Cementitious Retaining Wall System
A mineral-based membrane pathway for suitable concrete and masonry retaining walls. Final product selection depends on substrate condition, water exposure, movement, curing and protection requirements.
When is a cementitious system suitable?
Use these checks to determine whether this pathway suits the wall, substrate and site conditions.
Typical applications
Commonly used on suitable concrete and masonry retaining walls where the waterproofing can be applied to the positive side.
Key site conditions
Best suited where the substrate is sound and the system can be installed, protected and drained before backfilling.
Confirm before choosing
Check substrate condition, water exposure, movement risk and manufacturer requirements before selecting the final system.
Build the system in sequence
The membrane is one part of the retaining-wall assembly. Preparation, junction detailing, curing, protection and drainage must be considered in construction order.
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Assess, prepare and repair the substrate
Clean and prepare the substrate, remove loose or incompatible material, and patch defects where required before waterproofing.
Technical note: Active water entry, negative-side pressure, cracking and movement require assessment before products are selected. -
Form cove fillets and reinforce junctions
Form cove fillets at wall-to-footing and wall-to-floor junctions to soften sharp changes of plane, then reinforce with a compatible bandage or detailing fabric.
Technical note: Do not assume one repair mortar, fillet size or bond-breaker detail is suitable for every substrate and membrane. -
Prime or precondition where required
Prepare the substrate to suit the selected membrane, including dampening or priming where required by the manufacturer.
Technical note: The preparation method must be confirmed for the exact membrane rather than applied as a generic cementitious rule. -
Apply the selected cementitious membrane
Apply the selected cementitious membrane at the required coverage and number of coats, including reinforcement where specified.
Technical note: Positive-side and negative-side pressure suitability must be confirmed from current manufacturer information. -
Protect, drain and prepare for backfilling
Allow the membrane to cure, then install the required protection and drainage layers, secure them as needed, and backfill carefully without damaging the waterproofing system.
Technical note: Protection, drainage and fixing methods must not puncture or compromise the completed membrane.
Need help confirming the cementitious pathway?
Tell H2O Supplies about the substrate, water exposure, wall access, drainage and proposed backfill. We can help narrow the appropriate product pathway and application sequence.
Formal waterproofing specifications, engineering certification and site-specific design remain separate services.