Retaining Walls: What material should you choose?

Often times when we schedule a retaining wall estimate, we will ask if the home owner has a material in mind. You see, there are lots of different types of material retaining walls can be built from. Today I wanted to go over a few types of materials and discuss their pros and cons to help demystify the selection process:

1. Wood- Wood is usually the cheapest option. So if budget is the most important aspect this may be a good choice for you. However, wood is more susceptible to rot, weather and insect damages. It's lifespan will be about 10-15 years. If you plan on staying at your property for a long time, this might negate any cost savings.

2. Segmental Blocks- Segmental blocks are interlocking concrete blocks that fit together like a puzzle. Most segmental retaining walls come with a lifetime guarantee on the material. Segmental walls are also durable and can last a lifetime if installed correctly. The downside is that they are slightly more expensive than a wood retaining wall.

3. Cinder Block Wall with Veneer- Cinder blocks are more durable than wood but slightly less durable than the interlocking system. It rarely comes with a lifetime warranty and may cost more than segmental blocks. This type of wall usually requires a good design and engineer to ensure stability. However, the wall is versatile and you to put your personal touch on it by choosing virtually any finish.

4. Natural Stone Stacked- Using natural stones is the most natural solution as it uses materials directly harvested from the earth. These walls can be very costly because of the number of stones required to make the wall. It is also difficult to create curves in this type of wall.

5. Green Wall- Green alternative to regular retaining walls, incorporates plants into hardscape. Self irrigating and low maintenance. Can be more expensive due to materials and labor costs.

While there are more types of materials these are the basics. I hope we have helped to clear up any confusion regarding retaining walls. Good luck on your project. Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to set up a consultation 301-603-1080

Focus on Concrete

So you are interested in installing a new walkway, driveway, retaining wall or patio and you are looking into concrete. Concrete is one of the most affordable and frequently used building material out there.

First, let's talk about what concrete is. concrete is a mixture of six different components: Cement, Coarse Aggregate, Fine Aggregate, Water, Fly Ash, and Chemical Admixtures. Concrete can be made into different types depending on the mix ratios and properties of the concrete. For example, a lower water to cement ratio is generally better because it gives the concrete less permeability and is better resistant to the elements. The PSI (strength) of the concrete can also be manipulated. In general we recommend at least 4000 PSI for a driveway and at least 3500 for structures like walkways that will not sustain a lot of force. The chemical admixtures can also be changed to extend or limit setting time and to increase freeze/thaw durability.

You don't have to settle with boring old white sidewalk concrete either. Concrete can be stamped, stained and sculpted to resemble more expensive building materials like pavers and natural stone. Concrete can also be made permeable for a greener option.

While concrete is a relatively strong and durable material, one of its downfalls is that is does tend to crack over time and with changes in the weather. Although the mixture and number of joints can be altered to help prevent cracks, even well installed concrete may crack over the years. However, the versatility and relative low cost of concrete may outweigh this con for many looking to install hardscaping.

If you are interested in installing a concrete structure, give us a call to set up an estimate and discuss your options. 301-603-1080.

Water Polution

With the recent oil leak in the gulf cost I have been thinking a lot about water pollution. Water is essential to all life forms on this planet. However, polluted water causes more harm than good. Thankfully, modern technology has come up with ways to filter water for our consumption, but that still leaves much of the world's water susceptible to nutrients, toxins, and other harmful chemicals that cause permanent damage to our ecosystems.

I read recently that in a study conducted by the Canadian Freshwater Institute, scientists placed birth control pills in a Canadian lake, which caused male fish to begin developing ovaries. The research was meant to mimic the effect of birth control that filters through the sewage system. However, it is clear from this study that contaminants in the water system create huge implications for our ecosystem.

This issue really hits home since I grew up in the Chesapeake area where all kids in Maryland were forced to watch a video about the watershed and the dangers of erosion, run-off, and water pollution. I have even seen my brother catch frogs and turtles with 5 or 6 arms and legs, deformed, no doubt, from contaminants in the water. It's sad to see the kind of damage that can occur first hand, knowing that the cause is human carelessness.

With that said, there are many ways that we can reduce the number of contaminants that infiltrate our watersheds. Since we deal with landscaping and construction, my focus will be on preventing water pollution in that way.

One good way to prevent, run-off, which is when contaminants wash away into the watershed, is to plant vegetation with a sturdy root system. The roots bind to the soil to keep it in place so less contaminants are washed away.

In addition, retaining walls can be built to prevent erosion, since they hold dirt it place and prevent things like fertilizer from washing into water systems.

Likewise, mulching helps prevent run-off by keeping the layer of topsoil in place. It is also important to use a brand of mulch and fertilizer that is gentler on the environment. Some nutrients in fertilizer can enter the watershed and create an overgrowth of algae that kills sealife.

New permeable concrete and pervious pavers that I talked about in the last blog are also good options since they let water pass through the soil to allow for natural filtration.

I hope these ideas inspire you to be more conscious of water pollution and maybe give some of the ideas a try for your next landscaping/ construction project!