When it’s time to replace your old retaining walls or add new ones to your recent property purchase, selecting the right material can be challenging. From timber and sandstone to concrete sleeper and even rock-filled gabions, there are plenty of options to choose from.
While each material offers different benefits, concrete sleeper retaining walls in Melbourne are popular among residential and commercial property owners. Let’s look at their advantages, where they’re a good fit, and possible drawbacks.
Advantages of Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Strength
The biggest advantage of choosing concrete sleeper retaining walls is that they’re highly durable. Made from steel reinforced concrete sleepers, these walls are resistant to weathering. From moisture and UV rays to high temperatures, these walls can face Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. Their impressive strength also allows them to hold back heavy loads without cracking or bending.
Fire Resistance
Concrete sleeper retaining walls offer impressive fire resistance, adding an extra layer of safety on top of their strength. Building these walls on your property can prevent the spread of fires. This benefit makes concrete sleeper walls well-suited to fire-prone areas.
Longevity
If you’re looking to make a long-term investment with retaining walls, concrete sleepers are a great choice. They last decades without needing extensive repairs or replacements. Concrete sleeper retaining walls won’t have the expense of regular maintenance or replacement costs, allowing you to save money.
Customisable
With concrete sleeper retaining walls, you can customise them to suit your design needs. Specialist builders like Jamesco Group source concrete sleepers in different colours and finishes. You can enjoy the visual appeal of timber or brickwork, combined with the strength of concrete.
Common Applications
Taller Walls
One of the most common applications of concrete sleeper retaining walls are projects for taller walls. These are usually required for properties built on steep slopes, as they need taller walls to hold back large amounts of soil. Compared to other materials, concrete sleepers are the best at maintaining their structure and stability.
Properties on Clay Soils
Clay soils tend to change depending on weather conditions – shrinking when it’s dry and expanding when it’s wet. By shifting throughout the year, clay soils can put pressure on retaining walls, causing them to crack when weaker materials are used. Because of their strength and stability, concrete sleeper retaining walls are a good choice for areas with clay soils. With a steel core, these walls resist movement and remain stable despite changes in the soil.
Bushfire Zones
For homes built in bushfire zones, concrete sleeper retaining walls are an excellent choice for their fire resistance. Because they’re made from noncombustible materials, they keep fire from spreading and don’t ignite. These retaining walls comply with Australian bushfire safety codes and are a safe choice for properties in fire-prone suburbs.
Commercial Sites
For retaining wall projects on a commercial property, concrete sleepers are a great choice, highly functional and low-maintenance. They’re well-suited to commercial spaces because of their structural integrity and needing little upkeep. These walls can withstand heavy loads, resist rot and rust, and give your property a professional look with their sleek, modern style.
Drawbacks
Less Suited For Informal Garden Styles
Concrete sleepers usually have a modern and structured look that complements commercial or contemporary landscaping. While this clean and uniform look does great in commercial environments, it’s not the same for informal garden styles. If your outdoor space leans towards a rustic, cottage style, other materials may be preferable.
Not Suitable For Tight-Access Sites
The process of installing concrete sleeper retaining walls requires having the right machinery to lift sleepers and steel posts, especially for higher walls. For properties with limited access, like inner-city courtyards or narrow side yards, such an installation can be challenging due to the lack of space.
Get Expertly Done Retaining Walls
Concrete sleeper retaining walls offer plenty of advantages for different applications. They’re strong, long-lasting, customisable, and fire-resistant, ideal for fire-prone areas with clay soils or projects that need taller walls.
The most important step in ensuring durable retaining walls is to seek professional help from an experienced team. At Jamesco Group, our team uses premium materials and industry expertise to build sturdy, long-lasting walls. To know more, schedule a consultation with our experts.