Concrete Home Building Council - 10/21/2004 (Plain Text Version)

CHBC Chairman
Michael Weber

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In this issue:
Markets Grow for Architectural and Decorative Concrete
Concrete Builder Profile: Eggert Construction LLC
Retaining Walls Add Visual Appeal to Landscaping
Innovative Precast Technology: High Tech, High Strength ... and Low Weight
Business Opportunities in Mexico
NAHB Board Passes Hexavalent Chromium Resolution
Ivan Huffed and Puffed ... and Concrete Won
Look Out For Concrete at IBS
Concrete Briefs . . .

Retaining Walls Add Visual Appeal to Landscaping

Across the country, home owners planning to landscape their yards are turning to segmental retaining walls as their product of choice.

Why? There are several reasons. First, segmental retaining walls have a strong reputation for design flexibility and visual appeal. Home owners can choose from a wide variety of product sizes and placement options.

Concrete segmental retaining walls also are environmentally friendly and durable. Concrete segmental retaining wall units are made of natural materials and produced in a wide variety of aesthetics. Units may have a split-face, rugged, natural appearance or a tumbled, rounded, old-world surface appearance.

In addition, quality home improvement products — like segmental retaining walls — help create a beautifully landscaped yard. The first impression of a home is created by its exterior attributes and that image creates a lasting impression. An aesthetically pleasing yard helps to increase your property value.

Finally, segmental retaining walls provide natural and enhanced beauty to your yard without posing a health hazard to your family. Another popular landscaping material, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood, will no longer be used after December, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. CCA-treated wood, which contains arsenic, a known human carcinogen, is being phased out of residential applications.

According to experts at the National Concrete Masonry Association, segmental retaining walls have always offered the best value per dollar when considering landscape product alternatives. The durability of concrete products provides added security not available with the timber products of the past. Segmental retaining wall units also are resistant to erosion and infestation by rodents or insects.

For more information about how segmental retaining walls can provide an alternative for states and federal transportation agencies, visit www.ncma.org.

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