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Professional Concrete Block Masonry Services in Eastern Ontario

Tibben Masonry delivers professional parging services for residential projects throughout Eastern Ontario. With more than four decades of hands-on experience, we specialize in foundation parging, protective cement coatings, and decorative finishes that enhance and protect your home's foundation.

From foundation parging on new home construction to garage foundations and emergency repairs, our skilled masons provide reliable workmanship that homeowners and builders trust for projects across Brockville, Cornwall, Morrisburg, and surrounding communities. Call (613) 652-1212 or our contact form for a free estimate or emergency parging repairs.

Concrete Block Masonry Installation & Repair Services

Transform your property with professional concrete masonry unit (CMU) installation that combines structural integrity with reliable performance. Our comprehensive block masonry services include:

Residential Installation

Build on a solid foundation with expert concrete block construction for homes throughout Eastern Ontario:

  • New Home Basements: Full-depth concrete block foundations for new construction providing below-grade living or storage space
  • Garage Foundations: Detached and attached garage block foundations sized for single, double, or triple-car structures
  • Addition Foundations: Foundation extensions that integrate seamlessly with existing structures for home additions and sunrooms
  • Crawl Space Foundations: Shorter CMU walls creating accessible crawl spaces for homes without full basements
  • Retaining Walls: Engineered concrete block retaining walls for landscaping, terracing, and site grading
  • Structural Walls: Load-bearing and non-load-bearing interior walls for basement finishing and renovations

We work closely with homeowners, architects, and builders to ensure your concrete block foundation meets structural requirements while providing a stable, moisture-resistant base for your home

Commercial Installation

Tibben Masonry partners with general contractors, developers, and property managers on commercial concrete masonry installations that meet engineering specifications and demanding project timelines. Our commercial expertise includes:

  • Multi-family developments and townhome projects
  • Commercial buildings, retail centers, and office complexes
  • Office buildings and professional complexes
  • Schools and institutional facilities
  • Industrial facilities and warehouse structures
  • Parking structures and site retaining walls
  • Interior structural and partition walls with fire ratings

We understand the importance of on-time delivery for commercial construction schedules. Our experienced crews work efficiently without compromising quality, ensuring your project stays on track and on budget.

Repair & Restoration

Even the highest-quality concrete block foundations can develop problems over time due to settling, moisture infiltration, or structural stress. Our CMU repair services restore both structural integrity and long-term performance:

  • Foundation Crack Repair: Full-depth concrete block foundations for new construction providing below-grade living or storage space
  • Block Wall Restoration: Detached and attached garage block foundations sized for single, double, or triple-car structures
  • Mortar Repointing: Foundation extensions that integrate seamlessly with existing structures for home additions and sunrooms
  • Parging Repair: Shorter CMU walls creating accessible crawl spaces for homes without full basements
  • Wall Stabilization: Engineered concrete block retaining walls for landscaping, terracing, and site grading
  • Block Replacement: Load-bearing and non-load-bearing interior walls for basement finishing and renovations
  • Water Damage Remediation: Repair moisture-related damage and install proper drainage systems

We begin every repair project with a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of the problem—not just the visible symptoms. This ensures lasting repairs that prevent future issues.

Emergency Block Repair Services

When foundation emergencies strike, Tibben Masonry responds quickly to protect your property and safety. Our emergency concrete block repair services address urgent situations including:

  • Bowing or bulging foundation walls
  • Severe foundation cracks and structural failures
  • Major water infiltration and basement flooding
  • Collapsed or failing retaining walls
  • Storm damage and impact damage to block structures
  • Sudden settlement or structural movement

Don't wait when you notice warning signs like foundation cracks widening, walls tilting or bulging, water pouring into your basement, or visible displacement of block walls. These are serious safety hazards that require immediate professional attention.

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Ontario Building Code Compliance

All concrete block construction must meet Ontario Building Code requirements for structural safety and performance. Tibben Masonry ensures every CMU installation complies with current code provisions including:

  • Foundation Depth: Footings extend below frost line (minimum 4 feet, typically 5-6 feet in Eastern Ontario) to prevent frost heaving
  • Reinforcement: Vertical and horizontal steel rebar placed per engineering specifications with proper lap splices and anchoring
  • Grout & Mortar: Type S mortar for foundations meeting ASTM standards; grout fill specifications for block cores
  • Drainage: Perimeter drainage systems (weeping tile) at footing level with proper slope and connection to sump systems
  • Waterproofing: Damp-proofing or waterproofing systems appropriate for soil conditions and groundwater levels
  • Inspection Points: Coordination with municipal building inspectors at required stages including footing, reinforcement, and completion

Our Red Seal certified masons understand local building official requirements and maintain positive working relationships with inspectors across our service area.

Concrete Block vs. Poured Concrete Foundations

Both CMU block and poured concrete foundations provide reliable performance for Ontario construction. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right system for your project.

FactorConcrete Block (CMU)Poured Concrete
Installation Cost$12-18/sq ft installed$15-25/sq ft installed
Construction SpeedModerate (weather dependent)Faster (single pour)
StrengthExcellent when reinforcedSlightly higher compressive strength
Crack ResistanceGood (controlled joints)Requires proper curing/control joints
Insulation OptionsInsulated block or interior systemsICF or interior insulation
Repair AccessibilityIndividual blocks replaceableSection repair more complex
Best ApplicationsResidential, budget-conscious, phased constructionCommercial, fast schedules, curved walls

Bottom Line: For most residential foundations in Eastern Ontario, concrete block provides excellent value with proven long-term performance. Commercial projects may benefit from poured concrete's speed advantages. We help you evaluate which option suits your specific project requirements and budget.

Concrete Block Foundation Cost Factors

CMU foundation costs vary based on project scope, site conditions, and specifications. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately for your concrete block project.

Primary Cost Influences:

  • Wall Height & Area: Taller basement walls require more materials and labor than shorter crawl space foundations
  • Block Size & Type: Standard 8" blocks cost less than 10" or 12" units; decorative/architectural blocks increase material costs
  • Reinforcement Requirements: Engineering specifications for rebar placement and grout-fill affect labor and material costs
  • Site Access: Difficult access increases material delivery and labor time
  • Soil Conditions: Poor soil requires deeper footings or specialized foundation design
  • Waterproofing Systems: Basic damp-proofing versus full exterior waterproofing membranes
  • Scheduling: Winter construction may involve weather protection measures affecting costs

Typical Eastern Ontario Pricing (2025):

  • Residential Basement Foundation: $12,000-$22,000 for typical 1,000-1,500 sq ft basement (materials + labor)
  • Garage Foundation: $3,500-$7,500 depending on size (single to triple car)
  • Crawl Space Foundation: $6,000-$12,000 for standard homes
  • Commercial Foundation: Custom pricing based on engineering requirements and project scale
  • Block Retaining Walls: $35-$65 per square foot for engineered retaining structures

All pricing estimates include standard specifications. Your project may vary based on specific requirements. Contact Tibben Masonry for detailed, site-specific quotations.

Concrete Block Foundation FAQs

How long do concrete block foundations last?

Properly constructed CMU foundations with appropriate waterproofing and drainage typically last 50-100+ years with minimal maintenance. The key factors are quality installation, proper reinforcement, effective moisture management, and regular inspection for minor issues before they become major problems.

Are concrete block foundations strong enough for 2-story homes?

Yes. When engineered with proper reinforcement (steel rebar and grout-filled cores), CMU foundations easily support multi-story residential structures. Block foundations are commonly used for 2-story and even 3-story buildings throughout Ontario. Load-bearing capacity depends on block type, wall thickness, and reinforcement specifications meeting engineering requirements.

Do concrete block basements leak more than poured concrete?

Not when properly constructed. Both foundation types perform equally well with appropriate waterproofing systems and drainage. Block foundation waterproofing requires attention to mortar joints and surface preparation. Tibben Masonry applies proven waterproofing techniques specific to CMU construction, including damp-proofing coatings, exterior membranes, and proper drainage tile installation.

Can you insulate concrete block foundations?

Yes. Several effective insulation methods exist for CMU foundations including rigid foam boards applied to exterior (before backfill) or interior walls, spray foam insulation, insulated block products, and finished basement wall systems with built-in insulation. We recommend insulation strategies meeting Ontario Building Code energy efficiency requirements.

How thick should concrete block foundation walls be?

Most residential basements use 8" thick CMU blocks (actual dimension 7-5/8"). Taller walls, heavy loads, or poor soil conditions may require 10" or 12" blocks. Engineering calculations determine appropriate wall thickness based on your specific project requirements, soil bearing capacity, and building loads.

What's the difference between CMU blocks and cinder blocks?

"Cinder blocks" is an outdated term for concrete blocks originally made with cinder aggregate. Modern concrete masonry units (CMUs) use stone, sand, and gravel aggregates producing stronger, more consistent blocks. The terms are often used interchangeably, but CMU is the proper industry terminology for structural concrete blocks meeting ASTM standards.

Can concrete block foundations be repaired if damaged?

Yes. CMU foundations offer repair advantages because individual blocks can be replaced, unlike monolithic poured walls. Common repairs include crack filling, mortar repointing, partial wall rebuilding, and reinforcement additions. Tibben Masonry provides foundation repair services for cracked, bowing, or deteriorating concrete block walls throughout our service area.

How deep do concrete block foundations need to be in Ontario?

Ontario Building Code requires foundation footings extend below the frost line to prevent frost heaving. In Eastern Ontario, the frost line ranges from 4 to 6 feet depending on specific location. Most residential basements excavate 8-9 feet deep to accommodate footings below frost line plus standard 8-foot basement ceiling height.

Block foundation wall in Brockville Ontario
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