Retaining Wall Failures: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Retaining Walls Fail (And How to Prevent It)

Retaining walls play a critical role in transforming sloped or uneven terrain into usable outdoor space—but when they fail, the damage can be expensive, hazardous, and frustrating. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland and along the Delaware Beaches, we often see retaining walls collapse due to poor planning, drainage issues, or shortcuts taken during installation.

At Keystone Pavers, we specialize in building structurally sound, long-lasting retaining walls that enhance your landscape while preventing erosion and foundation problems. As an ICPI-certified installer, a Techo-Bloc Techo-Pro, and an Unilock Authorized Contractor, we build with precision—and fix failing walls the right way.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re dealing with a damaged retaining wall or planning to build one.

Common Causes of Retaining Wall Failure

1. Ignoring Surcharges

Surcharges are additional loads placed on a retaining wall—like a vehicle parked nearby, a pool, or even heavy snow accumulation. In neighborhoods like Grasonville, Lewes, and St. Michaels, where walls are often built near driveways or water features, overlooking surcharges is a costly mistake. A properly engineered wall should account for all potential loading above and behind the structure.

2. Poor Soil Conditions

Our region has a mix of sandy soils and clay-heavy pockets, both of which present challenges. Sandy soils shift easily, while clay soils retain moisture and expand. Without proper backfill and drainage solutions, these conditions can cause pressure buildup behind the wall, leading to cracks or bowing.

3. Inadequate Drainage & Hydrostatic Pressure

Heavy rainfall and high water tables are common in coastal and waterfront communities like Bethany Beach, Ocean View, and Easton. Without the right drainage design, water builds up behind the wall—called hydrostatic pressure—and can eventually push the wall outward or cause a collapse.

4. Lack of Geo-Grid Reinforcement

Walls over 3-4 feet tall almost always need geo-grid reinforcement—a mesh material layered into the soil behind the wall to improve strength and load distribution. We’ve repaired many walls where this crucial step was skipped by an inexperienced or unqualified contractor.

5. Failing Timber Walls

While timber walls are common in older properties throughout Upper Marlboro and Gambrills, they are prone to rot and decay—especially in wet or shaded areas. If your timber wall is leaning or crumbling, it’s likely time to replace it with a more durable option.

How to Prevent Retaining Wall Problems

Design with Surcharges in Mind

Don’t guess—engineer. Always plan for any extra loads that may sit near your wall, such as driveways, patios, pools, or heavy landscaping. Our designs are tailored to the specific needs of your property.

Understand and Improve the Soil

We assess site conditions before any work begins. Our team knows how to excavate, compact, and backfill appropriately for Delaware's sandy terrain and Maryland’s mix of soils to ensure long-term stability.

Build with Drainage in Mind

Every wall we construct includes drainage solutions—like drain tile, clear stone backfill, and weep holes—to release water pressure and protect against freeze/thaw damage in the colder months.

Use Geo-Grid Where Needed

We don’t cut corners. If your project needs geo-grid, we install it at the correct depths and spacing for optimal reinforcement.

Upgrade to Long-Lasting Materials

While wood may look nice at first, we recommend Techo-Bloc and Unilock segmental block systems for long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.

Repair or Rebuild?

Sometimes a wall can be salvaged. But if the issues are structural—like improper base preparation, erosion, or hydrostatic damage—it’s often safer and more cost-effective to rebuild with proper engineering and materials.

When we rebuild:

• • We reassess the site and design a wall that addresses all known issues.
  • We upgrade materials and install proper drainage.
  • We reinforce the structure using geo-grid or other supports.
  • We stand behind our work with a lifetime workmanship warranty (10 years).

Why Work With Keystone Pavers?

We’re not just another hardscaping company. Keystone Pavers has over 25 years of hands-on experience building outdoor spaces that last. Our retaining walls don’t just meet code—they exceed expectations.

• • Certified by ICPI, Techo-Bloc (Techo-Pro), and Unilock
  • Locally owned and family-operated by Eric and Courtney Weimer
  • 5-star reputation with homeowners across Maryland and Delaware
  • Known for excellent communication, jobsite cleanliness, and attention to detail

Schedule a Retaining Wall Consultation

If your wall is starting to lean, crack, or fall apart—or you’re planning a new installation—let’s talk. We’ll assess your property and provide a professional recommendation tailored to your site conditions and goals.

Ready to take the next step?  Call (443) 262-8046 or request a quote online today.