Damp Retaining Wall

Damp Retaining Walls

A Retaining Wall is a structure designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil when there is a change in ground level. As they are earth retaining, they are at a high risk to water ingress at some point during the lifetime of the building. On a Damp Retaining Wall, dampness can take the form of visible damp staining, salting plaster and deterioration of internal finishes, or in the worst cases, physical penetration of Ground Water leading to internal flooding.

A Retaining Wall may be independent of a building or structure, or it may form part of the general accommodation such as within a Lower Ground Floor, Semi-Basement, Basement or Cellar.

In simple terms, where the external ground level is higher than the internal ground level, that wall is Earth Retaining and will require adequate protection. (See Below).

  • Waterproofing Retaining Walls
    BEFORE: New Build Project with Earth Retaining Rear and Side Elevations Waterproofed as a Semi-Basement.
  • DURING: Cavity Drain Membrane Installed to Earth Retaining Elevations and Floor
    DURING: Cavity Drain Membrane Installed to Earth Retaining Elevations and Floor
  • AFTER: New Build Project with Earth Retaining Rear and Side Elevations Waterproofed as a Semi-Basement.
    AFTER: New Build Project with Earth Retaining Rear and Side Elevations Waterproofed as a Semi-Basement.
There are many types of Retaining Wall and materials used in their construction. We regularly come across Retaining Wall constructions that utilise Brick, Stone, Concrete, Sheet Pile, Contiguous Pile, Concrete Block and Insulated Block.

Retaining Wall Damp/Waterproofing Solutions

Earth Retaining (Below Ground) Walls and Non Earth Retaining (Above Ground) Walls each require a different form of protection. Earth Retaining Walls must be treated in the same way that a Basement construction would be and a “Waterproofing” scheme devised. Non Earth Retaining Walls face a different set of challenges and a “Damp Proofing” System should be employed.

In some cases however, a structure will combine both Earth Retaining and Non Earth Retaining Walls and therefore the correct identification of these is essential in creating a suitable and robust combined Damp/Waterproofing solution.

Protectahome’s specialist team has over 37 years’ experience in assessing earth retaining structures and providing expert solutions for a damp retaining wall to new and existing buildings.

For advice or to book a Survey please Contact Us on 0800 055 6966 or alternatively email us via web@protectahome.co.uk. Guaranteed Waterproofing, Damp Proofing, Dry Rot, Woodworm

Earth Retaining Wall
Earth Retaining Wall
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If you have any queries or wish to book a survey, please contact us today.

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