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| Constructing a new Retaining Wall |
By:
Carlos Duncan |
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You just discovered, or have already purchased the perfect piece of land for your home. It has an unbeatable view. Here in Panama, you may have a view of the Bay of Panama, or of the Anton Valley, known as "El Valle". Where you are, your view could be of a mountain, ocean or lake.
The only problem is your dream lot is built on a slope. The sloped lot it often what gives you a great view. A retaining wall is going to be necessary.
A retaining wall can be a good do it yourself project. Following some simple steps will get the job done for you.
The first thing you need to determine however is the height. Walls higher than 3 feet should be left to a professional. But, if it is less than 3 feet tall, and you are handy and have some free time, there is no reason you cannot do this project yourself.
Determine the building material you want to use first. Retaining walls can be build using railroad ties, rocks, bricks, concrete or blocks. Sometimes, retaining walls are built out of ashphalt shingles or old tires, but that is not recommended.
While your choice may depend on a lot of different things, looks is very important.
Next, you need to determine exactly where the retaining wall is going to go. Mark out the site with stakes and a garden hose.
After the site is marked out, begin digging a trench for the first row of retaining wall material. Your trench should be equal to the thickness of one row of your building material, or at least 12".
Once the trench is dug and level, pour in some stone dust or sand and level it out.
Then, you lay out the starter course. Build the first course perfectly level, using a string as a guide. Later courses are going to get much worse if the first course is not level.
Start your first course with a 1/2 piece of material. On alternate courses, stones will be interlocked since your next row will start with a full piece.
Next, move onto the second level. Start this level with a full size piece of material. A much stronger wall is created this way because all of the gaps do not line up.
After the second course is laid, back fill the first course and tamp down the earth to create a strong foundation.
Then continue each course, alternating the starting block between a half stone and full stone. After each course, make sure you are still perfectly level. A final simple structure that holds the wall together will help make it stronger.
After your wall is fully built, lay landscaping cloth on the back of the wall and up the hill. After the cloth is down, you can backfill to complete the project.
Building a small retaining wall, up to 3 feet is an easy project for a do it yourself’er. But you need to keep 3 things in mind.
1. Keep it level
2. Make sure after you do the second level, you back fill
3. Alternate the stones so that the "cracks" do not line up.
There are many different design options for retaining walls. Spend time looking around to pick out the perfect one.
Unless you know exactly what you are doing, never build a retaining wall over 3 feet. But, your yard can be made much more beatiful and functional with a small retaining wall.
Carlos Duncan is the head construction manager of Constructora Cali S.A., a Panama builder, remodeling, property inspection new construction and renovation company. They work in all of Panama. Find them on the web at: http://www.concali.com |
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