Why is finding a good contractor for planter box waterproofing very important? Planter boxes are a great way to spruce up your outdoor space. You can grow almost anything you want inside, plus they look great on a deck, patio, or in your backyard. But did you know your outdoor planter boxes need to be waterproofed too? Like any other outdoor items, your planters should be sealed and protected to keep them looking and functioning their best.
Identifying water leakages in planter boxes
Many homes and commercial properties in Singapore install planter boxes to house their flowers, trees and shrubs. Planter boxes are generally situated on balconies, terraces, decks, and pathways. If not sealed or waterproofed correctly (or at all), it can quickly develop water leaks with the potential to cause costly water damage.
Planter box waterproofing will protect it from developing cracks that would allow water to leak onto surrounding areas and penetrate internal areas if over, or adjacent to, interior finish work. It will defend against water leaking onto balconies, decking or paved areas that would give rise to excess moisture, promote the growth of fungus and bacterial allergies, delaminated deck coatings, and produce dry rot. Your plant’s health is important to you, which means that protecting it from damage by harmful substances in the soil should be a top priority. Waterproofing will keep water inside planter boxes where plants grow more comfortably without being splattered all over the place.
Why do you need to waterproof those planter boxes?
Keeps your plants healthy
No matter what you choose to plant in your planter boxes, it needs the right amount of water to grow and flourish. If your planter has a leak, your plants may not be getting enough moisture. On the other hand, if the planter box is holding too much water, the plants could become overwatered. Waterproofing your planters helps to keep your flowers, vegetables, greenery, or whatever you choose to plant in healthy condition.
Extends the life of your planter
Because it’s exposed to the elements, your planter needs to be protected. Whether it’s from the rain or the sprinklers that water your plants, too much moisture can lead to rot and weaken the structure overall. Not to mention, a rotting planter doesn’t make the best accent piece for your yard. A waterproof liner for your planter box or an integrated waterproofing system will help you get the most out of your planter.
Maintains the surrounding area
If you’ve got planter water leakages all over the ground, the surface underneath is definitely going to suffer some damage. To make sure your grass, wooden deck, or concrete patio stays dry, be sure to patch any leaks in your planter and seal it all with a waterproofing membrane.
How to waterproof your retaining walls and planter boxes
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- Ensure the area to be waterproofed is clean and is free of any dirt, and is completely dry.
- Make sure there is enough room to work between the wall and the earth embankment.
- Fill any construction joints with a backing rod and a sealant that is compatible with the membrane (see membrane datasheet).
- Apply the first coat of membrane to the wall or planter box (in most cases, a primer is not required but check with the datasheet or TWS).
- Ensure that the membrane extends down onto the footing or slab by 150mm this will prevent the ingress of water through the wall and floor junction at a later date.
- Allow the membrane to dry, and the time will vary depending on the temperature and weather conditions. (Check the membrane datasheet for a guide on drying times).
- Apply a second coat of membrane over the area, and allow the membrane to dry before backfilling or installing a protection board and/or drainage cell system. (Builder plastic is not a form of protection for the membrane as it will not absorb impact from the backfilling process or impact from gardening tools, it will simply tear, leaving the membrane exposed and vulnerable to damage. (99% of membranes used for these types of applications are not UV stable and will break down in a short time from the application, so they need to be covered after the application of the second coat or third coat, so they are not affected by the UV light).
Schedule your next waterproof planter box in Singapore with our service. Our specialists in making your building safer. With our experience, we know the suitable waterproofing materials and how to apply them correctly. Contact us online or call us at +65 8333 7667 for a free quote.
