Quick FAQs About Retaining Walls
If you’re thinking about adding a retaining wall to your Colorado Springs home, let us answer some of your questions first! Our retaining wall contractors here at Bella Giardino Landscape and Garden Designs know a thing or two about retaining walls, so let us give you all the tools you need to make the right choice for your yard!
What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
More than eye catching additions to a landscape, and even sometimes problem-solvers, retaining walls also have a sculptural quality that adds definition and structure to the landscape. They can be made from various materials to foster different styles or moods your home’s overall outdoor design is going for. (For example, using stacked timbers or mortared stone, can create a rustic look, while poured smooth concrete can portray that sleekly, modern mood.)
But aside from deciding the type of retaining wall you’d like to add to your landscape, you have to keep in mind that retaining walls are meant to hold back tons of soil and carry a significant amount of weighted structure. That means that you have to make sure it’s built correctly and in the right area of your yard, in addition to precise measurements for sound footing for a long lifespan.
How much do retaining walls cost?
It will honestly depend how large of a retaining wall you’d like, what material you’d like it to be constructed with, and other structural/placement factors of your particular yard as well. We know that’s not a solid answer but give us a call and we can quote you out an estimated price for your needs!
How long do retaining walls last?
This honestly depends on the type of material you use. Timber can last up to 40 years and there’s no real limit on the life span of a concrete or masonry retaining wall, if properly, so this is another “it depends on what you want” answer.
DIY or hire a pro?
Although you could argue that pretty much everything these days can be a DIY project, a good, withstanding retaining wall should be constructed by professionals. We have seen some beautiful timber and inter-locking-wood-block walls that were home projects, but if you want something you can rely on, we’d suggest definitely hiring a pro. If you’re looking for a mortared masonry and poured concrete wall, those are usually best left to an expert. If you’re wanting to add a larger, or more complicated structured one as well, give us a call for those types of designs!
Does height or size matter?
Some local Colorado Springs neighborhood codes do have specific mandates for landscape structures like retaining walls. As an example, some communities in town have a mandate where walls can’t be higher than 4 feet tall unless they are installed by professional engineers. You may have to check your neighborhood’s HOA rules or mandates if you’re adding your own, but you should be safe if our retaining wall experts here at Bella Giardino design and build it for you!
How much maintenance do they need?
Other than an occasional clearing of the weep holes, retaining walls don’t need much attention at all. If built properly and if the land your home is built on doesn’t have a major shift, retaining walls need little to no maintenance.
If you’re thinking about adding a new, or updated retaining wall to your Colorado Springs landscape, give our experts a call for a free quote today! Our team here at Bella Giardino Landscape and Garden Design can create the perfect custom retaining wall for your yard. We work with you to make your vision come to life, so contact us today to get the design process started.
