Sydney Choice Waterproofing provides a comprehensive service for waterproofing retaining walls in Sydney & Surrounding areas, including wall repair, and wall leak detection. Contact us today to get a quote. Retaining walls are vulnerable to water intrusion from the soil they support. This can result in various issues from minor to major. For instance, the water can make the wall look dirty with lime or calcium marks. Or it can cause the steel rods that strengthen the structure to corrode and swell – which can then split the concrete. And in the most serious cases, the water pressure can push the wall to collapse – which is a hazardous situation for larger walls. Even though a retaining wall is supposed to keep the backfill fairly dry, extra precautions are usually needed to avoid water damage to the wall.
How do we Waterproof your Retaining Wall
Building a retaining wall requires following several important steps. It is a big construction project and if it is not planned and constructed properly by professionals, it can look ugly.
1. Prepare for the project
To build and waterproof a retaining wall safely and effectively, We plan and organise the project. A poorly constructed retaining wall can pose a risk to people and property. So, we obtain council approval and builder warranty insurance depending on the scale of your project. Before we dig your foundation, we make sure to locate any underground pipes or wires and avoid damaging them. If you want to plant big trees near the retaining wall, seek advice from a construction engineer.
2. Check the soil type
The material that retaining wall will support is a key factor in its design. Different materials like clay and sand have different ‘angles of repose’ (the maximum slope angle that they can maintain without collapsing).
The angle of repose varies depending on how compact and slippery the material is (for example, sand or silt is more slippery and less compact than other materials, so it has a lower angle of repose). Your wall will be unstable if the slope angle is higher than the angle of repose, so we choose the right material for your wall and build it accordingly.
3. Design
We design retaining wall in such a way that it will support the soil and any additional weight behind it, such as from vehicles and structures, without falling over. It will also avoid water accumulation behind the wall, which adds more sideways force to the wall. Gravity walls, typically built of stone or concrete, use their weight to resist the sideways force of the soil. Cantilever walls are secured by their foundations or vertical posts in the ground, and depend on the durability of their building materials.
4. Apply the liquid rubber paint
Any retaining wall can be coated with Liquid Rubber Paint without much difficulty and the work will be done in a few hours. We use a brush or a trowel to spread the paint. We apply the first layer and let it dry before adding the second layer. We protect the membrane from being punctured by gravel or other sharp objects during backfill. A permanent protection sheet can help with this.
Durable Protection for Retaining Walls
We offer waterproofing services for retaining walls in Sydney that prevent water penetration for a long time. We handle the specific needs of each project, delivering customised and efficient waterproofing solutions. Our projects always use the best materials, such as membranes and resins, because we value quality. We are committed to quality, and that is why we use only the best materials, such as membranes and resins, on every project.
- Evaluation and Personalised Waterproofing Plans
- Application of High-Quality Waterproofing Membranes and Sealants
- Assured Durability and Resistance to Environmental Factors
- Skilled Team with Rich Experience in Retaining Wall Waterproofing
- Continuous Support and Maintenance Guidance
- Eco-Friendly Waterproofing Practices
- Clear Pricing and No Hidden Charges
- Effective and Fast Waterproofing Solutions
For over 20 years, we have been waterproofing commercial and strata buildings in Sydney with our expertise. By choosing Sydney Choice Waterproofing, you ensure the best protection for your retaining walls. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction makes us a reliable choice for waterproofing solutions in Sydney.
FAQs
1. How long it takes to waterproof retaining wall?
It usually takes a day or two for concrete to harden enough that you can step or drive on it. But concrete keeps drying over time, and it becomes fully strong after around four weeks.
2. What is negative waterproofing of retaining walls?
Specifier Negative-side waterproofing means applying a waterproof coating to the construction or the ‘dry’ side of a wall or a foundation. The main purpose of this coating is to prevent water from seeping through the wall and making the space wet.
3. What material is used for drainage behind the retaining wall?
The soil behind the wall is called backfill. For good drainage, the backfill should have at least 12 inches of gravel or a similar material behind the wall. The rest of the backfill can be compacted native soil.
4. What type of retaining wall lasts the longest?
Retaining walls made of wood have a lifespan of about 40 years. Retaining walls of stone and concrete can last from 50 to 100 years. Retaining walls of brick can last for more than 100 years. The longevity of retaining walls depends on factors such as the material, weather, drainage, upkeep, design, and unforeseen events.
Contact Details
Call us at +61 450 679 512
Or email us at sam@sydneychoicewaterproofing.com.au