As contractors, we take pride in delivering Allan Block walls that are built to last — strong, clean, and reliable. But every great build deserves a little follow-through. Once the wall is up and the site is clean, your customer still needs to know how to keep their investment performing at its best. That’s where AB Tech Sheet #797 Caring for Your Retaining Walls and a simple maintenance plan come in.

A quick hand-off of materials of tech sheets like a “Maintenance Game Plan” can make a big difference. Include the areas to review for your customers for lasting results:

• Inspect every spring for settlement, erosion, or low spots.
• Keep drainage areas open and free-flowing.
• Make sure the grade slopes away from the wall.
• Pull weeds and remove debris buildup.
• Use CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) instead of salt to avoid damaging the block.

You can even add a short “What Not to Do” list - no pooling water, no clogged drains, and no neglected vegetation. A few visuals, checkboxes, or icons can make it something homeowners actually keep and use.

Why does this matter for you as a contractor? Because maintenance equals longevity, and longevity equals referrals. When that wall still looks great 10 years from now, your name is the one they’ll remember - and recommend.

So before you wrap up your next project, download AB Tech Sheet #797 Caring for Your Retaining Walls and make it part of your close-out process. It’s a simple way to show professionalism, build trust, and keep every Allan Block wall and your reputation standing strong for years to come.

Bring timeless charm to your next project with the AB Europa® Collection, where old-world beauty meets modern construction efficiency.

The AB Europa line delivers the look of weathered stone with the reliability and strength you expect from Allan Block. Mix and match units to create the signature AB Abbey Blend® pattern, adding depth and texture to any wall design.

Built for easy installation, the AB Europa uses the same tried and true installation method as the AB® Classic Collection. Whether you’re building a garden wall or a fully engineered structure, AB Europa makes your job faster and your results stand out. For an even more dynamic look, put the collections together for a wall that truly makes an impression.

If your next job calls for sophistication without sacrificing productivity, consider AB Europa. Reach out to your Allan Block representative or distributor to check availability.

Ready to elevate your next wall?

Visit allanblock.com to explore the AB Europa Collection, specs, and design tools.

When constructing a retaining wall, thorough site preparation is just as important as the block system itself. Let’s highlight a few situations that could impact the wall design.

1.) Foundation Soils & Base Conditions

First, determine exactly what type of soil lies beneath the future wall location—whether it’s sand, silt, clay or rock then during construction check whether the soil in the base trench has been properly leveled and compacted.

2.) Slopes & Toe Conditions

After construction, examine the slope at the base of the retaining wall (the “toe”). Are there signs of erosion, poor grading or standing water near that toe? These conditions can allow water or soil movement to undermine the base.

3.) Nearby Structures, Pavement & Utilities

During the design phase, look beyond the wall’s footprint to what else is nearby. Are there underground utilities that must be avoided? How close will the wall be to paved surfaces like driveways, roads or sidewalks? Will runoff from adjacent pavement impact the wall or the backfill?

If any of the conditions above are deficient, the wall is at risk. Weak or poorly compacted soils beneath the wall can lead to settlement of blocks or shifting of the wall face. A steep toe slope, poor drainage and standing water can undermine the base, cause soil movement beneath the wall and create hydrostatic pressure buildup behind or beneath the wall. When the wall is built near pavement, structures or utilities, the consequences of movement become more serious—potential damage to the wall, cracking of adjacent pavement, or conflicts with buried utilities.

One solution is to improve foundation soils and compaction. If the soil is weak or unsuitable, it should be removed and replaced with a well-graded, compacted fill that meets the design requirements for bearing and settlement. Another is to embed block deeper; per Best Practices we recommend 1inch per 1ft of typical wall height and 6 inches minimum for commercial application. When a slope below the wall conditions is in play a deeper embedded footing helps anchor the wall and reduce the risk of base undermining.

Please reach out to Allan Block with any questions you might have regarding your wall at 952-835-5309 or email us at engineering@allanblock.com.

Send us pictures of your projects from all over the world!

Have you worked on any Allan Block projects? Share your photos with us and get your work noticed!

It’s a great, easy way to grow your business and build your reputation. Plus, you might even score some AB swag! Send your project photos today and let your work shine!

Send us your project photos for an option to be featured in our materials. Share them with us via email, Dropbox or wetransfer.com to gerri@allanblock.com.