Gravity Walls: Benefits and Reasons to Consider Using Retaining Walls Built Without Mortar
Are you considering building a retaining wall, but don't want to use mortar? Gravity walls may be the perfect solution for you.
Gravity walls are constructed without the need for mortar, making them simple and cost-effective. But there are plenty of other benefits to using gravity walls too. They help to limit soil erosion and can be used in any environment - from shallow slopes to steep inclines. And they require minimal maintenance, so you won't have to worry about fixing cracks or dealing with crumbling mortar.
In this article, we’ll look at all the reasons why gravity walls offer great benefits, and what makes them such an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses alike. We’ll also look at some of the different materials that can be used in constructing gravity walls and examine why they may be a better choice than traditional mortar walls.
What Are Gravity Walls?
Gravity walls are built out of heavy stone blocks, which are stacked without the use of mortar. This design allows for the blocks to interlock and rely on gravity for stability. As a result, gravity walls can be built faster, at less cost, and require less labor than traditional mortared walls.
The stability of gravity walls is increased when the blocks are assembled in a stepped pattern, like stairs. This allows for more weight to be placed on each block and helps to reduce the risk of collapse. In addition, gravity walls offer superior drainage compared to those built with mortar because the gaps between the blocks allow water to seep out.
This type of wall is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease and affordability. Homeowners and businesses alike can benefit from having gravity walls constructed on their properties as they are esthetically pleasing and also serve practical purposes such as creating boundaries or building up soil.
Cost-Effective Solution for Retaining Soil
Gravity walls are a cost-effective way to build retaining walls without the need for mortar. They're relatively easy to construct, too—they don't require any special tools or heavy machinery, and they can be put together quickly.
The lack of mortar also means gravity walls are less expensive than other retaining wall structures, as well as easier to maintain over time. Because of the simple design, it's easier to identify and repair any issues that may arise.
What's more, since gravity walls are built with their own weight and don't rely on mortar to hold them up, they provide excellent stability against lateral pressure from saturated soil. This makes them perfect for retaining soil in areas where heavy rains or floods may be a problem.
When deciding whether gravity walls are the right choice for your project, consider your budget, timeline, and the level of maintenance you'll require after completion. A gravity wall may be an excellent cost-saving option for your retaining wall needs!
Natural and Visually Appealing
Gravity walls are known for their natural and visually appealing appearance, making them a popular choice for many landscaping and building projects. Not only do they add visual interest to a space, but they can also be used to create terracing or achieve a more uniform landscape.
Using rocks, concrete blocks, earthbags or other materials to build gravity walls can make the resulting structure blend in with its surroundings. This makes them perfect for projects where blending in with nature is desirable, such as gardens or parks. Plus, since no mortar is used in the construction process, the edges of stones and blocks remain visible and untouched, creating a unique look.
The natural textures of rock and stone create interesting shadows as sunlight passes over the wall’s surface during different times of the day. This can add an extra layer of texture and drama to your outdoor spaces. With repeated exposure to the wind and rain, some rocks may begin to shift slightly over time, further adding to their unique character.
Environmentally Friendly Option
Gravity walls are the perfect environmentally friendly option for any construction project. Not only do they require fewer natural resources than other wall solutions, but they also generate less waste than mortar-based solutions. The elimination of formwork and curing time required with traditional retaining wall systems allow gravity walls to be constructed in a fraction of the time and with less material cost.
In addition to being cost-effective and resource-efficient, gravity walls also offer a unique solution to reducing soil erosion on your property. The use of large stones creates a heavy retaining wall barrier that helps prevent soil from eroding away due to rainwater or other environmental conditions. This reduces the risk of hazardous environmental issues such as landslides and water contamination from sediment runoff.
The fact that gravity walls are built without mortar or cement means that they are also much easier to repair if any damage occurs due to natural forces such as storms or seismic activity. Repairs can be made quickly and cost-effectively with minimal disruption, allowing you to maintain your property’s esthetic value while still enjoying the long-lasting benefits of a gravity wall.
Low Maintenance Required
Gravity walls are easy to maintain and don't require much upkeep due to their lack of mortar. As there are no mortar joints, there is no need to worry about water infiltration or erosion, as the individual stones will remain in place without the need for additional reinforcement. Additionally, gravity walls do not require regular repainting or resealing and resist cracking or warping over time.
Due to their lack of sealants, these walls are also better for the environment as they don't use any potentially damaging compounds that may seep into the surrounding soil or pollute nearby water sources.
Finally, since these walls do not need additional machinery or equipment during construction, they are relatively simple to install and remove if needed, making them ideal for projects where quick turnaround is necessary.
DIY Installation Possible for Gravity Walls
Gravity walls are an attractive option for those tackling landscaping projects at home, as they can be installed without the help of a professional. Because they do not require mortar to hold them in place, they can be easily constructed in a day or two with just basic tools and materials.
What's more, because there is no requirement for specialized foundations or other groundwork, the project is relatively inexpensive compared to other retaining wall options. Simply build the wall using blocks that have been stacked securely on top of each other, then backfill with soil for further stability.
The removal of mortar from the project also makes it much simpler; there is no need to worry about messy clean up after construction is complete! The individual blocks of your gravity wall can be easily dismantled and moved if ever needed in the future.
As such, gravity walls provide a great DIY solution for those looking to tackle their own retaining wall projects. With minimal effort and cost required, you can rest assured knowing that your gravity wall will be as strong and secure as any professionally built masonry wall!
Conclusion
Gravity walls offer a wide range of benefits and advantages, making them a great choice for many retaining wall projects. Benefiting from the stability and durability offered by gravity walls, without the time and expense of using and mixing mortar, means they have a much lower cost and more flexibility in terms of design.
Whether you’re looking to add a visual statement to your landscaping or need a sturdy, reliable, and inexpensive retaining wall, the option of using gravity walls gives you another option that is worth considering. So, if you’re in the market for a retaining wall and want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this option, consider the possibilities that gravity walls can offer.
Invest in a well-constructed wall.
To guarantee that you will receive the benefits that come with having retaining walls, have them be constructed by a professional licensed contractor in your area.
