Q:
When putting up a 3 tier wall with a 4″ drain tile behind it at the base, what size and type of gravel should I use for the base and what type should I use behind the wall? 1″ or 2″? Washed? Or Crush and run?

A:
For ease of construction, I would recommend using the same stone for your base material and wall rock.  As defined in the AB Spec Book:  “Material must be well-graded compactable aggregate, 0.25 in. to 1.5 in., (6 mm – 38 mm) with no more than 10% passing the #200 sieve.”  If you are going to order only one type of material on the site, I would go with the 1 inch washed.  Otherwise you could use the crush and run for the base material and the washed for the wall rock.

Read more about wall rock and construction in the AB Spec Book on allanblock.com.

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Q:
I noticed on your web site a drain tile exiting through the wall with a grate on it. How is this accomplished? Is block cut by me or is it sold that way?

A:
To accomplish the drainage through the face of the block, you will need to cut the block (unless your dealer or local producer has already spent the time to do so).  To do this, we suggest scoring the face of the block with a diamond blade, then use a chisel to break away the piece of concrete.

If you have any further questions, please contact us through the Contact Us link on allanblock.com or post a question on our blog!

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Q:
We are thinking of using an Allan Block retaining wall. We were wondering what kind of warranty is on your block?

A:
We know that standard concrete building blocks made in the 1950s using a similar process are still performing in building structures around the world. With the improvements in technology used today, we believe Allan Block units will last a lifetime.

Some of our producers do in fact carry a warranty, but few producers feel the need to do so. We are confident that a properly engineered and installed wall will last you a lifetime, especially with the support of the Allan Block Corporation and our talented producers. For more information about your local producer/distributor’s policy, visit our dealer locator and contact the Allan Block supplier nearest you.

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Q:
Where can I find the available block colors?

A:
Visit allanblock.com and click on the Where to Buy tab located on the top toolbar.

Where to Buy?

 By clicking on Where to Buy the following window will open allowing you to search for your dealer’s website.

Find a Dealer Near You

On allanblock.com you will be able to find what block collections are available from your local dealer and in what colors.

If you have any specific questions about availability or color please contact your local dealer and request more information. While each run of block varies in color slightly, our dealers have been around the block a few times and can help ensure you that your blocks will look as close to the sample colors as possible!

Start your search today by logging on the allanblock.com to find the dealer nearest to you!

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Q:
Where can I find cost estimates?

A:
First find your local Allan Block dealer by searching Where to Buy on allanblock.com, then contact your Certified Allan Block Dealer for an accurate quotation on your project.

Where to Buy

 Allan Block cost varies depending on the style of wall you choose. Our walls are competitive with timber and stack rock, while costing up to 30 percent less than walls requiring concrete footings.

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Q:
What size compactor is recommended? Weight? Force?

A:
You can usually use whatever plate compactor is available at your local rental store.  Contractors that we talk to usually favor compactors with about 5000 lb (21 kN) of force.

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Q:
Is there a way to clean discolored blocks?

 

Efflorescence

A:
There are concrete cleaning products available depending on the cause of the discoloration. Discoloration that appears as a white chalky powder is called efflorescence.

Efflorescence is a natural calcium carbonate discharge on the surface of concrete products. It is caused by the products used to create the block and it can disappear over time. Cleaning products can help to eliminate the problem, but cleaning is not crucial to the life of your block.

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