Has anyone here used this product? This past summer I built a 200′ knee wall using these, and I am really disappointed with the top surface appearance of the caps. Mostly the ‘A’ caps…..like cement slag, honeycombing(?), tool/machine marks and a checker board appearance (color match with ‘B’ caps). I have discussed this with the supplier and he will swap the poor quality ones, but I’m not sure that is the answer…I bought enough to build a 20′ sample wall last year(2002) and experienced similar results. One answer the supplier gave me is the ‘A’ caps were upside down…think not…if I flip 180, the slag and tool marks are now facing up. Flipping the ‘B’ doesn’t help either.
I am satisfied with the overall product, just not the top surface of the caps. I’ve thought of cement stain(no paint) to hide the checker board look, but I don’t want any maint’ and this wall is located on the south side with full sunlight exposure-dawn to dusk. Another option would be to use another product for the caps. The blocks are now 10″ deep(frt to rr)….I split 2″ off to get the split face on both sides of the wall.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, but I’m not looking forward to lug the 150 caps(ugh-3 tons) back, even though I am ready!!
Thanks and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all of you at BT
Replies
From my block supplier, I understand this particular product is a franchise/ license type. There is some type of patent protection, so they can not be made by every concrete block manufacturer that wants to jump into that line. There is no such protection on the smaller blocks sold at HD and Lowes, so we have about ten manufacturers of those around here.
You could be buying from a distributor or a manufacturer of the Versa-Lok. It sounds as of there are some quality control issues with the manufacturer. I did an 80'x4' wall out of them three years ago, and had no problem (other than the 65-70 lb./block weight). The few bad blocks or caps that i ran across were easily exchanged at the yard. The company I bought from was also the manufacturer. Price wise i found them to be slightly cheaper per square foot than the smaller block sold at HD and Lowes. I also liked the 4' per lift characteristic over the two foot for the smaller block.
With the quantity you have that are unacceptable, I think I would put them back on the pallets and have the supplier pick them up. I only want to handle them one time...from the palet to the final point of placement.
BTW, I turned down at least six more jobs to build similar walls while I was building that first one. That is one of those jobs I have learned to sub out. It is much easier on my back that way!
Dave
Dave
The blocks were purchased from the manufacture/distributor which is a licensed franchise. While I don't expect any return problems, the delivery was free(yeah, sure...) due to bulk purchase:600 blocks, 150 caps, etc. Can I expect them to pick them up(no charge) for return credit or exchange? I did get a slight feeling that they were trying to snowball me about being upside down. I tried both ways and not pleased with the result: 200' of checker board stands out rather unsightly! Sounds like you have some exp with these...man what a JOB-I did the whole nine yards from trenching the base for 6" of process, splitting >600< blocks!! to building it...all solo!!! At least I do have a strong back or I did, LOL. As far as the caps, I didn't glue or cut any caps yet(just dry fit) so I'm not stuck with them. I will try to see if I can hand pick replacements(can't wait too:150=6000 #s) because the eyebrow on both sides of the wall is a nice detail, but one reason I posted here is to see if there is any other product that will simulate what I have and possibly include the eyebrow.
>> I only want to handle them one time...from the palet to the final point of placement.<<
I HEAR YOU!! I won't bore you with why, but I "handled" them >3< yes THREE times...48,000 #s each time!! and all solo!!!!! Talk about a cardiovascular work out!! I was asked by a friend to build a wall for him, but I'm sure you know the answer I gave. :>)
edit: I forgot one thing...The supplier said that the smaller A caps(due to the size...??) would have a different color shade than the B caps. I don't agree at all, but maybe you or any of the concrete guys here could shed some light on this. The color I have is Slate Grate Thanks
slate grate???oops, oh well at least it rhymes... make that slate gray
Edited 12/25/2003 12:45:39 PM ET by bob
Edited 12/25/2003 1:29:24 PM ET by bob
Edited 12/25/2003 7:46:23 PM ET by bob