RETAINING / GARDEN WALLS

A CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) block wall is a durable wall system built with concrete blocks, often used for retaining walls, boundary walls, or structural foundations.

Can it be too hot or too cold to place concrete?

Yes, both extreme heat and cold can significantly affect the quality and durability of concrete. At M&M Concrete, we take weather conditions seriously and adjust our procedures to ensure that your concrete installation is completed correctly, regardless of the temperature. Here's how temperature can impact your concrete project:

1. High Temperatures (Hot Weather)

In hot weather conditions (typically above 85°F or 29°C), concrete can set too quickly, leading to several potential issues:

Faster Curing: Concrete may begin to cure and harden too quickly, which can result in weak concrete, reduced strength, and potential cracking.

Uneven Finishing: The surface may dry too fast before finishing work can be completed, leading to imperfections and a less smooth surface.

Crazing or Surface Cracking: Rapid evaporation can cause the surface to crack and create a condition known as crazing, which can negatively affect the look and longevity of the concrete.

How We Manage Hot Weather:

Use of Retarders: We may add chemical retarders to slow the curing process.

Cooler Materials: Using cooled water or aggregates can help manage the temperature of the concrete mix.

Frequent Watering: During the curing phase, we might apply a mist or water to keep the surface moist and prevent rapid evaporation.

Time of Day: Pouring concrete during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings, can help mitigate the effects of high temperatures.

2. Low Temperatures (Cold Weather)

When the temperature falls below 40°F (4°C), concrete curing is slowed significantly, which can lead to several issues:

Delayed Strength Gain: Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reaction that hardens the concrete, which means it may take longer to reach its full strength.

Risk of Freezing: If the concrete freezes before it has properly cured, it can cause permanent damage to the mix, leading to weakened concrete and potential cracking.

Surface Damage: Frost or ice on the surface can result in scaling or deterioration.

How We Manage Cold Weather:

Heated Materials: We may use heated water or aggregates to prevent the mix from getting too cold.

Insulation and Blankets: After pouring, we use insulating blankets or other methods to keep the concrete warm and protected from freezing.

Curing Accelerators: Special additives can be used to speed up the curing process and help the concrete gain strength more quickly in cold weather.

Post-Pour Care: We may take extra care in covering and protecting the concrete during the curing phase to ensure it doesn't freeze.

Best Temperature Range for Concrete

Ideally, concrete should be poured when the temperature is between 50°F (10°C) and 85°F (29°C). Within this range, the concrete will cure at the right rate, achieving optimal strength and durability.

At M&M Concrete, we monitor weather conditions closely and adjust our techniques to ensure that your concrete project is completed with the highest standards of quality, regardless of the season.

At M&M Concrete, we understand the importance of preserving your property during the demolition phase of any concrete project. While demolition is a necessary part of many concrete jobs, we take every precaution to minimize damage to your existing landscaping, structures, and surroundings.

Our experienced team uses professional equipment and techniques to carefully remove old concrete without causing unnecessary harm. In many cases, we can target specific areas for removal while leaving adjacent surfaces intact. We also take steps to protect your lawn, plants, and any nearby structures with barriers and protective materials.

That being said, some minor disturbance or wear may occur, especially in areas where the existing concrete is tightly integrated with landscaping or other features. We will discuss potential risks with you before starting the demolition and work with you to minimize any impact.

We take pride in our clean-up efforts and strive to leave your property as neat and damage-free as possible. If you're concerned about potential damage, we're happy to provide guidance and take extra measures to ensure the best possible outcome.

With proper installation and maintenance, CMU block walls can last 50+ years, making them one of the most durable wall options available.

Concrete work requires knowledge and skill. There are fundamental skills that the average homeowner does not have. Some basic skills that are required are using a hammer, chalk lines, and saws; however, more specialized skills include the use of straightedge, a concrete edger, a hand float and others.

Besides the use of tools, other areas of expertise include site excavation, preparing the subgrade, putting in concrete form. These areas and the work of placing and finishing concrete is very difficult work. Also, concrete is quite heavy and the timing of the finishing of the project is critical. For all of these reasons and more, most homeowners feel that it is necessary to hire a concrete contractor to do their concrete project.

Both are strong, but CMU block walls offer excellent load-bearing capacity and design flexibility. In many cases, they are reinforced with rebar and grout for added strength.

Yes, M&M Concrete is fully licensed and insured. We understand the importance of ensuring your concrete project is handled by a professional team you can trust. As a licensed concrete contractor, M&M Concrete meets all local regulatory requirements and adheres to industry standards, guaranteeing safe and reliable service. Our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both our team and your property, giving you peace of mind throughout the duration of the project. Choose M&M Concrete for your next concrete installation or repair and know that you're working with a fully licensed, insured, and trusted concrete contractor.

Yes! CMU block walls can be finished with stucco, paint, stone veneer, or textured block designs to enhance curb appeal.

The recommended time can be any time from three to seven days depending on the load that will be on it. Ask your concrete contractor for specific directions on when your driveway can be put back in service.

The price depends on wall height, length, reinforcement, and finishes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your project.

What is the permitting process like in this area?

The permitting process for concrete projects can vary depending on the type of work being done and local regulations. At M&N Concrete, we understand the importance of obtaining the proper permits and will guide you through the process to ensure that your project complies with all local building codes and regulations. Here's what you can typically expect for the permitting process:

1. Residential Concrete Permits

For residential projects such as driveways, patios, sidewalks, or foundations, a permit may be required depending on the scope of work and local zoning laws. The permitting process typically involves:

Application Submission: We’ll submit a permit application on your behalf, including plans for the proposed concrete installation.

Site Inspection: Local authorities may conduct an inspection of your property to ensure that your project meets zoning and safety requirements.

Permit Approval: Once the plans are reviewed, and any necessary changes are made, the permit will be approved, allowing us to begin the project.

2. Commercial Concrete Permits

For larger commercial projects, such as concrete slabs for buildings, foundations, or parking lots, the permitting process is usually more detailed and may require:

Engineer-Stamped Drawings: You may need to submit detailed engineering plans or drawings to local authorities, especially for large-scale foundations or structural concrete.

Multiple Inspections: During construction, there could be multiple inspections to ensure the work is compliant with safety and structural codes.

Permit Fees: Depending on the project size and scope, there may be additional permit fees, which we will help you manage and incorporate into the project budget.

3. Permit Timeline

The timeline for permit approval can vary based on the complexity of the project and the efficiency of local offices. Generally, residential permits may take anywhere from a few days to a week, while larger commercial permits could take several weeks. Our team will keep you updated on the expected timeline and help expedite the process when possible.

4. Why Permits Matter

Obtaining the necessary permits is essential for several reasons:

Code Compliance: Ensures that your project meets local safety standards and building codes.

Insurance: Proper permitting protects your investment and ensures your insurance will cover the work in case of any issues.

Future Resale: If you plan to sell your property, having the correct permits in place will prevent any complications or delays with the sale.

At M&N Concrete, we handle all the permitting paperwork for you, saving you time and ensuring that your project is in full compliance with local laws. Contact us today to learn more about the permitting process for your specific project and how we can help.

A retaining wall is specifically designed to hold back soil and requires additional reinforcement and drainage. A CMU block wall can serve as either a retaining wall or a freestanding boundary wall.