A lakefront home provides gorgeous views and a serene escape, but maintaining it has unique problems. Erosion, flooding, and shifting landforms all endanger your shoreline, putting your property at risk. A retaining wall can make a significant difference for lakefront homeowners. But how can you determine when to invest in one?
Here are some telltale signs that indicate you might need a lake retaining wall.
- Noticeable Erosion: If your shoreline is eroding or losing soil due to strong rains or wind, erosion has already begun. Without assistance from a lake retaining wall, you risk losing valuable property and causing an unstable environment.
- Frequent Flooding or Water Pooling: A retaining wall controls water movement and keeps flooding from harming your property. If you discover that even mild rainfall causes water pooling or flooding, a lake retaining wall can help stabilize the situation.
- Unstable Slopes or Land Movement: The sloping soil near the lake is prone to slipping, particularly during storms. Unfortunately, as time goes on, this could lead to landslides, which is why you need to take steps to stabilize the soil and prevent future movement.
- Cracks or Damage in Nearby Structures:Buildings, docks, and patios near the shoreline may display cracks or other evidence of instability as a result of shifting soil. Installing a lake retaining wall can help to preserve these issues by stabilizing the surrounding landscape.
- Aesthetics and Property Value Concerns: A retaining wall not only provides functional benefits, but it also gives your shoreline a polished appearance, which makes it an investment that both protects and increases the value of your property.