Retaining Wall Failing? Here’s the Real Fix

Byhaugheybrothers
new retaining wall installs and repairs

A failing retaining wall isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a serious safety concern that can lead to property damage, soil erosion, drainage problems, and even foundation issues if left unaddressed. Whether your wall is leaning, cracking, or bulging, the issue likely stems from deeper structural problems—not just surface wear and tear.

At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we help homeowners throughout Westfield and surrounding New Jersey communities identify the root causes of retaining wall failure and implement long-lasting solutions. If you're dealing with a problem wall, here’s what you need to know—and how we can help you fix it the right way.

Signs Your Retaining Wall Is Failing

Retaining wall issues often begin subtly and worsen over time. What starts as a small crack or slight lean can quickly escalate into a structural hazard if not addressed. Early detection is key to avoiding costly repairs and protecting your landscape investment.

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to have your retaining wall inspected by a qualified contractor:

    • Leaning or tilting forward
        • A clear indicator that the wall is losing its ability to hold back soil
        • Often caused by pressure buildup from behind or foundation failure
        • Poses safety risks near walkways, driveways, or patios
    • Cracks between blocks or in mortar joints
        • Hairline cracks can widen as pressure increases
        • Water infiltration accelerates deterioration
        • Often a sign of shifting due to poor base prep or inadequate drainage
    • Bulging or bowing in the middle
        • Indicates excessive soil or water pressure behind the wall
        • Common in walls without proper reinforcement or drainage systems
        • Often a precursor to full wall collapse
    • Water pooling behind or below the wall
        • Suggests missing or blocked drainage features
        • Leads to hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall outward
        • Can damage adjacent lawns, gardens, or hardscape features
    • Soil or mulch washing out from behind the wall
        • Erosion points to drainage issues or gaps in construction
        • Weakens the wall’s support and destabilizes surrounding landscaping
        • May lead to sinkholes or exposed roots near the base
    • Sagging or collapsed sections
        • Indicates total failure in the foundation or wall structure
        • Typically caused by base erosion, poor construction, or saturated soil
        • Requires full replacement—not a surface-level repair
    • Visible gaps or misaligned blocks
        • Suggest shifting due to poor compaction or uneven pressure
        • Allows water intrusion, further accelerating deterioration
        • Often seen in older or improperly built walls

These symptoms typically point to underlying structural problems—not just surface damage. Quick cosmetic fixes won't solve the root issues and may even make things worse by delaying necessary reconstruction.

At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we don’t just patch failing walls—we identify the cause and deliver a lasting solution tailored to your landscape's specific needs.

Why Retaining Walls Fail

Retaining walls may look simple from the outside, but they’re highly engineered structures that need to withstand the force of heavy soil, moisture, and environmental pressure. If any part of the construction is compromised—from the base to the backfill—the entire wall is at risk of failure.

Understanding the root cause of a failing wall is essential before attempting repairs or replacement. Here are the most common reasons retaining walls fail and how Haughey Brothers Landscaping addresses each one with long-lasting, professional solutions.

1. Poor Drainage Behind the Wall

Improper drainage is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. When water builds up behind a wall with no place to escape, it creates what’s known as hydrostatic pressure—a powerful force that pushes against the back of the wall and can cause bowing, cracking, or complete collapse.

Contributing factors include:

      • No weep holes to allow water to exit the structure
      • Clogged or undersized perforated drain pipes
      • Soil types like clay that retain water and increase pressure
      • Improper grading at the top of the wall, directing runoff toward it

Our fix:
We install a comprehensive drainage system behind every wall we build or repair, including:

      • Clean stone backfill to promote water flow
      • Perforated drain pipe wrapped in filter fabric
      • Weep holes or outlets placed at regular intervals
      • Proper slope and grading to channel surface runoff away from the wall

This system ensures water pressure is minimized and the structure stays intact through all seasons.

2. Inadequate Base or Footing

A retaining wall is only as strong as the foundation it sits on. Many older walls—and nearly all DIY or improperly installed ones—fail because they lack the depth, material, or compaction needed for long-term support.

Common mistakes we see:

      • Walls built directly on topsoil instead of compacted gravel
      • Shallow excavation that allows for shifting during freeze-thaw cycles
      • No mechanical compaction of the base material, leading to settling and misalignment

Our fix:
We excavate to the appropriate depth (often below frost line for structural walls) and install a well-compacted, crushed stone base that forms a stable foundation. This process significantly reduces the risk of future movement, leaning, or collapse.

3. Lack of Structural Reinforcement

Retaining walls taller than 3–4 feet require engineered reinforcement to resist the lateral pressure exerted by the soil they’re holding back. When reinforcement is missing or insufficient, walls eventually buckle or bulge outward.

Typical issues include:

      • No geogrid reinforcement embedded into the soil layers
      • Weak interlocking between wall blocks
      • No batter (intentional backward lean) to help resist soil pressure
      • Overloading behind the wall, such as heavy driveways or structures

Our fix:
We build structurally sound walls using premium materials like Techo-Bloc and Cambridge Wall Systems, paired with geogrid reinforcement and correct setback angles. Our walls are engineered to meet both functional needs and aesthetic goals—and they’re built by NCMA-certified installers who understand the science behind segmental retaining walls.

4. Using the Wrong Wall Type for the Site

Not every retaining wall material is suitable for every application. We often see walls fail because the original installer selected the wrong product for the slope, soil, or structural demands of the site.

Common mistakes include:

      • Decorative block or garden walls used where structural support is needed
      • Timber walls that rot, warp, or attract insects due to ground contact
      • Boulder walls without proper interlocking or base preparation
      • Walls built too tall without reinforcement or tiering

Our fix:
At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we start with a thorough site assessment to understand slope, soil type, moisture levels, and intended use. Then we recommend the appropriate solution—whether that’s:

      • A modular block system with engineered reinforcement
      • A natural boulder wall for a rustic aesthetic
      • A poured concrete or masonry wall for maximum strength

Each wall is designed to match the unique demands of your property and built to meet local building codes and long-term durability standards.

The Haughey Brothers Difference

When it’s time to repair or replace a failing retaining wall, you want a contractor who understands more than just aesthetics—you need someone who knows engineering, drainage, and long-term performance. That’s where we come in.

At Haughey Brothers Landscaping, we:

    • Build retaining walls using professional-grade systems like Techo-Bloc and Cambridge
    • Handle all aspects of demolition, excavation, drainage, and rebuilding
    • Offer full landscape design services to seamlessly integrate the new wall into your property
    • Create multi-functional walls that can include lighting, seating areas, or garden beds

Our team ensures every detail—from footing depth to water redirection—is handled properly, so you won’t have to revisit the same problem a few years later.

Proudly Serving Central New Jersey

We provide retaining wall repair, replacement, and installation services in Westfield, NJ and the surrounding areas, including:

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

Let’s Fix Your Retaining Wall the Right Way

Don’t wait for a small crack to turn into a bigger problem.

If your retaining wall is leaning, cracking, or showing signs of failure, contact Haughey Brothers Landscaping today. We’ll inspect the damage, identify the real cause, and provide a professional solution that lasts.

Call now or request a free estimate online. We proudly serve Union County homeowners with expert retaining wall construction, drainage improvements, and full landscape solutions tailored to your property.