Fixing Gaps and Cracks in Retaining Walls

Have you noticed cracks between the blocks or gaps forming in your retaining wall? These small issues may seem cosmetic, but they often signal deeper structural problems that can worsen over time. If left unchecked, damaged retaining walls can lead to soil erosion, drainage issues, or even total failure of the wall.

At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we specialize in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding retaining walls for homeowners in Westfield and surrounding communities. Here’s what causes these problems—and how we can fix them.

What Causes Retaining Wall Cracks and Gaps?

Cracks and gaps typically develop due to pressure from the soil behind the wall, water buildup, or poor installation practices. Understanding the source of the issue is the first step in making effective, long-lasting repairs.

Common causes include:

• • Improper drainage – Without proper drainage, water builds up behind the wall and increases pressure, pushing blocks apart or causing cracking.
  • Weak or poorly compacted base – If the foundation beneath the wall wasn’t properly prepared, the wall may shift, settle, or lean.
  • Soil movement or erosion – Expanding clay soil, freeze-thaw cycles, or heavy rains can shift the soil and displace wall components.
  • Insufficient reinforcement – Taller retaining walls often need geogrid or other support to remain stable.
  • Low-quality construction – Skipping steps during installation, such as backfilling or drainage installation, compromises the wall’s integrity.

Visible signs of failure include gaps between blocks, leaning sections, cracks in mortar joints (for concrete or brick walls), or uneven surfaces.

How We Repair Gaps and Cracks in Retaining Walls

At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we understand that not all retaining wall damage is created equal. That’s why we take a customized repair approach based on the wall’s construction type, materials, age, and the severity of the problem. Our goal is to stabilize the wall, restore its appearance, and prevent future issues—without unnecessary demolition or reconstruction when repairs are viable.

For minor settling or separation:

If individual blocks or sections of your retaining wall have shifted slightly or begun to separate, this is often due to settling of the base or erosion behind the wall. In these cases, we can correct the problem by:

• • Carefully removing the affected blocks or panels to avoid further disturbance.
  • Regrading and compacting the base material beneath the wall to fill voids, increase support, and restore proper slope.
  • Installing drainage gravel, geotextile fabric, or additional base material to improve water movement and limit future settling.
  • Rebuilding the wall section with tight, consistent spacing and ensuring that the repaired area blends in seamlessly with the rest of the structure.

This lift-and-reset method is cost-effective and ideal for localized problems in otherwise sound retaining walls.

For surface cracks in masonry or concrete walls:

Cracks in poured concrete or mortared masonry walls may not always be structural, but they can let in water—leading to bigger issues over time. Our repair approach includes:

• • Thoroughly cleaning the cracks to remove dirt, debris, or loose material.
  • Filling gaps with high-performance, flexible sealants that accommodate small movements and protect against water infiltration.
  • Assessing for signs of deeper structural stress, such as bulging or leaning, and monitoring as needed.
  • Installing weep holes or surface drainage solutions if water buildup is contributing to the pressure behind the wall.

These targeted repairs can extend the life of a concrete wall and reduce the risk of more costly problems down the road.

For recurring or widespread wall failures:

When cracks or separation are symptoms of larger structural issues, simple patchwork won’t be enough. If the base has failed, the drainage is inadequate, or the wall was not constructed properly, we’ll recommend partial or full replacement. Our process includes:

• • Removing the compromised sections of the wall and excavating the area for a clean start.
  • Installing a proper compacted gravel base, reinforced with geotextile fabric to prevent erosion or shifting.
  • Constructing a new retaining wall using engineered systems, such as Techo-Bloc or Cambridge SRW blocks, which offer proven strength and design flexibility.
  • Reinforcing with geogrid mesh, especially for taller walls or those bearing additional loads.
  • Integrating reliable drainage systems such as perforated pipe (French drains), backfill stone, and weep holes to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the wall.

Our team is NCMA-certified, meaning your wall will be constructed to industry standards for load-bearing capacity, water management, and long-term durability.

A Smart, Honest Approach to Every Project

We begin every repair with a thorough site inspection, identifying the true source of the problem before recommending a course of action. Whether it’s a simple reset or a full rebuild, you’ll get honest advice, clear pricing, and professional craftsmanship every step of the way.

If your retaining wall is showing signs of stress—cracking, separating, leaning, or sinking—don’t wait for things to get worse. Contact Haughey Brothers Landscaping for an expert evaluation and customized solution tailored to your property’s needs.

When a Full Wall Replacement Makes More Sense

Not all retaining walls are worth repairing. In some situations, the damage is too extensive—or the original construction too flawed—for patchwork fixes to be effective or safe. At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we assess the condition of each wall honestly and transparently. When repairs won’t provide lasting results, a full replacement is often the smarter investment.

A complete wall replacement may be the best solution when:

• • Large sections are visibly leaning, bowing, or pulling apart, indicating serious structural instability.
  • Cracks run across wide areas, or the wall is crumbling due to material failure or years of freeze-thaw cycles.
  • The wall lacks a proper gravel base or drainage system, allowing water pressure to build and push the wall outward.
  • You want to change the wall’s layout, height, or materials as part of a larger landscaping upgrade.

In these cases, repairing the wall would only be a temporary fix and could lead to repeat problems—or even failure—down the road.

What Our Replacement Process Includes

When replacement is the best option, we take care of every step, ensuring your new wall is built to last and enhances the overall landscape:

• • Careful removal of the existing wall and surrounding materials, minimizing damage to nearby landscaping.
  • Grading the area properly to stabilize slopes and prepare for the new structure.
  • Installing a compacted gravel base and integrated drainage system, such as perforated pipe, backfill stone, and geotextile fabric.
  • Rebuilding the wall using high-quality systems from trusted brands like Techo-Bloc or Cambridge, with reinforced geogrid layers for stability.
  • Tying the new wall into the surrounding landscape, including steps, planting beds, lighting, or other hardscaping features.

Every replacement is designed for both form and function—improving not just how your yard looks, but how it works.

We believe in building retaining walls that withstand the test of time and New Jersey’s variable weather, so you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about structural issues or erosion.

Preventing Future Wall Damage

Repairing or rebuilding a retaining wall is just the first step. To ensure your investment holds up for years to come, it’s critical to address the underlying causes of failure—most of which stem from poor drainage, unstable soil, or lack of maintenance. At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we don’t just build walls—we build systems that last.

How We Help Safeguard Your Wall Investment

Once your wall is repaired or replaced, we provide long-term solutions to keep it structurally sound and visually intact. Our preventative strategies include:

• • Annual wall inspections
    We offer seasonal or yearly checkups to identify early warning signs like small cracks, leaning sections, water pooling, or bulging. Catching these issues early allows for targeted, lower-cost interventions before they become major problems.
  • Drainage system integration
    Water is the number one threat to retaining walls. We install French drains, weep holes, or surface drainage channels to ensure water is directed away from the wall and doesn’t build up pressure behind it.
  • Landscape grading
    Our team regrades surrounding landscape areas to control surface runoff and direct rainwater away from the wall face. Proper grading also helps preserve soil structure and reduce erosion around the wall base.
  • Soil stabilization and backfill enhancement
    We use compacted gravel backfill, geotextile fabric, and in some cases, soil binders or erosion control blankets to reduce hydrostatic pressure and help retain the shape and integrity of the hillside.
  • Vegetation planning and root management
    Strategic planting or root barriers can help manage moisture while minimizing root intrusion. We'll guide you on what to plant near walls—and what to avoid.

Built to NCMA Standards

All of our retaining wall installations follow the rigorous standards set by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). This means that your wall is built with proper base preparation, geogrid reinforcement (when needed), and drainage elements that meet or exceed industry best practices.

When you work with Haughey Brothers Landscaping, you get more than a retaining wall—you get a professionally engineered solution that protects your landscape, enhances usability, and stands up to New Jersey’s challenging climate.

Proudly Serving Central New Jersey

Haughey Brothers Landscaping provides retaining wall repair and construction services in:

• • Westfield
  • Summit
  • Scotch Plains
  • Cranford
  • Springfield
  • Berkeley Heights
  • New Providence
  • Short Hills
  • Madison
  • Mountainside
  • Chatham
  • Surrounding Union County communities

Talk to a Retaining Wall Expert Today

Don’t wait for a small gap to turn into a collapsed wall.

If you’re concerned about cracks or separation in your retaining wall, contact Haughey Brothers Landscaping. We’ll provide a professional assessment, walk you through your options, and deliver a durable, attractive solution.

Call now or request a quote online to schedule your retaining wall consultation. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Central New Jersey with trusted, professional hardscaping services.