If you're dealing with cracks or broken concrete blocks, you may be wondering how much it will cost to repair them. The cost of a concrete retaining wall depends on the size of the wall and the type of concrete blocks you choose. Concrete blocks and cinder blocks are both concrete masonry units (CMU), but buyers and manufacturers use all three block names interchangeably. The aggregate material of fine-grained rock and sand for cinder blocks, and ash and coal ash for concrete blocks.
Minor repairs may present DIY options for experienced homeowners, but large cracks and anything structural require professional knowledge, skills, equipment, and techniques. Getting a quote for the cost of a concrete block or a Besser block retaining wall will give you an idea of what the market rates are currently. Divide this figure by the surface area of a concrete block to get the number of concrete blocks on the wall. Add 5 to 10% for broken blocks and blocks that need to be cut (you can always return extra blocks for a refund).
Homeowners with construction experience can build a garden wall from concrete blocks on an existing compacted concrete or gravel base. CMU block foundations can arch and bend if water in the ground around a structure builds up, resulting in costly repairs. Poured concrete and block foundations and foundations will last a lifetime, assuming they have been built correctly. All concrete blocks contain varying proportions of cement, sand, gravel and a variety of other recycled building materials, such as ash or coal ash.
And, finally, multiply this number by the cost of a concrete block for the final total of the total cost of the wall material. Inspectapedia has an excellent overview of the various types of problems and how they are solved. Dummies also offers a guide to making simple repairs yourself. The difference between an ash and a concrete block is the composition of the aggregate material; coal and ash in concrete blocks and stone or fine crushed sand in concrete blocks.
