Sealing Concrete Block Retaining Wall
#1
04-26-11, 01:44 PM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fullerton, CA (Zone 9b)
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Sealing Concrete Block Retaining Wall
Hey folks,
I'm in the process of building a 24" retaining wall out of 8x8x16 concrete block and wanted to run something by the experts out there.
I've been told that because I intend to stucco the exterior face of the wall, that I first need to water seal the interior face. That makes sense to me and I plan to use Mulasticoat for that purpose. However, I'm also being told that I can't just apply the Mulasticoat directly to the concrete block and need to apply a brown coat to the interior face prior to the application of the Mulasticoat. This seems like an unnecessary step to me. Won't the Mulasticoat seal the block without that extra step? Or does the Mulasticoat need a more unified substrate in order to seal properly?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm in the process of building a 24" retaining wall out of 8x8x16 concrete block and wanted to run something by the experts out there.
I've been told that because I intend to stucco the exterior face of the wall, that I first need to water seal the interior face. That makes sense to me and I plan to use Mulasticoat for that purpose. However, I'm also being told that I can't just apply the Mulasticoat directly to the concrete block and need to apply a brown coat to the interior face prior to the application of the Mulasticoat. This seems like an unnecessary step to me. Won't the Mulasticoat seal the block without that extra step? Or does the Mulasticoat need a more unified substrate in order to seal properly?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
#2
04-26-11, 03:18 PM
Member
Most coatings are like paint and don't function well unless the surface is prepared or smooth. A brown coat will do that and be satisfactory if that is what the "waterproofer" supplier says. Paint manufactures always put requirements on the product because of the unknowns.
Obviously, a good back fill will minimize the needs for a perfect seal. Without knowing anything more than you are probably in Fullerton, and nothing about the site, that is about all it is possible to say.
Dick
Obviously, a good back fill will minimize the needs for a perfect seal. Without knowing anything more than you are probably in Fullerton, and nothing about the site, that is about all it is possible to say.
Dick
#3
04-26-11, 03:31 PM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fullerton, CA (Zone 9b)
Posts: 22
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Thanks for the input. Here's a little more info about the project.
I am in Fullerton and the soil is not particularly wet. The slope I'm retaining is about a 1:1 and I'll only be back filling to a depth of about 20". There will be surface drains about every 15' along the back side of the wall, but since it's so short, we opted not to place perforated drain lines along the bottom.
According to the manufacturer, Mulasticoat can be applied directly to concrete block and I know it's often used to seal basement walls.
What other information would be helpful?
I am in Fullerton and the soil is not particularly wet. The slope I'm retaining is about a 1:1 and I'll only be back filling to a depth of about 20". There will be surface drains about every 15' along the back side of the wall, but since it's so short, we opted not to place perforated drain lines along the bottom.
According to the manufacturer, Mulasticoat can be applied directly to concrete block and I know it's often used to seal basement walls.
What other information would be helpful?
