Alexandria VA Retaining Walls

Residents in Alexandria, VA have retaining walls constructed on their properties for several reasons. These versatile structures can add lasting value and curb appeal, along with serving a practical purpose. While it’s not difficult to construct a retaining wall, the professionals at Virginia Pavers know that their clients have plenty of concerns. This is why they have created this brief list of their clients most frequently asked questions.

  1. Why should Alexandria, VA property owners have a retaining wall constructed by professionals?

If a retaining wall is not properly built, it could become a hazard. While the structure can serve many purposes, it can also be a danger if it is not built according to specified standards. The team at Virginia Pavers will carefully asses the property and create a beneficial design. Not only will they take into account the needs of the property, but also their client’s lifestyle and budget.

  1. How will Alexandria, VA properties benefit from retaining walls?

Retaining walls have been used for thousands of years to prevent erosion and create an even place for planting. These versatile structures can also be used to denote borders and guide visitors to the home. If the retaining walls are properly constructed they can also add lasting beauty and increase the value of the property.

  1. What are retaining walls constructed from?

Alexandria, VA residents that want retaining walls on their property, will be pleased to know that they have several choices for materials if they contacted the professionals at Virginia Pavers. Their experienced masons are familiar with all types of natural and manmade stone, and will work closely with their clients to create a design that complements and enhances the property. Whether it is flagstone, concrete or brick, Virginia Pavers will help their clients realize their dreams for their properties.

  1. Should the landscaping contractor be licensed and insured?

It is always important to ensure that a landscaping contractor is licensed and insured, even if the project only calls for a retaining wall. A licensed contractor will be able to secure the necessary permits, if applicable, and ensure that the property owner is in compliance with all regulations. If the landscaping contractor is not insured, it could result in expensive penalties. This won’t be a problem if the landscaping team is from Virginia Pavers

For over twenty years, Virginia Pavers has been dedicated to providing exceptional service to their clients in Northern Virginia. They know that their customers view their properties as investments, and will work closely with the to help them bring their visions to life. Virginia Pavers knows that it is usually not just a retaining wall, but an extension of their client’s taste and lifestyle.

A Retaining Wall in Alexandria, VA Is An Effective Erosion Control

A retaining wall in Alexandria, VA, is among the most reliable erosion control approaches for homeowner. A well designed and constructed wall offers an owner more functional area on his residential or commercial property, which adds value in the long term. In the short-term, it opens inaccessible area for gardening, relaxing, entertaining and playing.

How Homeowners Benefit from Retaining Walls

A retaining wall in Alexandria, VA, is a costly financial investment in the total worth of a home. But it takes hardly any upkeep and lasts for decades. Due to the fact that the walls utilize strong materials in their construction, they provide a long lasting addition to the landscaping style.

A retaining wall in Alexandria, VA, is both aesthetic and functional. It keeps back soil and slopes, helps with erosion control and can be an essential part of a drain plan. Households get more usage out of the backyard when swampy locations are cleaned up and slopes are opened up for use by producing terraces.

These walls add beauty and a connecting element to landscapes. For instance, a twisting wall that follows the curve of a pathway creates a repeating centerpiece in the lawn that connects the overall design together.

An example of both function and charm is the creation of a vertical garden. This keeps back a slope and also makes it useful for a veggie, herb or flower garden. The resulting o natural color adds beauty to the property.

A retaining wall in Alexandria, VA, can be built from a range of natural and man-made products. These include natural stone, brick and lumber. Interlocking blocks come in a substantial variety of shapes, colors, textures and sizes. They can imitate the look of stone, brick or timber at much less cost.

House owners can speak with a knowledgeable landscape professional, like the ones at Premier Paving and Planting, to figure out the best material for his needs.

Work with Professionals

Premier Paving and Planting has actually been serving the neighborhood since 1987. The company staff is highly trained, with years of experience. It is proud of its A+ score on Angie’s List and the fact that it is an authorized contractor for Belgard and Techno-Bloc. The personnel is certified by ICPL, NCMA and PICP.

Premier Paving and Planting handles all kinds of interlocking paver systems. They are specialists in erosion control, retaining wall style and building.

Premier handles a wide variety of outside projects for houses and companies, consisting of:

  • Concrete work
  • Paver pathways
  • Landscape style and upkeep
  • Paver driveways
  • Disintegration control
  • Retaining walls
  • Fire pits
  • Yard and garden services
  • Installation of permeable and non-porous pavers
  • Paver patios

Call today for a complimentary, no-obligation quote from the specialists at Premier Paving and Planting.

What Causes Problems with Retaining Walls in McLean?

When retaining walls in McLean start having problems – also known as “failures” – they must be taken care of right away. Small problems usually can be fixed, before they become big problems. Of course, some problems can be prevented with some forethought and care.

There are generally 3 different types of failures: frost-heave failures, wet soil failures, and blowout failures.

In frost-heave failures, the retaining wall was built without proper drainage or a footer. When the wet soil freezes, it can heave upward and severely damage the wall. The ways to avoid frost-heave failures begin during construction. The wall should rest on gravel (which allows for proper drainage) and the base or footer should be buried under the frost line.

Wet soil failures are also caused by drainage issues, causing the soil in the wall to become saturated. The hydrostatic water pressure and weight of the wet soil can cause the retaining wall to collapse. To prevent wet soil failures, gravel should be used to funnel the water away from the wall. Care should be taken that topsoil is only used in the top 6” behind the retaining wall.

When a retaining wall has a blowout, it’s because a load of weight is added within 3 feet of the top of the retaining wall. This causes the top of the retaining wall to start leaning, until it tips over. If you are expecting to drive near or put a shed or something else heavy near your retaining wall, tell your landscape engineer before wall construction begins. They can increase the size of the footer to manage the load, and increase the number of tiebacks to provide additional support.

Want properly constructed retaining walls for your home in McLean – the kind of retaining walls that last for generations? Contact the retaining wall experts at Premier Paving & Planting.

Fairfax VA Retaining Walls: Make Your Landscape Great!

Few things in landscaping provide the focal point that a retaining wall can. A well placed retaining wall can make a good landscaping job, great. Retaining walls are not only beautiful but functional. Some of the benefits of a retaining wall are:

  • Erosion Control
  • Can provide a hidden drainage system to control backyard flooding
  • Add dimension to a landscape
  • Help create a level area
  • Expand usable yard space
  • Create a vertical garden space
  • Add to your home’s resale value
  • Provide privacy

If you would like to learn more about retaining walls and how they can help your home’s landscape – give Premier Paving a call.