Waterproof Membrane for Retaining Walls

Waterproof Membrane for Retaining Walls

Choose the Waterproof membrane for retaining walls correctly. Incorrect selection can affect the longevity of the retaining wall structure. Bad design will also contribute to shorter longevity. Waterproofing Planter boxes and involve waterproofing both sides of the planters walls.

Get the Expert Lowdown on Retaining Walls

From codes and regulations to retaining wall material options, there is a solution for every slope on your property

Steve Taylor Houzz Australia Contributor. Managing director of COS Design. Landscape, pool, alfresco and home designer based in Melbourne.

Having visited hundreds of Australian gardens. Steve says that sloping sites represent 60-70 per cent of our residential blocks.  The degree of slope varies depending on the natural topography of the land. And how it has been developed. Slopes can create many challenges. Design a garden with functional and usable spaces. Watch the costs they can really blow out. When managed well. Effective terracing the use of retaining walls becomes a valuable design feature of your landscape

Photo by Envision Landscape Studio – Discover garden design ideas

Retaining walls come in many different forms, all with varying cost implications, so let’s explore your options and present some great design tips to help you manage your sloping site.

C.O.S Design

Know your retaining wall

When we have a completely flat block we often add height. And interest with raised planter boxes and feature walls. So don’t be scared of retaining walls. Embrace them. You don’t always require extensive retaining walls either, as maintaining the natural slope, or a combination of the slope and more strategic use of retaining structures, can also create a great look.

Peter Glass & Associates

There are two aspects (or directions) to a retaining wall.

1. I call the first type of retaining wall a ‘negative wall’ and this is where the retaining wall faces away from the main view and it retains a higher ground level in the foreground. These walls are not really seen (as shown in this photo) and they can be a lower-cost option.

Contemporary Deck by Scott Weston Architecture Design PL

2. The second is a ‘positive wall’ and this is where the wall faces the main view or vista and retains a higher section of the garden in the background, as in this home. These walls need a higher level of investment as they are a permanent visual feature. So it is wise to spend as little money as possible on any negative walls and invest more in the positive walls.

Codes and regulations

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Second to this, any retaining wall with a build cost of more than $5,000 often requires a permit, and walls over $16,000 require builders warranty insurance. Make sure you build your wall in accordance to these regulations to ensure everything is above board.

Also, you will need to find out your soil type to determine its effect on the performance of the foundations and footings. Finally, ensure there is excellent drainage. And waterproofing behind every wall. The life expectancy and structural performance will be greatly improved.

JPR Architects

Retaining options

There are many options for dealing with tricky terrains; the type you choose to use will be based on a number of factors including your budget, the incline of your slope, local codes/regulations, accessibility compliance and desired design aesthetic.

Full article:- Expert Lowdown  for what’s  required.

Find out more about protecting your retaining walls. Protecting your retaining wall will make it last longer.

1. why you need to seal all your water retaining structures
2. How to seal leaking block retaining wall
3. How to seal a fish pond with Maxseal Flex
4. How to Use Elevate EPDM rubber Membranes