Let us talk about retaining walls. If you have a sloped yard here in East Greenwich, especially up near Frenchtown or those rolling hills in Tillinghast, you know how important a good retaining wall can be. It is not just about looks. It is about holding back soil as well as preventing erosion as well as making your outdoor space actually usable. When it comes to concrete, homeowners usually weigh two big choices. These choices are poured concrete retaining walls or segmental block retaining walls. New Look Concrete & Masonry has installed plenty of both types of retaining walls. Our team has seen how these retaining walls hold up to our Rhode Island weather.
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls: The Monolith
You can think of a poured concrete retaining wall as one solid, continuous piece. We build forms on site for these poured concrete retaining walls. Our team sets rebar for reinforcement. Then, we pour the concrete right in. Once it cures, those forms come off. You then have a very solid structure with a poured concrete retaining wall.
Cost
Generally, poured concrete retaining walls can be a little bit pricier upfront. This is especially true for shorter retaining walls. For poured concrete retaining walls up to 4 feet tall, you might see costs ranging from $40 to $80 per square foot installed. Why is this? The formwork adds to the initial investment. The specialized labor also adds to the initial investment. In addition, the engineering for taller poured concrete retaining walls adds to the initial investment. However, for poured concrete retaining walls over 6 feet, poured concrete often becomes more competitive. This is because those costs spread out over a larger structure.
Durability
This is where a poured concrete retaining wall really performs well. It is monolithic. This means there are no joints for water to seep through. It also means there are no joints for cracks to form easily. Poured concrete retaining walls are properly reinforced with rebar. These walls have superior lateral strength. This strength is important for holding back heavy soil loads. It is especially important in our freeze-thaw cycles here in RI. They are built to last. These poured concrete retaining walls often last more than 40 years. They are also less prone to leaks. A poured concrete retaining wall can handle significant pressure from the soil.
Maintenance
Once a poured concrete retaining wall is in, maintenance is minimal. You are not dealing with individual blocks shifting. You are also not dealing with mortar joints deteriorating. You might want to clean it occasionally. Structural maintenance is usually very low for a poured concrete retaining wall.
Appearance
Many people think poured concrete is just a plain gray slab. This is not the case anymore. You can get a very sleek, modern look with a smooth finish. New Look Concrete & Masonry can also stamp patterns. We can add textures to the concrete. Our team can even dye the concrete to get different colors as well as looks that copy natural stone or other materials. A poured concrete retaining wall offers a lot of design flexibility for a custom look.
Segmental Block Retaining Walls: The Modular Approach
Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) are made from individual, interlocking concrete blocks. These are often what you see in residential landscaping projects. A segmental block retaining wall is a common choice for homeowners in East Greenwich.
Cost
For shorter segmental block retaining walls, especially under 4 feet, they are often more affordable than poured concrete retaining walls. These typically run $25 to $50 per square foot installed. The installation for a segmental block retaining wall is generally quicker. It can also require less specialized labor. This helps keep the cost down. However, for taller segmental block retaining walls (4-6 feet and up), they start needing geogrid reinforcement. This increases material costs as well as labor costs. This can make them comparable or even more expensive than poured concrete retaining walls in some cases.
Durability
Segmental block retaining walls are durable. They are made from concrete that holds up well to harsh environments. They are designed to interlock securely without mortar. These walls rely on gravity as well as their geometry for stability. With proper drainage as well as installation, they can handle our freeze-thaw cycles without damage. However, because they have many joints, they can be more susceptible to water infiltration. This happens if they are not properly sealed as well as drained.
Maintenance
Maintenance for a segmental block retaining wall is relatively low. This is similar to a poured concrete retaining wall. You will not have to worry about rot or pests like with timber walls. However, individual blocks can sometimes shift over time. This happens especially if the base is not perfectly stable or if drainage is not optimal. If a block gets damaged, it is often easier to replace a single unit. This is easier than repairing a poured concrete retaining wall.
Appearance
Segmental blocks offer a huge variety of styles as well as textures as well as colors. You can find blocks that copy natural stone. Some have a tumbled, weathered look. Others present a cleaner, more current face. This modularity gives you a lot of design freedom for curves as well as corners as well as even integrated steps. Segmental block retaining walls blend very well into garden landscapes. They can look very natural.
My Recommendation for East Greenwich Homeowners
Our local conditions here in East Greenwich include humid summers. We also have cold, snowy winters. In addition, we have those glacial till soils that can be rocky and poorly drained in spots. Proper drainage as well as structural integrity are very important. Our soil pH tends to be on the acidic side too. This can affect some materials over time.
For most homeowners, especially for retaining walls under 4 feet, a segmental block retaining wall is usually the best choice. These walls are primarily for landscaping or terracing. They are cost-effective. They also look fantastic with all the style options. Segmental block retaining walls are plenty durable for these applications. This is true when they are installed correctly with good drainage. New Look Concrete & Masonry can help you pick out the perfect style. Our team will get your segmental block retaining wall done right.
However, if you are dealing with a taller retaining wall (over 4-5 feet), a poured concrete retaining wall is often the superior choice. This is also true if you have significant soil pressure. It is also true for a situation where structural integrity is absolutely important. An example is holding back a driveway or supporting a foundation. The monolithic strength as well as reduced risk of water issues make it a long-term winner for heavy-duty applications. Yes, the upfront cost might be a little higher. However, the longevity is worth it in those tougher situations.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs. It also depends on the height of the retaining wall. Your budget is also a factor. Do not just guess. Get a professional opinion. We are always happy to come out. New Look Concrete & Masonry will take a look at your property. Our team will help you figure out the best solution for your East Greenwich home.