Lawns and Gardens
Concrete Masonry Walls Are Professionals' Choice
By
Jan 21, 2006, 23:30

(NewsUSA) - Homeowners know that quality landscaping enhances the beauty of homes, increases curb appeal and can dramatically increase a home's value.

To ensure the best-quality landscaping, design professionals and landscape installers look for top-notch products - those that are aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective and durable. According to the National Concrete Masonry Association, segmental retaining wall systems often exceed such expectations within both the commercial and residential markets.

A market research survey conducted by L.C. Williams & Associates, a public opinion research firm, found that design professionals and landscape installers overwhelmingly prefer concrete segmental retaining walls over other retaining wall systems. The survey, which also polled commercial and residential developers and materials suppliers, found that these professionals preferred concrete retaining walls over natural stone, timber and poured concrete.

Respondents used a five-point scale (where one is low and five is high) and rated the aesthetic quality of segmental retaining walls at 3.86, exceeding the aesthetic rating of both timber, which scored 2.73, and poured concrete, which scored 2.85. Similarly, respondents gave segmental retaining walls higher durability ratings than most other retaining wall systems, and also rated them higher on cost-effectiveness.

According to NCMA, concrete segmental retaining walls offer the following additional advantages.

* Ease of maintenance. Segmental retaining walls do not need to be stained or treated like timber or other products, nor are they likely to be damaged by infestation or rot.

* Design flexibility. The wide variety of sizes and placement options enable creative and unique designs.

* Environmental friendliness. Concrete segmental retaining walls are made of all natural materials that do not harm the environment. Unlike wood treated with chromated copper arsenate, which was used as a popular landscaping material until being phased out in 2003, concrete segmental retaining walls do not pose a health hazard to the environment or to your family.

For more information about concrete segmental retaining walls and other concrete masonry products, visit www.ncma.org.

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