Screen Walls vs. Retaining Walls: Which is Right for Your Property?

a retaining wall installed around a property

Both retaining and screening walls can add to a property’s curb appeal, but are they the right choice for your property? We’re here to find out.

These two walls serve different purposes. Retaining walls can help reduce soil erosion while adding usable flat space on a slope at your property. In contrast, screen walls can add privacy to your home and yard while providing airflow and protection from direct sunlight.

In this blog, we’ll discuss both walls and how they can enhance your property. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Retaining Walls Hold Soil And Prevent Erosion

If your property is not perfectly level with some slope in areas like your backyard and front garden, you can install a retaining wall to utilize the sloping surface and prevent soil erosion. The retaining will add a flat usable space on your property that you can use to add soil and plant small shrubs, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and much more.

Also, one of the best parts of retaining walls is the flat raised area that you can use to install raised planters to increase the aesthetic appeal of the wall and your landscape.

Screen Walls Add Privacy And Protect Your Home From Overheating

Install a screen wall if you want to unwind in the quiet of your house and garden without being concerned about being observed by nosy neighbors, people driving by, or onlookers. Since screen walls are often perforated, you can still see outside without issues. However, your neighbors will have a hard time seeing what’s going on inside your home.

A brick screen wall also acts as a barrier for your home during sunset and sunset. Your home will not get hit by direct sunlight and cause the interior temperatures to rise. So, your home will not get as hot, and your HVAC system won’t have to work overtime to keep your interior cool. However, if you want bright sunlight to filter into your home, you can add a perforated screen wall too.

a retaining wall on a property with shrubs planted at the base of the wall

Which Wall Should You Choose For Your Property?

Well, this depends on what kind of functionality you want for your property. If you require privacy, we recommend the screen wall. However, if you wish to enhance your backyard or front yard to add usable space to your landscape, we suggest installing a retaining wall.

Also, nothing is stopping you from getting both because they’ll ultimately add value to your property and enhance the landscape and curb appeal.

Get Screen Wall And Retaining Wall Installation Services With Mountain Movers Engineering Co.

Looking for expert retaining and screen wall installation services in California? Mountain Movers Engineering Co. can help. We have extensive experience in retaining wall construction, slope restoration services, installation of screen walls, retaining wall repair services, and much more.

Reach out to us today to get a quote on our services.

Residential Upgrade: 4 Ways To Enhance Your Backyard with Small Repairs

a retaining wall with textured brick tiles and plants at the top of the wall

Is your backyard in need of some TLC? If yes, you’ve come to the right place.

Our experts can help you upgrade your backyard and prepare it for spring tea parties and summer barbeques. You won’t need to spend months or a massive budget to make a change; small backyard repairs can go a long way.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!

Refresh Your Landscape

If you haven’t started work on your backyard, you should straightaway because it’s the best time to prune, clean up, and plant seeds. Since we’re just shy of the spring season, the planted seeds will have time to sprout and grow a bit before they have to withstand the summer heat. You can artfully plant hedges, trees, shrubs, and flowers to uplift your backyard landscape.

Moreover, a flagstone walkway, adding stone planters, and planting trees along your backyard walkway can transform your backyard landscape too.

Add A Retaining Wall To Your Backyard Landscape

A retaining wall holds soil on one side and is free-standing on the other, accommodating changes in backyard landscapes with uneven topography. So, if you’re looking to incorporate the slope in your backyard and yield more usable space for your plants, a retaining wall can help.

It can help level the ground above the surrounding ground plane, elevate your planting area, and provide better drainage for your soil while also creating a seat wall. So, you can lean against the wall, put smaller planters on top, and decorate it however you like. There are numerous benefits to this amazing heavy barrier.

a retaining wall with brick tiles and small plants in the soil next to the wall

Add Outdoor Lighting

If you want to enhance your backyard landscape and retaining wall, outdoor lighting can help. It increases security while highlighting your exterior effectively to ramp up your home’s curb appeal.

You can strategically place lighting around your trees, at the base of your retaining wall, or near privacy hedges to ensure security and upgrade the aesthetics in your backyard.

Install A Backyard Patio

Installing a backyard patio can also enhance your backyard and add more living space to your home. To create a patio in your backyard, you can add a dining table, cheerful planters, and other accessories to create a communal space. You can also install a concrete paver patio if you don’t want the rustic backyard look.

Mountain Movers Engineering Co. Provides Affordable Retaining Walls Installation Services In CA

Looking for retaining wall services in CA? Mountain Movers Engineering Co. can help. We have extensive experience with screen wall installation, retaining wall construction, slope restoration and repairs, and much more. We’ll use proper equipment and provide you plan showing proper drainage for your soil and discuss the construction process in detail.

Get in touch with us today to get a quote for your backyard landscaping project.

 

Building the Perfect Retaining Wall: How to Get Started

Retaining walls are an excellent way to add structure and dimension to your landscaping. They can make the sloping yard more functional and usable and prevent soil erosion. However, building and installing a retaining wall can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time doing this.

In this blog, our experts will review the basics of building a retaining wall so you can confidently build one.

A retaining wall

Planning Your Retaining Wall

Before your start with the preparation, there are a few things that you’ll need to plan.

o Location

What will be the exact location of the wall? Consider the surrounding landscape and the slope of the ground.

o Height and Length

Determine the height and length of your retaining wall. Keep in mind that taller walls require more engineering and reinforcement. You might even have to hire retaining wall installation services to build and install the retaining wall if it’s too high.

o Materials

Choose the type of material that you think would best suit your needs. Some popular options include natural stone, wood, and concrete blocks.

Choosing The Right Materials

Once you’ve planned your retaining wall, it’s time to choose suitable materials. Here are some things to consider when making your selection:

o Durability

Go with the material that’ll last many years and stand up to external elements.

o Style

Consider the aesthetics of your house and your existing design. Choose material that’ll complement the surrounding landscape.

o Ease of Installation

Consider how difficult or easy it’ll be to work with the chosen material. Some materials, such as blocks or concrete, are easier to install. But others, such as the natural stone, may require professional expertise.

Preparing The Site

Before you begin building the wall, you’ll have to prepare the site. Here are a few things that you should take care of:

o Mark The Site

Use string and stakes to mark the height and location of the wall.

o Excavate

Excavate the area where you’ll install the wall. This will ensure that the wall is stable and leveled.

o Level The Ground

Use a tamper or a contractor to level the ground. This will help in creating a stable base for the wall.

A gabion wall

Building Your Retaining Wall

The general process that you should be following for building the retaining wall includes the following:

o Lay the First Course

Start by laying the first course of your retaining wall. This course will define the overall level and height of your wall.

o Add Reinforcement

To build taller walls, you’ll have to add reinforcement. You can do this by using materials such as rebar or geogrid. Since it’s not an easy task, hiring professionals for this is recommended.

o Backfill

You should backfill the area behind the wall with soil once it’s completed. This will offer additional stability to the wall.

Looking For Retaining Wall Installation Services In California?

Our experts at Mountain Movers Engineering Co. can help you. We’ve completed numerous projects for residential properties and commercial properties as well. We also offer numerous engineering services, including slope restoration, small backyard repair, screen wall installation, and much more.

Have more questions about our services? Get in touch with us today.

 

Commercial Landscaping: The Importance of Proper Grading

When it comes to navigating commercial landscaping, there are numerous factors to consider. From choosing the plants to the mulch type used, every decision is critical in designing and creating an aesthetic and functional outdoor space. And one of the aspects that are usually overlooked is the importance of proper grading.

The slope and level of the land are known as grading. When your land is properly graded, it has a gentle slope that allows water to flow away from buildings, ultimately preventing damage from erosion and flooding. In commercial landscaping, proper grading is of utmost importance since it creates a functional and safe outdoor space that meets the needs of visitors, customers, and employees.

This blog will discuss why grading should be a priority for any commercial landscaping project.

Excavation contractors working on a commercial project

1. Preventing Water Damage

Water damage is one of the biggest risks to which most commercial buildings and structures are subjected. When water isn’t carried away from a building, it threatens to seep into the base, causing erosion, cracks, and other damage.

Water damage can also lead to mold and mildew, ultimately becoming a dangerous health hazard. Properly grading the land around a commercial ensures that the water is directed away from the building and doesn’t damage the foundation, resulting in costly repairs.

2. Creating A Safe Outdoor Space

If the land around a commercial building is sloped properly, it’ll reduce the risk of falls and slips because of the standing water by enabling proper drainage. This is especially essential in high-traffic areas such as entrances, walkways, and parking lots.

Proper grading also ensures that any water features such as ponds, fountains, or streams are properly, ensuring that they don’t cause any damage to the landscaping and other structures.

3. Enhancing Curb Appeal

Proper grading doesn’t only make the outdoor space functional, but it also improves the curb appeal of commercial landscaping. A well-graded outdoor space is a pleasure for passersby to look at. It has a gentle slope that complements the natural features of the surrounding area, creating a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere for customers and visitors. It can even increase the value of the property.

Hire A Professional Landscaper

Inexperienced landscapers shouldn’t attempt grading since it requires extensive knowledge about soil composition and landscaping design, along with proper technique and equipment. This is why hiring professionals who have professionally provided grading services for a commercial project is essential.

A commercial project in progress

An experienced landscaper will be able to evaluate various features of a commercial building, including the type of soil, existing landscape features, and natural drainage patterns. They’ll also create a grading plan that allows proper drainage construction and ensures the outdoor space is functional. In addition, they’ll use proper equipment to execute the grading project, ensuring efficiency and safety without causing any damage to the surrounding area.

Looking for professional grading services for a commercial project in California? Look no further than us. At Mountain Movers Engineering Co., we specialize in providing earthwork services for commercial and residential properties. Our services include excavation, grading, crushing, demolition & clearing, emergency cleanup, and much more.

In addition, we also offer numerous engineering services, including retaining walls, small backyard repair, screen wall installation, and much more.

Get in touch with us today to learn more.

 

5 Ways Of Slope Restoration On Your Property In Southern California

restoring walls installation for slope

Slope restoration is a critical aspect of property maintenance in Southern California. With its steep hills and high levels of rainfall, properties in the region are at risk of landslides and erosion.

So, in this blog post, we’ll be discussing some ways to restore slopes on your property and protect it from further damage.

1. Terrace the Slope

One of the most effective ways to restore a slope is to terrace it with the help of residential contractors for earthwork services. This involves building a series of flat platforms, or terraces, on the slope using retaining walls. The terraces can be used for planting, and they also help to slow the flow of water down the slope. This slope restoration service thereby helps reduce erosion and improves the stability of the slope.

2. Stabilize the Soil

Another way to restore a slope is to stabilize the soil. This can be done using various methods, such as adding soil amendments, installing drainage systems, or using geotextile fabrics. The goal is to improve the soil’s ability to hold onto water and resist erosion.

3. Plant Vegetation

Planting vegetation is another way to restore slopes. Plants help to stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. They also help to absorb and slow the flow of water down the slope. When selecting plants for a slope, it’s important to choose species that are well-suited to the local climate, and that can thrive in the soil conditions on the slope.

vegetation planted along retaining wall

1. Install Drainage Systems

Hiring professionals to install drainage systems is another way to restore slopes. Drainage systems help to channel water away from the slope and prevent erosion. There are a variety of different types of drainage systems that can be used, including French drains, surface drains, and subsurface drains.

2. Build Retaining Walls

Installation of retaining walls by professionals can be used to stabilize slopes and protect against erosion. They can be made of various materials, including wood, stone, or concrete. When building a retaining wall, it’s important to make sure that it is strong enough to support the weight of the soil behind it and ensure that it is properly anchored to the slope.

Get Affordable Slope Restoration and Retaining Wall Installation Services in California Today!

Are you looking for reliable slope restoration services for your property in Southern California? We’re your best bet!

Mountain Movers Engineering Co. has years of experience in providing our clients with value engineering services, including but not limited to extensive landslide repair, screen wall installation, retaining wall installation, small backyard repairs, and earthwork services like grading for residential and commercial projects, to name a few.

So, what’s the hold-up? Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help you!

 

 

5 Ways Keystone Retaining Walls Can Help Design A Functional Property

retaining wall built for slope stabilization

Retaining walls are a vital aspect of any property’s landscaping design. They don’t just enhance the aesthetics of a property but also serve a functional purpose.

Keystone retaining walls are a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers due to their durability, versatility, and ease of installation.

In this blog, we’ll discuss ways Keystone retaining walls can help design a functional property.

1. Containing Soil and Water

One of the primary functions of installing retaining walls is to hold back soil and water. Keystone retaining walls are an excellent solution for properties with sloping or uneven terrain. They can be used to create level areas for gardens, patios, or walkways and prevent soil erosion. Additionally, retaining walls can be used to redirect water flow away from buildings or other structures, preventing damage from water infiltration.

2. Creating Privacy and Separation

Retaining walls can also be used to create privacy and separation between different areas of a property. Keystone retaining walls are an excellent choice for creating outdoor living spaces, such as patios or decks, separate from the rest of the property. They can also be used to create a barrier between a property and a busy street or to separate a pool area from the rest of the yard.

1. Enhancing Aesthetics

Keystone retaining walls not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the overall aesthetic of a property. They come in various colors, textures, and designs, allowing for a range of creative options. Retaining walls can be used to create different levels in a yard, adding depth and dimension to the landscape. They can also be used to create focal points in a garden or to highlight a specific area of a property.

2. Increasing Property Value

Installation of retaining walls not only improves the functionality and aesthetics of a property but also increases its value. Keystone retaining walls are a durable and long-lasting solution that can withstand the test of time. They are also low maintenance, which makes them an attractive option for potential buyers. By investing in retaining walls, homeowners can increase the value of their property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

retaining wall installed for a house on a slope

3. Creating Usable Space

Retaining walls can also be used to create usable space on a property. They can be used to level sloping or uneven terrain, creating space for gardens, patios, or walkways. They can also be used to create outdoor living spaces or to separate different areas of a property, such as a pool area or a play area for children. By creating usable space, retaining walls can help maximize the potential of a property and make it more functional.

Get a Retaining Wall Installed On Your Property In California Today!

Are you willing to hire professionals for reliable retaining wall installation services in CA? We’ve got you covered!

Mountain Movers Engineering Co.is known for its reputation in the industry for providing clients with design and building solutions, including extensive land-slide repair services, earthwork services for residential and commercial projects, slope wall repair and restoration, as well as for installing nearly 10M sq. ft. of retaining walls.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and learn all you need to know about our affordable services!

5 Ways Screen Walls Can Help Secure Your Property In California

screen wall installation at a residential property

Are you looking for ways to provide extra security for your property in California?

Screen wall installation is an appealing solution as it offers a full degree of security with a physical barrier between you and unwanted visitors, along with protection from water damage, splashing debris, and wildlife.

For those who don’t know, screen walls are a popular choice among residential, commercial, and industrial developments that need soundproofing, privacy, and security since these can reach heights of up to 14′.

In expert opinion, screen wall installation services also frequently offer better value than conventional CMU solutions as they help you stay on schedule because of how quickly they can be installed.

So, if you’re planning to secure your property, here are all the reasons why you need to consider getting a screen wall installed:

1. Screen walls are great for noise control

Screen walls are ideal for reducing noise from traffic, construction, and other activities near your home. They also provide an excellent buffer between you and the elements.

2. They increase privacy

Screen walls act as visual dividers, adding privacy to your yard while also providing perfect ventilation of the air inside your home, keeping it comfortable all year long.

3. They protect your home from vandalism

Screen walls are an effective way to protect your home from vandalism and make it more difficult to break into your property. These walls can also serve as a deterrent by making it more difficult for intruders to gain access by climbing over or otherwise breaching them.

4. Screen Walls Increase Energy Efficiency

Screen walls let light pass around them while blocking out sound waves and vibrations that normally disturb people sleeping inside the home or office space. They also help keep warm air inside during cold weather and cool air during hot months, so there’s less need for air conditioning units in your home or office space when it’s hottest outside!

screen wall installation at a commercial property

5. Screen Walls as a Temporary Fencing Solution

If you’re experiencing some damage or need to enclose an area temporarily, screen wall installation services are an excellent option.

You can use them to block off access and create privacy while repairs are being made at construction sites where there’s potential for vandalism or theft. They’re also great for providing temporary security in areas such as parking lots and livestock pens.

Hire Experts For Trusted Screen Wall Installation Services Today

Are you looking for the perfect solution for securing your property in California? You’re at the right place!

Mountain Movers Engineering Co. is a trusted design and building company that takes pride in offering its valuable clients professional screen wall installation along with high-grade slope wall repair and restoration and extensive land-sliding repair services at affordable prices.

For more information, feel free to reach out to us today!

Retaining Walls: The Perfect Barrier to Problematic Erosion

Earthwork for erosion prevention

Managing erosion is a constant struggle for many homeowners. Sifting through debris and trying to keep your landscape as green and beautiful as possible can also take a toll on your sanity.

A retaining wall is a great way to slow down this problem and help you retain control over your property.

So, if you’re looking for more information on how hiring experts for retaining wall installation services can help prevent erosion, keep reading:

Why Fear Soil Erosion?

Erosion is a term used to describe soil removal by wind, water, or other natural forces causing the soil to erode and expose the underlying bedrock. The resulting erosion can lead to landslides and other problems for farmland, water supplies, roads, structures, and more.

Erosion on your property could also increase the maintenance you need, and even lead to flooding or sinkholes.

One of the best ways to minimize erosion is by keeping water on the land via retaining wall installation that keeps water from running off into streams or rivers.

How Does Retaining Walls Work

Retaining wall structures are typically made of masonry, concrete, or natural stone that rise above ground level and slope toward their base.

For those who don’t know, a retaining wall is composed of two components:

  • The first component is the base or footer wall. This is where you’ll place your foundation for the retaining wall and work with your contractor to determine its height and width.
  • The second component is the face or top wall; this will be what you see when looking at your yard from above.

Retaining wall installation is used to prevent erosion by blocking water runoff before it can reach the surface of the earth. Research also suggests that retaining walls can be used to protect against groundwater contamination. This helps provide a foundation for your yard by holding back water for long enough for plants and trees to grow over the top of them.

The Role Of Retaining Walls in A Slope Restoration Project

In other cases, a retaining wall may be constructed as part of a slope restoration project. Slope restoration is the process of repairing slopes that have been damaged by erosion or other factors. This process sometimes involves removing existing vegetation and installing new plants on steep slopes.

slope failure due to erosion

Get Reliable Retaining Wall Installation Services Today

If you are looking for retaining wall installation services in CA, you’re at the right place!

Mountain Movers Engineering Co. is an experienced design and building company that successfully installed nearly around 10 million square feet of retaining walls.

Our team also takes pride in offering our valuable clients professional high-grade slope wall repair and restoration and extensive land-sliding repair services at affordable prices.

For more information, get in touch with us today!

Understanding The Importance of Professional Grading for Your Commercial Development Project

ongoing grading on a construction site

Did you know that professional grading for commercial development projects can go a long way to ensuring that your building is constructed right? Yes, you heard us!

The grading process is essential in ensuring that every individual building or floor has its designated space with proper drainage, water containment, and other components needed to provide the best results possible.

The importance of professional grading cannot be overstated especially when it comes to maintaining adequate sloping and preparing the land to hold weight. Grading also ensures that all construction materials adhere to specific regulations.

So, if you’re a general contractor or a manager for a commercial project, here’s what you need to know about the importance of mass grading:

1. Helps Saves Cost

Professional grading for commercial development can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays in your project. It ensures greater precision during construction and better confidence in your finished product. This helps assure most investors that the project will be completed on time and within budget.

2. Helps Maintain Safety

Professional grading provides a safe environment for construction workers and equipment operators. It also ensures that you will have enough room for your building’s equipment, such as trucks, cranes, or forklifts. Having professional grading for commercial projects ensures that these items will not damage your property during construction.

So, if you are planning to build a commercial building that requires grading, hire professionals like Mountain Movers Engineering Co., who specialize in quality grading services.

1. Improves Relationship With Customers

The purpose of grading for commercial projects is to provide an accurate depiction of the physical properties of a piece of property. It does this by measuring the depth, slope, and angle of the land or soil on a particular plot. The information collected can then be used by property developers to design their projects around specific areas where they’ll require more space or less development than others.

Home buyers and sellers can also use the information collected when choosing the plots to invest in. This thus helps build good relationships with customers who want to invest in your project. It helps them make better decisions when deciding whether to buy into a particular plot because it offers more value than others do.

This will not only increase your chances of getting more investors but also increase their confidence in your company as well as its ability to deliver high-quality products and services on time.

Partner with Mountain Movers Engineering Co. Today

If you are looking for a quality earthwork service provider to do grading and cleaning of your commercial development project, then Mountain Movers Engineering Co. is your best choice.

We have been providing grading services in the market for over 6 decades. We have a reliable team of skilled engineers who provide useful technical information to help you improve your commercial development project.

Our company will also be able to provide advice on how best to handle different problems that may arise during construction, such as slope restoration, extensive landslide repair, or installation of retaining walls.

Contact us or check out our projects today.

4 Tips To Prevent Landslides

An eroded slope due to soil erosion

Every year, hundreds of people are injured, and many more are killed in landslides. Landslides can be caused by various factors, including earthquakes, heavy rain, snowfall, and soil erosion.

It is a destructive force that can affect large portions of the land, including roads, bridges,and buildings. In addition to being potentially dangerous to human life, landslides can also block highways and hinder search and rescue efforts.

Since landslides are a serious hazard to life and property in most parts of the world, here are things you can do to save lives and keep landslides from destroying your home:

1. Monitor your property regularly

The first tip is to monitor your property regularly. Do this by keeping a watchful eye on the slopes and the changes in their condition.

Other ways include:

  • Checking for cracks in the ground
  • Checking for loose rocks and debris around the home or business
  • Paying attention to weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall

This will help you indentify any landslides before they occur and keep them from getting out of control.

If you notice any subtle changes in the landscape, such as cracks or fissures, you should immediately call experts for extensive landslide repair services.

2. Design slopes using retaining walls to avoid the accumulation of debris and soil erosion

Poorly maintained and un-kept slopes are the major reason for landslides in the urban regions.

This is why retaining walls are built along the slope to prevent soil erosion. These can be made of stone, concrete, or other materials and work by holding back soil and gravel that would otherwise slide off the hill down into a valley or depression below.

So, if you have a lot of slopes on your property, opting for retaining wall installation services is essential to reduce the risk of landslides occurring on your land. You should also control surface water sources such as rain barrels and catch basins to prevent slope erosion.

1. Keep Your Property Drainable

Debris flows happen when heavy rain or snowmelt causes loose soil to move downhill without being held in place by trees, plants, or other vegetation. This can occur during storms or after heavy rains and snowmelt during springtime when plants have not yet returned from dormancy.

So, if you live in an area prone to landslides, consider keeping your property drains clear of debris and other materials that could hamper drainage. You can also plant trees and shrubs that will help hold back soil from moving downhill.

2. Reduce Runoff From Impervious Surfaces Using Earthwork Services

Impervious surfaces include paved roads, driveways, or parking lots. It also includes roofs covered with asphalt shingles and storm drains that carry water away from streets but don’t allow it to soak into the ground where plants and soil can absorb it.

Earthwork services can help reduce runoff from these impervious surfaces, including grading, rock removal, and erosion control.

We Offer Extensive Landslide Repair Services To Protect Your Property From Landslides

Do you want to minimize your liability for any damage when a landslide occurs on your property? We’ve got you covered!

Mountain Movers Engineering Co. is a trusted retaining wall construction company with years of extensive landslide repair experience under our belt.

Reach out to our professionals and get high-quality and reliable slope wall repair, restoration, and grading for commercial projects.

Contact us or check out our projects today.