You’ve probably noticed poured concrete walls along freeways. These walls are massive and require a high level of skill to form and pour. Although poured concrete walls are hard to pour, they can be an attractive solution for landscape retaining walls. Even though they can be tricky to install, they complement the modern architecture of most houses.
However, on-site pouring of concrete walls has its disadvantages as well. You’ll need near perfect weather, an experienced crew, and a high-quality pour process to achieve the desired results. The advantage is that you’ll have a higher-density concrete wall without joints. In addition, poured concrete walls have greater structural integrity and are much more water-resistant.
The first step in building a concrete wall is to set the form. Once the form is in place, you should make sure to use wire ties to hold it together while you pour the concrete. Otherwise, the forms could slip and result in a messy mess. Additionally, if you use too much water, you could end up with soupy concrete that weakens the wall. So, when you’re ready to pour the concrete, don’t forget to use a level, sloping surface.
Another benefit of solid concrete walls is that they’re less susceptible to water damage, as they don’t have multiple openings, unlike block foundations. However, it’s important to remember that pouring concrete isn’t as simple as it seems. It can be difficult to pour concrete without proper training and equipment, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition to being more durable, poured concrete walls are also more durable than concrete block foundations. They’re more stable than block walls because there are no joints in the concrete, which makes them much easier to waterproof. They’re also easier to adapt to changes at the last minute. And, they’re faster to build than block walls.
If you’re planning on building a concrete wall in a cold climate, you need to dig the footings below the frost line. If the soil is not frozen, you may be able to scrape away the topsoil and use it as the base. However, if you’re planning on building a large concrete wall, the footings should be thick enough to support the weight.
If you’re building a new house, you’ll want to get the footings right. You’ll need basic tools such as steel rebar, gravel, and 4 inches of perforated drain pipe. Be sure to dig a footing at least one foot wider than the forms to provide extra support.
After you have determined the size of your footings, you’ll need to measure the area to be poured. You’ll also need to check local building codes. In some cases, a permit is required for concrete walls. If you’re planning to pour a tall wall, you may need to consult an engineer.