A retaining wall not only improves the appearance of your yard but also serves a utilitarian purpose. A retaining wall can be constructed from a variety of materials, the most common of which are concrete, stone, wood, and steel. You'll need a method to keep downhill erosion under control. If you have mountains of erosion materials cluttering crucial places on your property, constructing a retaining wall is a great idea. Retaining walls help to prevent erosion by reducing the angle of a slope and holding back the soil. The foundation of your home may be jeopardized by erosion. 

You have now decided to build a retaining wall for your yard. The next thing you need to worry about is what kind of material you will need. Although concrete, wood, and stone are the most common retaining wall materials, corten steel is gaining popularity among retaining wall contractors in Melbourne. 

What is Corten Steel?

Corten steel (also known as weathered steel) is a family of steel alloys commonly used in outdoor construction. The trademark term "Corten" was assigned to a weathering steel alloy material developed by United States Steel. In the United States, Corten Steel is no longer manufactured. Corten Steel was created to avoid the need for painting, and if left outside and exposed to the weather for a few months, they will rust. This steel forms an exterior coating patina that protects it from corrosion when exposed to the environment. This is why the steel is referred to as weathering steel.

Uses of Corten Steel Retaining Walls

A corten steel retaining wall can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a decorative feature in the garden as well as functional construction. A corten steel retaining wall is used in steeply inclined locations to take the strain of the soil on the incline and keep it safely in place. The foundations of properties built on sliding hills are also protected by retaining walls. Sliding hills are prone to erosion, which means that dirt can wash away from a downhill foundation or consolidate around an uphill foundation.

Reap the Benefits of Weathering Steel Retaining Walls

• Creates levelled areas in hilly areas
• Redirects rainwater flow 
• Building foundations are not necessary
• Eco-friendly and Highly sustainable 
• Easy and quick installation
• Can be used with all kinds of soil 
• Robust and durable 

Disadvantages of Corten Steel Retaining Walls

• Rust stains may form over time
• Special welding techniques may be used
• Not 100% rustproof
• Not built for areas near the sea

Corten Steel: Built to Last

You could be able to find a plethora of building materials at your disposal if you're working on an architectural or landscaping job. While each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, you want something that will last the test of time. After all, there would be no use in investing so much money on a structure if the materials used were not long-lasting. Corten weathering steel has anti-corrosive qualities, making it superior to other structural steel. The naturally occurring rust that it produces serves to extend the lives of a weathering steel building, which lowers costs. Also, you will be able to save money in the long run because of the durability of Corten steel. It would also assist to minimize the high costs involved with painting by exploiting the protective and living characteristics of this material. Not only that but by doing paint maintenance on-site, total life costs could be reduced. 

Metfab Steel Sales and Fabrication is a steel fabricator that offers competitively priced weathering steel in Melbourne. Not only do they supply Corten, but they also have all kinds of steel fabrication services that you can avail of. Contact us today for all your metal fabrication needs!