Protect and Preserve: How Retaining Walls Prevent Erosion and Boost Home Value

Erosion is a problem that homeowners with properties on sloped terrains, in areas prone to heavy rainfall, or near water bodies are all too familiar with. The forces of water and sometimes wind often prove to be very powerful, washing away the topsoil and compromising the structural integrity of a property. If left uncontrolled, erosion can cause water intrusion, foundation problems, and structural and functional damage. All these are typically expensive to repair and are best avoided.

An effective way to combat erosion, especially on sloped terrain, is to construct retaining walls. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be easily adapted to the conditions of any property. Below, we’ll discuss retaining walls in more detail and how they can help prevent erosion and increase the value of a home.

Understanding Retaining Walls: Guardians Against Erosion

As their name implies, the primary purpose of retaining walls is to retain soil on a slope. They are usually vertical structures that hold soil in place on one side. Without them, the soil collapses or flows away. You can pick up retaining walls at any local retaining wall suppliers nearby.

To the untrained eye, retaining walls may look like simple stacks of stones or blocks. But they require much thought that you may think of as what you believe to be a simple structure is a carefully engineered system designed to retain soil on steep, sloping terrains. Concrete, stone, timber, and bricks are common materials for restraining walls.

The main mechanism by which retaining walls prevent erosion is the support they provide on sloping ground. Since the wall is built at a higher elevation, there’s a barrier to the downward movement of the soil, effectively preventing erosion.

There are several factors to consider when constructing retaining walls, and some of them are:

Soil Characteristics: The nature of the soil in the area is an essential factor to consider since it’s a significant determinant of the type of retaining wall design to construct.

Wall Height: The height of the wall is determined by the slope. Taller walls typically need more comprehensive designs and additional reinforcement.

Drainage: It’s common to see drainage systems – weep holes, perforated pipes, etc. – incorporated into retaining walls to manage water buildup and ensure the structural integrity of the walls remains sound.

How Retaining Walls Add Value To A Home

Retaining walls have functions that extend beyond their practical use of preventing erosion. In real estate, they can be important assets that increase the value of a home in the following ways:

1) Improved Aesthetics

There are different ways retaining walls can be used to make a property visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing. Terraced retaining walls create sections on a slope that can be adorned with different plants, flowers, or other ornaments. This increases a home’s curb appeal, and it’s an open secret that homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that look well-maintained and visually pleasing.

It’s common to see homeowners combine retaining walls with features like stairs, seating, and stone pavers to create a unique blend of natural and built features. The result is often aesthetically pleasing and effectively increases a home’s curb appeal.

The material used to construct retaining walls can also achieve different aesthetic effects. Stones and bricks can be used to achieve a rustic appeal. They look natural, organic, calming, and welcoming. They can make a property more than a house and turn it into a home for prospective buyers.

When interlocking concrete blocks make retaining walls, property owners can use particular sizes and colors of locks to create unique designs.  Concrete blocks can give your home a modern, minimalistic vibe that makes it more appealing and, consequently, more valuable.

Retaining walls are also excellent places to install lighting fixtures to create a beautiful nighttime ambiance. This can create a positive impression on homebuyers, especially when the property is visited in the evening.

2) Functional Land Use

Another way retaining walls can improve the value of a property is by transforming sloped ground into usable areas since their construction can create level platforms on the sloped terrain. The leveled area can be used for different purposes, such as parking spaces or garages, gardens, outdoor seating areas, play spaces, etc.

Terraced retaining walls allow homeowners to use them as flower beds or gardens, small recreational areas, lawns, and seating areas.

The ability of retaining walls to improve functional land use is more appreciated in urban or densely populated areas where spaces are generally limited. Terrain that is initially unusable or challenging becomes useful thanks to retaining walls, ensuring homeowners maximize their space. Consequently, the home’s value shoots up due to a more functional and practical outdoor space.

Current trends in real estate show that homebuyers value outdoor space as it offers them more recreation and entertainment options. It also allows them to connect with nature and provides opportunities for gardening and landscaping.

3) Property Stability

The fact that retaining walls prevent erosion and maintain the structural integrity of a property makes it very valuable, especially in areas where erosion and landslides widely occur. Potential buyers will prioritize homes designed to mitigate the risks of the aforementioned issues to protect their investment. Erosion and landslides can cause severe damages that are very costly to repair. So, homes with retaining walls can be very valuable and sell for a premium.

Things to Know About Retaining Walls

Cost:

Retaining walls can be expensive to construct due to the height of the slope, the nature of the soil, design requirements, and local construction costs. So, knowing the potential financial implications before kickstarting a retaining wall project is essential.

Building a retaining wall may be cheaper or more expensive than filling a slope. However, retaining walls’ aesthetic appeal and effectiveness in combating erosion make them the go-to option for many homeowners.

Maintenance:

Retaining walls may require maintenance to ensure their longevity, stability, and continued effectiveness. Your builder is best positioned to advise you on any routine maintenance practices.