Retaining walls, also known as seawalls, are common, especially if one has a pond or a lake near his house. If the walls or the banks of a pond or lake are not retained, they will surely erode the soil nearby and encroach a part of the land near the waterbody. That is why it is crucial to conduct pond and lake retaining walls to safeguard the shorelines against erosion, flooding related to other natural hazards.
Benefits of retaining walls
Wondering why ponds and lake retaining walls are necessary? Here are its benefits:
1. Protection from land erosion
With time, the water of the lakes and the ponds pushes the shoreline against the soil. This is a clear indication of the disintegration of the land by the waterbody. As a result, the shoreline will deplete and have less land and much more water, detrimental to the land surface. This stand is devastating not only for the surface area but also for the people at the waterfront.
Having a pond and lake retaining wall prevents the soil nearby from getting eroded. In addition, this retaining wall acts as a barrier to make a clear distinction between the water and the land by keeping them as they were.
2. Protecting land and property from getting affected by flooding
One can predict the level to which water rises and falls near his residence. Consider a storm and think of the rise in water level during that time. During torrential rains, the water rises much above the average level. As a result, a lot of property is damaged severely. To protect property from flooding, retaining walls are essential. They prepare people for natural calamity without causing any harm to the property and land.
3. Retaining walls are long-lasting
If the retaining walls are constructed properly, they can last a lifetime. However, to ensure that the retaining walls are durable and last long, they must be built, designed, and maintained properly. This makes them practical and protects the upcoming generations from any mishap.
Fundamental retaining walls maintenance rule
A few basic procedures can maintain the retaining wall thoroughly and last long if done regularly. First and foremost, one has to make sure that plants do not grow around the retaining walls. The roots of plants and weeds can bore deep down and develop cracks in the liner and other parts of the walls.
Further, keep an eye on the weep holes, openings that allow the water from behind the seawall to seep through the wall and transfer to the other side of the land. Make sure that the areas are not clogged. Otherwise, the crumbles and cracks on the retaining walls will increase and lead to a disaster.
Often, spray can be applied to the retaining walls to make them waterproof. It imparts an extra layer of protection for the retaining walls from promoting water erosion.
Conclusion
So, it is essential to keep an eye on the retaining walls to make sure that they are not damaged. But, before things take a severe turn, do not hesitate to call a professional for repair.
