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Gardening & Landscaping

Rendered retaining wall lining

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.22 PM

Hi, we have had some rendered retaining walls made which will also act as raised flower beds. We have had them made up last year. The only thing that has crossed my mind now, is lining the inside of the block work. I haven’t painted the render yet, however it was a job I’m going to tackle this summer. I’m worried, if I paint the render, the paint will bubble and flake due to the moisture in the soil behind the block work. Is it worth digging the soil behind the block work and possibly putting a DPC/pond liner or bitumen paint as a barrier between the soil and the inside of the wall? Also, what would be the best method of painting the render (still bare) The walls are approximately 1metre high

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2 Answers

Great Oaks Landscaping Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Preston

Hi, I would advise to dig out the soil and tank the back of the wall with a water proof paint. I would also put a dpc in as well. The moisture could go through the block and in winter the frost could blow the render. When building you could use a double skin wall with a cavity to stop this. If you have had this done by a landscaper it might be worth asking them to do it as if it blows then they will have to come back to fix it.

Answered2 May 2019

Rich Fagan & Sons

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Chester

As the wall is already built, rendered and has soil in you will need to carry out the following retrospective but inexpensive work to guarantee there are no future problems. 1. Dig out and remove sufficient soil to allow the inside face of the wall to dry out properly, preferably during a good dry spell. 2.Yes.... tank the wall with a bitumen paint working it well into the mortar joints, (2x coats to be sure), and then line with flexible pond liner lapped over the top edge of the wall and all the way to the very bottom of the wall. 3. I would personally then lay copeing stones along the top of the wall (on a continuous, wet mortar bed) to hold the flexible liner permanently in position but also to help shed rainwater, snow and frost, this copeing protects the top of the wall and to some extent the render also. 4. If it’s going to be a very wet or a heavily watered border (dependant on the type of plants, shrubs or trees that are going in) I would also consider drilling/fitting neat drain/weep holes/pipes at the very bottom of the wall. This will allow heavy downpours to escape quickly to avoid any risk of ground swell/heave which may damage the wall beyond repair. 5. Final painting (brush and/or roller)of the outside face can be carried out with a good quality, dedicated exterior render paint (2x coats minimum). This will finish the job off nicely and last the test of time and the weather. Notes.... This may initially seem a bit over the top!, but would be achievable over a good dry weekend once you have everything purchased and on site ready to go. Remember to buy the best quality materials you can afford as this will pay you back in a great finish and longevity, thus saving you money in the long run, (trust me I’ve learnt the hard way)!!! Good luck and enjoy carrying out a professional job👍🏻

Answered2 June 2019