Why Should I Use Recycled Polystyrene Sheet In My Retaining Wall?

Building a retaining wall can be a complicated business, especially if it’s in a tight spot, or its sheer size equates to several back breaking barrows of traditional draining materials. What if we told you we had a product designed to make your life easier? Better yet, one made from 100% recycled material, which is long lasting, and can be recycled again at the end of its use.

Enter EXPOL StyroDrain. Made from Expanded Polystyrene, EXPOL StyroDrain offers the best drainage and protection to the water-proofing membrane of a retaining wall. We list below our top reasons to use EXPOL StyroDrain in your retaining wall:

Drainage: The permeable nature of this product allows water to easily drain away from the retaining wall.

Protection: The solid nature of EXPOL Styrodrain creates a barrier between the soil and your waterproof block work or timber. It’s sheet form allows for zero ‘gaps’ or leak points.

Lightweight: Expanded Polystyene is lightweight making it easy to handle on the building site. It is also perfect for handling in small tight spaces with no barrow required.

Ease of install: At 90mm thick sheets of EXPOL StyroDrain can easily be cut to size with a sharp knife.

Sustainable: EXPOL StyroDrain is made from 100% recycled material and then can be recycled again at the end of its use.

Okay sounds good, so how do I use this product?

EXPOL StyroDrain polystyrene drainage board should be placed hard up against the retaining wall after the water proofing membrane or tanking has been applied. StyroDrain should be held in place while backfilling the retaining wall. EXPOL supplies a construction adhesive, StyroFix, to secure the sheets to the wall before back filling.

The sheets of StyroDrain are placed on top of 100mm perforated drain. The perforated drain is surrounded by drainage gravel and situated at the base of the retaining wall. On high-reach retaining walls, a double thickness of StyroDrain along the base of the wall may be required allow for increased compression and better drainage.

EXPOL StyroDrain should cover all waterproofing membrane and tanking areas. The sheets of StyroDrain should not be exposed at the top of the wall.

Our team are always happy to help answer any questions on EXPOL products. Take a look EXPOL StyroDrain on the website here, or give us a call on 0800 86 33 73 to talk to a product expert.