Paint costs will run about $2 to $3 per square foot additional for the total cost of the wall. Paint is another alternative to improve a wall’s appearance, but consider that concrete is a very porous material and will likely take quite a bit of material.
Expect stucco or plaster costs to run about $6 to $9 per square foot additional. Veneers such as stucco or plaster add a decorative look to an otherwise plain material, but they can also add significant labor and material cost to your project. Learn more about the cost of concrete footings. If your wall is load-bearing, then a poured concrete footing may be necessary, which can increase total costs.Īlways consult your local building codes to find the foundation requirements for your project, and if unsure, speak to a professional or hire a structural engineer. Some walls need large footings, which should be considered when estimating the cost. Typical labor costs can range from $5 to $13 per square foot for installation and equipment. Labor variances in different locales can drive the price up or down depending on your area.
Installing a concrete block wall is a labor-intensive project, and thus labor is one of the most significant factors in the price of installation.
We’ll Help You Build Your Precast Concrete FoundationĪmerican Precast Concrete provides a variety of concrete forms and components to help you with a project of any size.Several factors may affect the cost of a block wall project and should be considered when estimating the approximate price. If you apply waterproofing to the exterior of the wall, you might not even see cracking for up to a decade after its installation. A precast concrete wall, in contrast, doesn’t have those same joints, which means it’s less likely to erode as quickly. You’ll have to keep a close eye on a block foundation wall, as water, wind, and shifting soil can all weaken that support system. Reduce Your Maintenance Costs with Precast Concrete Precast concrete also uses rebar and other supporting components in its pouring process, further ensuring that the finished product stands up to pressure, environmental factors, and time-test. You can design a wall of any shape or size and trust that it will provide durable support for your foundation. On the other hand, precast walls made with concrete alternatives are far more flexible. If you want a rounded fence or one higher than normal, you’ll have to use other materials to support the blocks. There’s only so much you can do with cinder blocks as far as designing the shape of your foundation wall. Build a Better Design with Precast Concrete This quality gives these walls a greater tolerance to extreme heat and fires. The concrete alternatives used in making precast concrete walls are considerably more heat resistant than cinder blocks. A Precast Concrete Wall Offers Greater Fire Resistance The wall is poured as a single piece, limiting the amount of bonding material required in the installation and preventing water pressure from being as damaging as it can be to non-precast concrete walls.
In contrast, when pouring concrete, or concrete alternatives, into a mold during the precasting process, there’s no need to use joints and bonding materials. In constructing a block foundation wall, mortar bonds the blocks together, and though the material is durable, excessive water damage can cause it to erode. Water Pressure Won’t Damage Precast Concrete They also have increased compressive strength, which means they can stand up to the pressure that comes with supporting a structure for long periods of time. These factors contribute to a better casting process, making precast concrete walls stronger and longer lasting as a result. Additionally, the precasting process isn’t rushed, so a contractor might feel pressured to finish building quickly. When pouring concrete, or concrete alternatives, in a manufacturing facility, the environment is controlled to create the ideal conditions for curing. It’s no wonder why precast concrete walls are becoming the preferred choice in building new foundations. However, those same qualities, when considered in a block foundation wall, largely depend on the skills of the builder and the quality of their work. Cinder blocks have been traditionally used to construct foundations and basements due to their strength and durability.