Concrete Block (CMU) Walls
in Coral Gables
Footings, Reinforcement, and Finishes
Clean, straight block walls start with solid footings and precise layout. We build concrete block (CMU) walls in Coral Gables for privacy, partitions, retaining edges, and small commercial projects. From rebar placement to grout schedules and waterproofing, our process delivers plumb, level courses that last in South Florida weather.
What You Get With Our Block Work
- Engineered footing & layout — string lines snapped for straight courses; footing width/depth per plan and soil.
- Reinforcement — vertical bars doweled into footings and horizontal steel in bond beams; grout-lift schedule followed.
- Moisture control — damp-proofing, weeps, and cap details to shed water.
- Alignment & finish — tight joints, clean tooling, and level top courses ready for caps or stucco.
- Openings & embeds — lintels for gates/windows, sleeves/embeds set for future utilities or fencing.
Our Step-By-Step Process
- Measure & excavation — confirm property lines/offsets; excavate continuous footings to depth.
- Form, steel & inspection — set forms, place rebar per plan, schedule footing inspection when required.
- Pour footings — place concrete, set dowels for vertical bars, verify heights.
- First course & stack — lay first course dead level; stack CMU to lift height, installing vertical/horizontal steel.
- Grout — pump or pour grout per lift schedule; vibrate/rod cells for consolidation.
- Lintels & bond beams — form and grout over openings; install tie beams as specified.
- Cap & finishes — set cap block or precast caps; apply stucco/paint or leave clean block by design.
- Site cleanup — mortar haze removed; work area left tidy.
Typical Projects
& Design Ideas
- Privacy walls with stucco finish and precast caps
- Garden/partition walls tying a new patio to landscaping
- Screen-enclosure knee walls with reinforced pilasters
- Retaining edges for small grade changes (with drain tile & weeps)
- Equipment enclosures (pool gear, generators) with gated openings
Specs That Matter
(and Why)
- Footings: width/depth per engineering; continuous reinforcement for load transfer.
- Rebar: vertical bars at spacing (often 32"–48"); horizontals at bond courses and top beam.
- Grout: hi-flow grout to specified strength; consolidated in lifts for full cell fill.
- Control/expansion joints: placed per length and openings to manage movement.
- Moisture: damp-proof/waterproof coatings, weep holes, and top caps to prevent saturation.
- Finishes: stucco, paint, or stone veneer; fence post embeds or gate hardware installed to plan.
Curing and Next-Step Timeline
- Light attachments (caps/trim): 24–48 hours
- Stucco/paint: typically 3–7 days depending on product and weather
- Gate or fence install: after grout reaches required strength (often 7–14 days)
Repair vs. Rebuild?
Cracked or leaning CMU often indicates footing or reinforcement issues. Spot tuck-pointing helps cosmetics, but
rebuilding on a proper footing is the long-term fix. We’ll evaluate foundation movement, drainage, and rebar before recommending the scope.
Permits, Surveys
& Clean Sites
We assist with Coral Gables permits, surveys/HOA requirements, and inspections. Job areas are taped off, debris is hauled daily, and sidewalks/driveways are washed at the end.
Need a straight, sturdy CMU wall? Contact us today or request your free on-site estimate!
FAQs
Do you handle property line walls?
- Yes. Provide a survey; we build inside your line and coordinate with neighbors as needed.
Can you match my house stucco?
- We can finish block with stucco texture to blend with the home or use a smooth parge for paint.
Do you build retaining walls?
- For modest grade changes, yes, with drainage and weeps. Larger retaining walls may require engineered design.
Can you set steel posts in the wall for a fence or gate?
- Absolutely! Embeds are set during block work and grouted solid.