Poured Retainer Wall vs Block Retaining Wall | Seawalls
Poured Concrete Retaining Wall | Solid Seawall
Block Retaining Wall | Masonry-Style Retainer Wall
Block Retaining Wall | Masonry-Style Retainer Wall
Poured concrete walls, such as retaining walls and seawalls, have a compressive and flex strength several times that of hollow concrete blocks; far surpassing the required safety mandates. Plus, such poured and solid-wall concrete barrier construction provides at least double the protection against fire relative to hollow-core concrete blocks.
Moroever, poured concrete wall structures, such retainer walls, are generally considered stronger than cinder blocks. Poured retaining walls, for example, have superior lateral strength; thus resisting higher levels of pressure from water and soil. Unlike block wall masonry, poured walls don't have joints; therefore, they're waterproof.
For these reasons, concrete poured walls tend to be the preferred choice of new-construction builders since they can be formed in any foundation design, as well as adapted for last-minute modifications for concrete construction projects.
Poured concrete (reinforced with rebar), including seawalls and other concrete barriers, is regularly utilized in commercial settings. Longwood-based concrete contractor ACCG, Inc. expertly builds retaining walls for happy residential and commercial customers in the Orlando area and throughout the central Florida region!
Block Retaining Wall | Masonry-Style Retainer Wall
Block Retaining Wall | Masonry-Style Retainer Wall
Block Retaining Wall | Masonry-Style Retainer Wall
Do not overlook the aesthetic component of retaining walls. There are numerous ways to enhance this component, including materials selection that's in concert with overall design goals. Masonry-style block retainer walls achieve a segmented, Tetris-like visual.
Concrete blocks aren't particuarly natural-looking; however, that's okay in a landscape design where a natural, earthy look isn't an objective. Longwood-based concrete contractor ACCG, Inc. also does concrete block retainer walls for customers in Orlando and across central Florida!
There are concrete blocks made specifically for building retaining walls and seawalls, and utilizing these can help a project go more smoothly since they're interlocking; with a flange on the back side of each unit designed to slip neatly into place. They're also designed so that, while laying course after course, the structure will continue to slope backward ever so slightly. Combined with the heaviness of the blocks, these qualities result in a sturdy retainer wall -- despite some of the limitations vs. poured construction method of seawalls and concrete barriers.
Indeed, many different types of materials can be used to form retaining walls; dependent upon design tastes, the function(s) of a given retainer wall, cost and other factors.
Retaining Wall Tips | Retainer Wall Things to Remember
Seawall | Concrete Barrier | Retaining Wall | Retainer Wall
Even a well-constructed retaining wall would be compromised over time if a builder failed to provide a proper outlet for runoff, given that water and soil pressure would eventually grow to an unsustainable level. Such deterioration, particularly around water, could even affect structures like boat ramps.
Accordingly, one of the most basic functions of a retainer wall is to stop erosion on hillsides or other sloped areas in scenarios where growing plants to control erosion is neither desirable nor practical. But don't underestimate the possibilities for such seawalls and concrete barrier structures: They're not merely erosion-fighters.
Moreover, consider how you're altering the "lay of the land" of a given property upon erecting a retaining wall: An area that's sloping, unusable or unstable can be leveled off (behind a retainer wall) to create an outdoor living space -- such as a patio -- or to create new garden space, etc. Or, for a different approach, erect a series of smaller retaining walls rather than one big structure, and then terrace the hillside. Utilize the terraces to display beautiful flower beds.
Rely on Longwood-based concrete professionals ACCG, Inc., to build poured seawalls and concrete block concrete barriers for your home or business in Orlando or central FL!
