Take a drive throughout El Paso neighborhoods and you will likely notice that rock walls are a common and popular choice. Here in the Southwest, using rock walls is a common architectural and landscaping feature that offers longevity and aesthetic beauty. Most rock walls in El Paso are composed of mortar and rock. In other words, they are stacked together and held together with mortar. There are several benefits that come from stone walls and a beautifully built wall makes a strong statement. There is an aura of permanence and a timeless quality that can really make any home or structure really stand out.
The Rocky Source of El Paso’s Walls
It makes sense to see El Paso landscaping and architecture be so rock-dominant. Most of El Paso’s rock wall material is taken from the landscape itself. Rocks are taken from local quarries and mountains. As a desert region, El Paso does not have a lot of wood available locally and rock walls tend to fend much better in hot and dry climates. The Chihuahuan Desert is a region that runs through Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States including much of West Texas, Pecos Valley in New Mexico, and even a portion of southeastern Arizona.
Types of Rock Walls
You will likely see different types of rock walls here in the Sun City. Most neighborhoods and homes will use mortared rock walls because they tend to need a little less maintenance. So what’s the difference?
Mortared rock walls. These walls are held together by cement and require a little more preparation of the ground. You want to make sure that the person installing your rock wall knows well how to pour and install a proper foundation. Setting the right foundation and ensuring good structural integrity means the wall will have a longer life and provide many years of good service with minimal maintenance.
Dry stacked. The other type of rock wall is called dry stacked. They are called ‘dry’ because the rocks or stones are stacked together without any mortar or concrete in between. These walls do not require a foundation but can easily shift or move over time. They are often used as more decorative walls or walls that serve as separation in landscaping or gardens.
Things to Consider About a Rock Wall
Things are not always straightforward. There are a couple of things you want to keep in mind when having someone install a rock wall on your property. Here are some important considerations:
Safety.
Ensuring a good installation is part of ensuring the safety of your family. So digging a trench with the appropriate depth and pouring a strong foundation is key.
Uneven land.
Some homes in El Paso are built on a slope, and this just means that there has to be some added considerations to the installation of the wall. You want to make sure the wall is reinforced.
Drainage.
We get the occasional rain drop here in El Paso and, like everything in your home, you want to make sure it has proper drainage and it will not be affected by collected moisture.
Style.
You have some say as to the style and shade of the rocks you use. This might make it even more uniform in your home and/or landscaping plans.
How a Rock Wall Can Benefit Your Property or Landscaping
Homeowners in El Paso can use rock wall construction throughout their property. There are several benefits to these types of structure. Let’s take a look at how they can benefit you as a property owner:
Longevity:
Mortared walls will last many years when installed properly. You want to make sure that the foundation is set right so that it prevents it from shifting or cracking in the future. And while these rock walls might require a little filling in or minor maintenance over time, essentially they are quite resistant. This type of material is great for El Paso’s hot and dry climates.
Uniformity:
Using rock walls around your property, in your front yard and backyard, gives your home a great uniformity. Rock walls look great with different types of landscaping including other rockscapes, desert plans, grass, and more. Because of their neutral colors, they can also bring out the color of your home.
Inexpensive:
Because the materials for stone walls are quite abundant in the area, building a stone wall is not greatly expensive, and if you have a big property to surround, this might bode well for you in terms of the financial aspect.
Get a Strong Wall For Years to Come With Best Iron Works
While our name suggests our speciality is iron work, we are well-versed in many types of installations, including fences, wrought iron gates, and rock walls. If you’re considering adding some kind of barrier or border in your property, you have plenty of choices. A rock wall can be the right choice if you’re looking for something simple and sturdy that is made up of natural material from the area. Call Best Iron Works today and find out about installing a rock wall on your property.