2009 Allan Block Classes
Have questions or need advice? We can help!
White Block Company will be conducting Allan Block Contractor Certification Classes during the Winter Season.
In Spokane - White Block Company - Friday February 13th, 2009 8:00AM to 4:30PM
In Missoula MT - Anderson's Masonry Hearth & Home - Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:00AM to 4:30PM
In Kalispell MT - Anderson's Masonry Hearth & Home - Thursday March 12th, 2009 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Registration for classes has begun and will continue until classes are full.
For a flyer with the Spokane Class Registration Information,
click here.
If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please contact Derek Jones with White Block Company.
There is a fee for the class. Contact Derek Jones or Anderson's Masonry for pricing information.
This class is open to anyone wanting to learn proper construction techniques of an Allan Block Retaining Wall.
Class sizes are limited to the first 25 people registered.
New Color In Allan Block Product Line
We now offer 3 colors in the Allan Block Ashlar and the AB Courtyard Collections.
The Shadow Blend and Red Rock Blend have proven to be very appealing colors, but we have had requests for another blended color. A product that has more earth tones to it.
Introducing the new Walnut Blend color.
Allan Block Classic Walnut Blend
It is now available in the AB Classic 6 degree, AB Junior, AB Full Cap as well as the AB Courtyard Collection.
Please come by to see the sample wall in our display area.
Efflorescence
The white film, known as Efflorescence, is normal for many masonry products. It sometimes appears on the surface of brick, block or pavers.
It usually is not permanent and will disappear over time. You can normally brush off the powdery substance using a stiff nylon bristle brush.
Efflorescence is a natural occurrence from the cement hydration process.
Calcium oxide from the cement reacts with water inside the block and forms calcium hydroxide. When the Sun warms up the block, it draws the moisture to the surface bringing the calcium hydroxide to the surface, which reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, a whitish powdery residue.
When moisture on the surface evaporates, it becomes visible. It can usually be washed off or will wear off over time.
Not all white residue is efflorescence. Sometimes you may have a hard, crusty spot or streaking on the block.
This is Lime Run.
Lime streaks occur primarily during new construction when grouted CMU are exposed to inclement weather cycles.
This weather pattern dissolves the free lime in the mortar. As the CMU wall dries, the free lime then migrates to the surface of the CMU block and forms crystalline lime run.
It is more difficult to remove than efflorescence.
Another issue is Hard Water Deposits.
Typically caused by incorrectly adjusted sprinkler heads, hard water deposits are a result of the minerals in the water being left on the surface of the block once it has dried out.
We do have products available that aid in the removal of efflorescence, lime run and hard water deposits.
Please call us for more information on these cleaners.