Privacy Fence Solutions - We Build Cinder Block Walls For Maximum Peace Of Mind

Scottsdale, Arizona is a beautiful place to live and work, and property owners in this stunning desert oasis understand the value of keeping their landscapes looking their best.
Property owners across the city can get the help they need to improve their properties from Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions. Future clients can call to schedule a consultation or find out everything they need to know about block walls, retaining walls, gate installation, masonry restoration, and more below. ​

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The Benefits of Block Walls

Block walls are a specialized form of masonry designed to act as fences or retaining walls. They can be constructed using a variety of materials, though concrete masonry units (CMUs) are the most popular option among today's property owners. 
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It used to be the case that only commercial property owners and very wealthy homeowners could afford to install block wall fencing. The development of CMUs and the recent increase in consumer interest has changed all that. Now, homeowners can also work with a block wall contractor without breaking their budgets. ​

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Increased Curb Appeal 
Installing a masonry wall around the edge of a property or using a retaining wall to terrace the landscape is a great way to increase curb appeal. When homeowners work with an experienced block wall builder, they can expect their new fences or retaining walls to look polished and amazing. 

Tons of Options 
CMUs aren't like normal concrete. They don't look drab and boring. Instead, they can be manufactured to reflect property owners' unique color, size, facing design, and texture preferences. There are also multiple ways to construct a decorative block fence. These combined factors make it easy for contractors to design and create walls that form a perfect complement to any landscape. 

Incredible Durability 
Even a well-constructed wood, vinyl, or metal fence can't compare with a CMU wall when it comes to durability and weather-resistance. Like all fencing and retaining wall materials, block walls will need occasional, typically minimal, maintenance, and periodic repairs. As long as property owners take care of their masonry fences, they will last a lifetime. 

Ease of Maintenance and Repairs 
Thankfully, keeping a concrete block wall looking its best takes very little effort. They can be cleaned using techniques as diverse as the application of mild dish soap and water to remove dirt and debris to pressure washing to take care of serious stains. Should any of the blocks or mortar begin to show signs of wear, they can be sealed, filled, or replaced by a masonry contractor for an affordable cost. 

Diverse Applications 
Block walls are versatile enough to meet diverse needs. They're strong enough to be used as retaining walls to hold back soil, yet beautiful enough to create a visually stunning privacy fence that also keeps out intruders. A well designed concrete wall will also reduce sound transmission, creating a perfect, calm outdoor oasis even on the busiest city streets. ​

Pest, Water, and Fire Resistance 
Masonry fencing is made from stone and aggregate materials. As a result of its composition, this fencing type is naturally resistant to pests, fire, and moisture damage. While the neighbors are dealing with termite infestations, mold, and fire codes, property owners who opt for block fencing can just sit back and relax. 

Ecological Friendliness 
Block walls are a more ecologically friendly option than wood, metal, or vinyl in that they don't deplete natural resources or create outrageous amounts of pollution during manufacturing. Plus, should a future property owner opt for block wall demolition, the materials can be recycled easily, keeping more building materials out of the landfill. 

Long-Term Savings 
Let's not beat around the bush: CMU walls are more expensive to install than most other types of fences. However, they also offer a better long-term value. While wood, metal, and vinyl all require frequent maintenance, repairs, and replacements, a CMU fence will last a lifetime with minimal additional costs. ​​

Factors That Influence Block Wall Installation Costs

One of most clients' first questions how much it will cost to install a concrete wall. It's very difficult to estimate block wall cost without first evaluating the site and discussing the specifics with the property owner.  ​

The average cost to install a CMU wall is $12 to $16 per square foot, but there are plenty of projects that fall on either side of this estimate. To get an idea of whether a project will be on the high end or the low end of the spectrum, consider the following factors: 

The Block Wall Application 
There's often a large difference between block fence cost and the expenses associated with installing retaining walls. To install retaining walls, contractors must first excavate the surrounding area and create terraces. They must also take engineering considerations into account to ensure that the wall will be able to hold the force of the dirt. It typically costs more to install retaining walls than CMU fences. 

The Scope of the Project 
Whether they're looking to install a cinder block fence or a wall for a garden bed, homeowners should consider the size of the wall. Longer, thicker, and taller walls require more materials and take longer to install. They tend to cost more as a result. 

Project Complexity 
The average block wall fence isn't just a straight wall with uniform bonds. Most fences follow contours, take corners, and have gates for entry and exit. Decorative fences often feature more complex bonds, as well. Combine the higher labor costs of more complex bonds with the added gate installation cost, and it's clear that a more complicated project will be more expensive. 

Site Conditions 
A good block wall builder will be able to construct a wall or fence on just about any terrain. That said, some sites require more preparation than others. If the contractor must excavate significant amounts of the native soil to ensure stability or level a huge amount of land, it will increase the overall cost of the project. 

​The Current Market for Materials ​
​Most block wall contractors have industry connections that allow them to purchase materials at-cost. They can then pass some of those savings on to clients so that everybody wins. Sometimes, though, market conditions change and the price for materials goes up.  

The same may be said of hiring skilled laborers to install the fence. The market will always play a role in dictating material and labor costs. ​​​

Block Wall Repair and Maintenance

CMUs are far more durable than traditional fencing and wall materials. If property owners entrust their projects to skilled contractors that use only high-quality concrete, aggregates, and other materials, they can expect their walls to last a lifetime. That said, even a professionally installed CMU fence won't last forever without the need for occasional maintenance and repairs. ​

Common Causes of Premature Wear 
Most instances of premature wear occur as a result of improper installation or site preparation. If property owners don't provide adequate maintenance, that can also contribute to a reduced useful lifespan for the wall. ​

​There are some things homeowners can do to ensure the longevity of their walls themselves. They can provide ordinary maintenance, but should always leave repairs to professional block fence repair contractors. Here are a few things clients can do for themselves to prevent premature wear: 

• Control or remove nearby vegetation. 
• Ensure that any nearby drainage channels are clear. 
• Remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the wall's surface. 
• Keep the mortar clean using specialized cleaning products. 
• Perform periodic inspections to look for signs of wear and damage. 

• Schedule annual preventative maintenance visits with a masonry repair expert. 

When to Call a Repair Contractor 
If homeowners notice any signs of wear during the course of the year, they should take action immediately. Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions can send out a masonry repair expert to evaluate the extent of the damage and present cost-efficient solutions. Fill out an online contact form or call to speak with a representative. ​

Homeowners may not be able to spot every potential warning sign. That's why it's important to schedule periodic professional inspections. They can, however, take note of these common issues and call brick wall repair contractors as soon as they appear:

Cracked Blocks 
Small cracks occur naturally over time, even following an expert block wall installation. There's no need to call for immediate repairs to address one small horizontal crack. However, angled cracks pose a larger threat. If the crack's angle is over 30o, it should be filled as soon as possible. ​

Bowed Blocks 
Bowing is more common with traditional bricks than CMU blocks. It occurs when the bricks or blocks become compacted or start to crumble, altering their original shapes. Ignoring bowing walls can lead to complete masonry failures, so don't put off calling for block wall repair. 

Deteriorating Mortar 
The mortar joints between blocks tend to fail more quickly than the blocks, themselves. Most masonry walls require mortar repair at least once every 20 years. Contractors can use traditional forms of masonry restoration like tuckpointing to remove the damaged mortar and replace it before structural damage can occur. Scheduling periodic masonry restoration as a form of preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid more substantial concrete wall repair costs. 

Separating Joints 
When homeowners perform their routine wall inspections, they should pay careful attention to the corner joints. Even when contractors use advanced bonding techniques to shore up wall joints, weather and time will take their toll. If the walls appear to be separating, call for block fence repair immediately to prevent further damage.  

Repairs vs. Replacements 
Just bought a property with an aging, poorly-maintained block wall? It may actually be more cost-effective to replace it than to make substantial repairs. The best way to figure out whether it makes more sense to repair or replace a wall is to schedule a full inspection with a block wall contractor. 

During the inspection, the contractor will evaluate the extent of damage and try to figure out what caused it. If the damage is the result of improper installation, poor-quality materials, or inadequate site preparation, it can cost a lot to have the wall repaired. It may make more sense to schedule block wall demolition and have Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions build a new wall from scratch. 

If the damage is primarily a result of wear and lack of maintenance, masonry restoration may be a better bet. Restoration differs from repairs primarily in terms of project complexity. Repairing an older wall sometimes results in mismatched blocks or inconsistent weathering. A full restoration will address these concerns, leaving the entire wall looking its best. 

Block Wall Additions

Already have a CMU privacy fence or a series of masonry retaining walls and want to have them extended? A skilled masonry contractor can do that, too. The most important aspect of extending a concrete wall is matching the existing wall's style. Contractors may have to order specialty CMUs or employ advanced techniques to ensure that the new wall section matches the texture, size, color, and style of the existing blocks. 
 
Property owners can also have gates installed in existing walls. A masonry gate contractor can outline the best available options and help homeowners choose what gate still will best complement the rest of the landscape. 

Types of CMUs 
Choosing the right blocks to extend a wall takes more expertise than some homeowners might assume. There are a lot of different kinds of pre-manufactured CMUs, each of which has a different appearance and set of uses. Here are a few of the most common types of CMUs used in walls and fences: 

• Stretchers, also known as runners 
• Scored stretchers and runners, which look like brick 
• L-corner units to replace traditional brick masonry quoin corners 
• Bullnose stretcher units for rounded corners 

• Spit-flute stretchers and L-corner units with fluted edges 
• Split-wide stretchers and L-corner units with decorative patterns 
• Keystone blocks for constructing arches 

 
If contractors are unable to source the same types of CMUs, it can create an uneven appearance. Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions has access to an extensive range of CMU distributors and can usually find all the units required to ensure that the new addition maintains the same visual characteristics as the original wall. ​

Block Wall FAQs

Property owners who have questions that pertain to their specific situations should contact their contractors. It's always best to get as much information as possible before signing on the dotted line. Since block fences and retaining walls are designed to last a lifetime, property owners should know exactly what they'll get for their investment. That said, they can also find answers to some of other clients' most frequently asked questions below. ​

Do Block Walls Require Building Permits? 
Scottsdale residents and business owners don't need permits for walls that are less than three feet in height. However, they will need to request a site plan approval for the wall to make sure that it complies with local zoning and stormwater ordinances. Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions can help clients deal with these bureaucratic matters. 

What Are the Differences Between Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Block Walls? 
The primary difference between residential and commercial projects is scale. Commercial and industrial properties tend to be larger. Often, these property owners also require taller fencing that provides extra security. The construction processes are the same, but some industrial clients also opt to work with less decorative CMUs to keep costs down. 

Can Property Owners Install Their Own Block Walls? 
There are plenty of landscaping projects that can be tackled by property owners or independent contractors. Block wall installations and repairs don't belong on the list. Installing or repairing retaining walls and block fences requires a lot of specialized training, tools, and experience. Even seemingly minor mistakes can lead to premature wall failures, so it's not worth risking a DIY installation. 

Are CMUs the Same Thing as Bricks? 
Traditional bricks are made from burnt clay, while CMUs are made from mixed concrete. Most masonry contractors can repair both bricks and CMUs, but it makes more sense to install a CMU fence than a brick wall. The units are longer-lasting, better able to withstand the elements, and offer far more design choices than traditional bricks. In most cases, they're also more cost-efficient.

Can Block Fences Have Gardens Beside Them? 
​Annual flowers and small shrubs with shallow root structures look beautiful in front of block fences. There are, however, a few types of plants that should not be cultivated in these areas. Avoid planting trees, large shrubs, and perennials with spreading root systems in nearby garden beds. It's also best to keep vines off the wall since they can trap moisture and lead to premature mortar deterioration.

Request a Quote Today!

Property owners who have made it this far are already on track to having a fashionable and functional block wall. All they have to do now is contact Scottsdale Block Wall Solutions to request a quote for a new installation or schedule an inspection preceding repairs. Browse the website to learn more about the company or get in touch today. 

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