Coping Stones For Retaining Walls
A wall is a major feature of any landscape and serves multiple purposes. A freestanding wall can create a beautiful seating area, while retaining walls separate and structure the landscape.
Both of these features need coping to complete the look and function. This is a critical part of your Pittsburgh, PA, landscape design.
Durability
Coping and wall caps are not the most noticeable features in a concrete structure, but they play a crucial role in keeping outdoor features safe and functional. Caps and coping protect retaining walls, pool edges, and steps against the damaging effects of harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice.
Aside from protection, coping and wall caps also make a structure look finished and completed. They hide the structural parts of a retaining wall, and they can adorn features like coping stone pools, giving them a distinct appearance.
Nicolock offers a variety of coping and piers that can be used in a wide range of applications, including garden and driveway borders, patio sitting areas, fire pits, and privacy. Whether you’re looking to add a decorative element or create a functional and durable retaining wall, Nicolock is your best choice for a beautiful landscape solution.
Water Resistance
Retaining walls are built to control erosion, redirect water, and prevent landslides. These structures come in many sizes and shapes, ranging from simple raised garden beds to large retaining walls several metres tall.
These types of walls are usually made from stone or concrete. They rely on their mass to withstand lateral pressure and the load from cars, buildings, and other objects behind them.
However, if they are not properly constructed or waterproofed, retaining walls can lead to long-term structural damage. This damage can require costly repairs and replacements.
To ensure your coping doesn’t contribute to surface dampness, it should be waterproofed on the inside with a layer of tar that extends up to the top of the wall. This is a process that should be carried out by an expert.
Visual Appeal
Adding coping stones to your retaining walls can enhance the visual appeal of your property. Coping can be used to contrast and highlight the materials used in the retaining wall itself or even to protect the surface of the wall from moisture that could otherwise damage it over time.
Similarly, coping can also be used to create comfortable seating around fire pits and intimate patio areas. This feature adds a refined finish to a retaining wall and contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere, which can boost resale value when it comes time to sell your home.
There are dozens of options for coping and caps to choose from when designing your landscape. Some of these products include natural stone, concrete, bricks and limestone.
Maintenance
Coping stones are a key component of many retaining walls. They’re used to help divert water away from the wall and keep it safe from stains and damage.
However, they can be prone to chipping and cracking. Depending on the severity of the problem, they may need to be removed and repaired with new stone or mortar.
This is typically not an easy DIY project and should only be done by a licensed masonry contractor.
When it comes to maintaining a brick wall, the coping stones are among the most important components of the structure. If they are cracked, chipped or broken, they will need to be repaired before they cause further issues to the wall.
The coping stones also need to be cleaned often to prevent staining. Cleaning them with a pressure washer or weak acid solution (or bleach) can help keep them looking great and free of stains.