Answering Questions About Retaining Wall Blocks

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Basic Questions and Answers on Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks

 If you’re a contractor, you most probably already know a lot about concrete retaining wall blocks. But what if you’re a homeowner who wants to hire a contractor or a DIY enthusiast who wants to build a small retaining wall? Then you’ll want to read on as we answer the basic questions to get you started.

What are Retaining Wall Blocks?

retaining wall blocks

Also referred to as CRBs, these are concrete units, which are used to build a structure to keep soil back. Modular in design, these units can be stacked to create a structure at the desired height.

At What Angles Can the CRBs be Laid?

You can install the concrete blocks at angles from 70 degrees right up to 90 degrees.

Where are CRBs Used?

The units are used for cut slopes, embankments, and attenuation ponds, to create planting spaces and to add landscaped areas. If your garden has a steep gradient, then most of it is not usable. To create level areas where you can build entertainment or pause spaces, you can use CRBs to keep the soil from the high lying area back when you create a terraced garden.

You can also add a retaining structure if part of your house is lower than the surrounding soil. Instead of having a slope slanting towards your home and having excess run-off pushing against the house during or after heavy rains, the structure keeps the soil back and makes it possible to have a level area next to the house with drainage leading water away.

If your home is built on top of a hill, then you’ll want to add retaining walls to keep the foundation from shifting because of soil movement and water run-off.

For a commercial property setting, you can add such a wall to create aesthetic appeal, prevent water run-off, and to create level parking areas with the structures on the side to prevent soil erosion.

Why Use CRBs as Opposed to Normal Brick Units?

The CRBs are prefabricated to a specific design and strength. The units are larger than normal brick blocks,  and due to their design, make for sturdy structures. The speed of construction is also faster than with conventional brick systems, and you don’t have to use concrete between the blocks. These factors make CRBs cost-effective alternatives to other types of materials for building retaining walls.

Which Factors Affect the Price of CRBs?

Several factors determine the cost of the retaining structure including, but not limited to:

  • Whether it is an open or close face structure.
  • The height, angle and length of the structure.
  • Work face accessibility.
  • Whether you choose coloured or grey blocks as the latter types are less expensive.
  • Angle at which the wall is constructed.
  • The types of material you use.

What’s the Difference Between a Single Slab and a Segmented Retaining Structure?

With the single slab type, concrete is used to create an uninterrupted structure surface. With the segmented type, you use CRBs to build the structure.

What’s the Difference Between a Retaining Wall and a Sea Wall?

The latter is constructed to protect the shoreline and act in a way similar to the retain types to prevent soil erosion. It’s important to build the right structure for this purpose. Ask our consultants about suitable applications for CRBs to make sure the structure you erect is safe and suitable for the intended purpose.

What is the Height Limit of the Structure?

Depending on the angle of the building, the type of materials used and the location, the structure can be exceptionally high. However, for any structure higher than a decorative one-metre type, seek help from an experienced engineer.

Where Can I Find More Information and Prices on Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks in Gauteng?

Get in touch for quotes, prices and more information on our range of quality and competitively priced CRBs.

Bevel Paving Bricks For Outdoor Surfaces

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Why Use Bevel Paving Bricks for Your Patio and Outdoor Surfacing?

Bevel paving bricks are rectangular in shape, measuring 200 ×100 mm with a thickness of 50 mm. With their non-slip surfaces, these pavers are well-suited for paving driveways and areas around the swimming pool, as well as parking spaces. With their rectangular shape, they can be installed in a wide range of patterns, some of which are briefly noted below.

  1. Stretcher BondBrick Pavers

The pattern is the same as that of a conventional brick wall. This is a straightforward pattern that works well with rectangular cottage style and bevel paving bricks, as well as the square uBuntuCobble™ types.

  1. Herringbone

The pavers are installed at a 90 or 45-degree angle. As the name suggests, a herringbone layout is used and repeated throughout. It is a popular pattern because of the way the pavers are placed, ensuring stability with no movement.

  1. Basket Weave

With this pattern, it looks like the pavers are weaved, similar to the pattern of a weaved carpet or basket. This is also a popular layout because of the many variations possible.

  1. Stacked

With this pattern, it looks like the pavers have been stacked to create straight lines. It’s not very popular because there is no interlocking, which can weaken the overall structure. The pattern works with square pavers and rectangular paving blocks.

Why Paving the Patio and Entertainment Areas is Beneficial

You can use everything from wood to cement to create outdoor surfaces. However, bevel paver bricks work particularly well for several reasons, including:

  1. Durability

The pavers are made from a concrete mix with an exceptionally long lifespan. With no need to paint or special coat the pavers to protect them against harsh weather elements, the cost of ownership over their lifespan is low. In addition, due to the strong concrete mix, the pavers are not likely to crack.

  1. Can be Recycled

Should you wish to expand the indoor area and want to replace the paved section because of it, you don’t have to throw out all the pavers. You can recycle the pavers into other paving projects or sell them.

  1. Weather Resistant

Unlike solid surface types, such as asphalt or concrete, which can crack in extreme summer weather conditions, there is just enough breathing space between the pavers. With this, you won’t have to deal with unsightly cracks related to contraction and expansion. Even consistently wet conditions won’t cause the bevel paver bricks to become brittle or suffer from rot, as could be the case with wood. With pavers, potholes associated with asphalt surfaces won’t be a problem.

  1. Require Little to No Maintenance

You want a driveway, patio, swimming pool or entertainment surface that doesn’t require intensive care. If a section is damaged, simply remove the pavers and replace them. Instead of repairing a large section, as would be the case with a solid surface, you only need to replace the damaged section or brick. Cleaning the surface is as straightforward as a sweep when needed and a wash-down to remove any growth or stubborn dirt.

  1. Non-Slip for Improved Safety

Any area where water spills or even slight water residue on the surface can cause slip and fall incidents should be paved. This is also true for driveways running at a slope. You want sufficient grip for the vehicle tyres and want people to be able to walk or run on the surface without slipping. This is possible with the bevel paver blocks available from us. These come with textured surfaces, giving sufficient grip. When you install pavers, you improve the safety profile of the outdoor entertainment area and driveway.

Where to Get the Best Prices in Gauteng

MVA Bricks offers a wide range of pavers including bevel paving bricks. We offer deliveries of pavers and sand across Gauteng. With competitive prices on our SABS mark approved pavers, in addition to superb after-sales service, we’re here to meet your paver material needs. Reach out for a quote and help in calculating the material quantity required.

Calculating how many paving bricks per square metre

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How Many Paving Bricks Per Square Metre?

We make it easier to determine how many paving bricks per square metre because we sell our pavers in loads per square metre. This makes cost calculation easier and enables you to determine how much space you will need for the placement of the loads at the construction site.

Our range of pavers consists of the following types:MVA Bricks - Factory Shop

  • Bevel
  • Ubuntu Cobble
  • Twin Cobble
  • Interlock
  • Cottage

Bevel Pavers

It has a standard rectangular shape and measures 200×100×50 mm. The paver type comes with a non-slip surface and is available in grey, plum, black, multi-colour, and clay colours. The bevel type bricks are SABS approved. You’ll need 50 bevel pavers per square metre.

Ubuntu Cobble™ Pavers

The pavers are SABS mark approved. The type has a square shape and features a non-slip surface. The dimensions are 150×150×60 mm. These are available in grey, plum, black, multi-colour, and clay colours.

Twin Cobble Pavers

Rectangular in shape, the paver type features a dividing line in the centre. The SABS mark approved paver comes in grey, plum, black, multi-colour, and clay colours and has a non-slip surface. You will need 50 of these per square metre for your paving project.

Interlock Pavers

Also, SABS mark approved, these pavers are designed for optimal interlocking. Easy to install, these pavers are available in grey, plum, black, multi-colour and clay finishes. You will need 48 interlocking pavers per square metre for your project.

Cottage Paving Bricks

These SABS mark approved pavers are rectangular in shape. With a larger surface area per paver, you will only need 33,3 bricks per square metre. Each brick measures 200×150×50 mm. We offer these in grey, plum, black, clay, multi-colour, clay sand and dark sand colours.

Areas that can be paved

From the area around the swimming pool to the driveway, walk paths, cycling routes, estate roads, entertainment areas, and parking lots can be paved.

When you order the pavers, pay attention to how many pavers per pallet or load as you will need to keep space open for the placement of the delivered materials. Also, keep in mind that you will need to order sand for the bedding. In this regard, read the following guides, which are all available for download at our paving blocks section:

  • Introduction – giving you an overview of the materials required and the process involved.
  • Design aspects – important considerations.
  • Specs & install – guidelines regarding the specifications and installation process.
  • Site management and training – many factors must be considered to ensure organised processes are in place.
  • Training – learn everything needed and use the manual for training your employees.
Order the Right Quantity of Paving Bricks

Use our online contact form to obtain a quote. You will need to know the size, type, thickness, and quantity for a quote. Also, note the address where delivery must take place. If you need help in determining the quantity and best type for your particular project, reach out to our consultants.

They will ask you a few questions to get a better idea of your project scope. Based on the information you provide, they will be able to guide you regarding materials and quantity. You can also order sand and related materials from us.

We deliver the pavers in pallet loads to your address, anywhere in Gauteng, at competitive prices. With fast service delivery, sand, and pavers available from one trusted supplier, you have every reason to buy from us. Whether you only need one or two pallet loads or a truckload, we’re able to supply the paving bricks per square metre, already neatly packaged for easy off-loading and storage at the construction site.

 

Bevel Paving Costs and Installation

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Beginner’s Guide to Bevel Paving Costs and Installation in South Africa

Bevel paving entails the usage of special pavers for laying out a patterned surface that can carry foot traffic, vehicle loads and items placed on top. These pavers are made specifically to create bevelled edging and are well-suited for drainage improvement, creating a slip-free surface for driving or walking, and minimising maintenance of the surface.

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5 Common Mistakes with Retaining Wall Block Building

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Common Beginner Mistakes with Retaining Wall Block Building

So, you’ve decided to improve the landscape appeal of your garden. Part of this entails building a stack structure with retaining wall blocks to keep soil back and prevent the soil from a higher-lying area from sliding into the area around the swimming pool. These blocks are placed in rows on top of each other and at a specific angle to create a decorative, sturdy, and soil-erosion preventing structure.

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How To Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Using Block Paving

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Beginner’s Guide: 5 Block Paving Mistakes to Avoid

 You have two options with DIY block paving installations. The first is a rush job, ignoring the best practice tips, which leaves you with an uneven surface and years of frustration. The second option takes longer but ensures that you have a level surface, neat layouts and don’t have to redo the job. The second option is obviously the better one. To help you get started, we look at some of the common mistakes to avoid.

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Your Quick Guide to Retaining Walls: Basics and Benefits

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A retaining wall is a structure that’s made from concrete blocks. As the name suggests, it serves to stabilise soil from a higher-lying area and prevents movement of the soil onto the lower-lying area. It can also act as an aesthetically pleasing planting space that enables you to maximise the space usage for greening purposes.

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