If you live in Portland, you know one thing will never change, the rain. The rain doesn’t just stop by for a visit, it moves in and stays for months. And while we love our lush greenery, all that water can be brutal on retaining walls.
Retaining walls aren’t just there to look pretty or hold back soil. They defend your landscaping, keeping dirt where it belongs and preventing erosion from turning your yard into a miniature landslide. But without proper waterproofing? That wall could start leaning, cracking, or letting water seep through like a bad coffee filter.
Let’s talk about why waterproofing retaining walls in Portland is more than just a good idea.
Why Retaining Walls Need Waterproofing
Portland’s climate is a unique combo of heavy seasonal rainfall + clay-heavy soil that doesn’t drain well. This means water hangs out behind your wall, putting pressure on it day after day. Over time, this can lead to:
- Cracks and leaks that let water sneak through.
- Bulging or leaning walls from hydrostatic pressure.
- Soil erosion that messes with your landscaping.
Without waterproofing, even the best built wall will eventually wave the white flag.
How Waterproofing Works
Waterproofing a retaining wall isn’t just about slapping on a coat of paint and calling it a day. It’s a system:
- Drainage Solutions – Adding weep holes or a perforated pipe behind the wall to let water escape.
- Waterproof Membrane – A protective layer that stops water from seeping into the wall’s materials.
- Proper Backfill – Using gravel or crushed rock so water drains away instead of pooling.
Think of it like a raincoat, rain boots, and an umbrella for your retaining wall. You need all three for it to stay dry and strong.
The Portland Advantage
Here’s the thing, waterproofing here isn’t optional. It’s preventive medicine. In drier climates, people might skip it and get away with it for a while. In Portland? That’s like going hiking in Forest Park in January without a rain jacket. You might make it, but you probably won’t enjoy the outcome.
If your wall is showing signs of wear, or you’re building a new one, take the time to waterproof it properly. A little investment now will save you from major repairs later and keep your landscaping looking sharp year round.
When it comes to waterproofing retaining walls in Portland, think of it as giving your wall the superpower to survive the Pacific Northwest weather. Rain or shine, your wall will be ready.