You might have often seen retaining walls on sloppy sites while traveling or hiking. Apart from that, many people consider the construction of a retaining wall for aesthetic purposes as well. To have a clean usable space or decorative space, a retaining wall is most popular these days. However, apart from having a retaining wall maintaining it is even more significant to ensure it remains intact, safe, and trouble-free. The major cause for constructing a waterproof retaining wall is that it regulates soil erosion to stop landslips and prevents dirt from leaking to lower levels
Smaller retaining walls may be built and maintained on your own, but for more complicated ones, a professional is required to assure a job is well done. Since a damp retaining wall can be a big no no, you might want to know more about maintaining your retaining walls, especially from water. It is important that you take into consideration the crucial factors while focusing on maintenance
Best way to waterproof a retaining wall
1. Organizing
When constructing and waterproofing a retaining wall, the organization of each element is important. A retaining wall may be dangerous if improperly constructed. Depending on the scope of the project, you might need to apply for council approval and get builders' warranty insurance. Besides, you need to check for underground electricity and plumbing wires where you intend to dig your foundation to avoid disturbing them. Consult a building engineer if you intend to have huge trees supported by the retaining wall
2. Purchasing the proper waterproofing materials
Waterproofing is necessary to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup and ensure that a robust retaining wall will last for many years. Porous, concrete blocks and bricks enable rainwater from the earth to seep into the wall. To prevent hydrostatic pressure, you must get high-quality waterproofing materials, not damp-proof ones. Although they may appear to be interchangeable, damp-proof goods may not hold up as well over time and eventually allow leakage
3. Picking the right liquid rubber membrane
Environmentally friendly waterproofing membranes called liquid rubber membranes are used to waterproof retaining walls. They come in the form of paints, are easy to apply to a wall, and are very flexible in letting soil move inside the wall without splitting and allowing water through. Due to the liquid rubber membrane's elasticity, it can stretch when the wall moves structurally. The product you select therefore has to be able to handle standing water. Verify if it complies with this criteria with your supplier
4. Applying the liquid rubber paint
Any retaining wall may be painted using Liquid Rubber Paint. This process of painting just takes a few hours. To apply the paint, you'll need a trowel or a brush. Complete the first coat, allow it to dry, and then apply the second coat. Make sure that during backfilling, gravel and other pointed objects do not harm the membrane. For this, you can apply a sheet of permanent protection.
A skilled group of people specializing in constructing and waterproofing retaining walls is available at Austrina Steels. Reach out to us, and we'll assist you with waterproofing or building your retaining wall just like you have wished for
