PETROSEAL

Application

Retaining Wall Waterproofing

Retaining wall waterproofing is typically a positive-side membrane on the soil face, protected before backfill, and coordinated with drainage layers where designed. Petroseal specifies SBS bitumen membranes for flexibility on vertical faces, with careful treatment of construction joints, weep paths, and terminations at coping or slab levels.

Recommended systems

Match site condition to a Petroseal system page.

ConditionRecommended system
External retaining wallSBS post-applied membrane
Jointed wallsWaterstop + membrane

Technical requirements

  • Continuous coverage to design height
  • Protection against backfill damage
  • Compatible detailing at base and top

Limitations

  • Membrane does not replace structural drainage where required

Application sequence

  1. Prime wall
  2. Apply membrane
  3. Install protection
  4. Backfill with care

Common failure modes

  • Punctures during backfill
  • Incomplete coverage at base

Related systems

  • SBS Waterproofing System

    SBS waterproofing systems use styrene-butadiene-styrene modified bitumen membranes for elasticity and low-temperature fl…

  • Bitumen Membrane Waterproofing System

    Bitumen membrane systems use prefabricated APP or SBS modified sheets torch-welded at laps to form a continuous waterpro…

Related products

  • PetroGrip SBS

    SBS-modified torch membrane—3mm and 4mm with plain, aluminum, or granular surfacing.

  • PVC Waterstoppers

    PVC water-stops for watertight concrete construction joints.

Related projects

Technical downloads

Technical guides

FAQ

Do retaining walls need drainage as well as membrane?
Often yes. Many designs combine membrane waterproofing with drainage composite or gravel drains. Follow the structural and geotechnical design.