can have that lovely retaining wall that you desire. Chief among those decision is whether to build it yourself or hire a professional.
The engineering and skills that go into building a retaining wall are huge. We highly recommend that you use a professional service to help you build that retaining wall that will be the envy of all your neighbours. Hiring a professional may seem expensive in the short run, but, is usually more cost-effective and safer in the long run.
Factors That May Influencing The Cost Of Installing A Retaining Wall
When installing a retaining wall, there are different factors that influence the overall cost of installation.
Size
The size of the wall will affect the overall cost because of the extra material, labor and equipment required.
Costs Of Excavation
The removal of dirt and surface material is a requirement in retaining wall installation. The cost of excavation will depend on the following factors:
- Dimension
- Height
- Length
- Thickness
- Drainage and structural reinforcements
- Slope of landscape
The Type And Nature Of Soil
The type of the soil is another factor that may influence the cost of installation. Regions in Melbourne with non-cohesive soil may have their cost much lower compared to places with tough soils, expansive soils or bedrocks.
Type Of Material Used
The type of raw material used is another factor that might see your quote become a little bit bigger. Check types of retaining walls discussed above for information.
Drainage System
For residents of Melbourne, it is vital to install a drainage system due to the extreme weather conditions experienced. The drainage system is vital in redistributing the hydrostatic pressure caused by the rainwater.
There are several drainage systems that can be used which include:
- Weep holes
- Drainage pipes
- Granular soil backfills
Designs Of The Retaining Wall And Installation
Design of the retaining wall is another factor that might influence the overall cost of installation. More complex designs require more materials and expertise. There are several designs that you can choose from.
- Gravity walls
- Cantilever retaining wall
- Sheet pile retaining wall
- Anchored retaining wall
Use Melbourne’s Best Retaining Wall Contractors
If you want your job done and done right, submit a quote form to get contacted by professional retaining wall contractors so you get your wall built the right way! Submit a quote form now to get contacted by professionals that operate throughout Greater Melbourne and surrounding areas.
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