Another observation: did anyone see that they used a hand tamper for base compaction? Nice.
This thread does make me finally ask: What's the difference between "batter" and "backfill"? Uh-oh, am I exposing my inadequate knowledge as a contractor?
I cant for the life of me understand why I've gotten such a hard welcome in your forum.
If it is because I chose not to heed your warnings about contacting an engineer and a professional 'retaining wall builder', I don't see how you can keep holding it against me.
It wont ever be your problem to worry about. I asked for help and it was more like trying to pull teeth out of a vipers' mouth.
I feel like I've gotten off on the wrong feet with you all simply because I didnt call in a pro.
If the wall falls you have one hilarious thread to point to.
It doesn't give you license to treat people that are asking for help like dirt though.
Anyway I just wanted to post to let you know im still lurkin around and the wall is still up. We are putting a new chain link fence along the top portion to keep the dogs from wanting to jump off the wall. And the column near the garage side should be done soon too. I'll post more pix then.
So, treat what I did as a foolish thing all you want with this wall, but theres no reason to carry it over to other threads.
You asked for advise. The experts gave you their best opinion. Instead of politely saying "Thank you" and going your own way, your ego got in the way and you not only berated them for not providing the answer you wanted, you went ahead, did what you wanted, posted pictures, and thumbed your nose at the experts.
They did NOT treat you badly. They gave you their honest opinions, based on combined experience of well over a hundred years. You disrespected the very people you came to for advise. You are a smart ass, egotistical punk. Should that wall fall, (and even though you won't post it, you can count on the fact that we'll be watching Omaha news) and should it injure or kill someone other than you, I'll personally forward this thread to the victim's family for a possible lawsuit and the police, for negligence or reckless endangerment. Since you certainly won't be able to claim ignorance. You who know better than the experts.
You asked for advise. The experts gave you their best opinion. Instead of politely saying "Thank you" and going your own way, your ego got in the way and you not only berated them for not providing the answer you wanted, you went ahead, did what you wanted, posted pictures, and thumbed your nose at the experts.
They did NOT treat you badly. They gave you their honest opinions, based on combined experience of well over a hundred years. You disrespected the very people you came to for advise. You are a smart ass, egotistical punk. Should that wall fall, (and even though you won't post it, you can count on the fact that we'll be watching Omaha news) and should it injure or kill someone other than you, I'll personally forward this thread to the victim's family for a possible lawsuit and the police, for negligence or reckless endangerment. Since you certainly won't be able to claim ignorance. You who know better than the experts.
That was a very informative post, and I can appreciate your ' very simple ' and ' frank ' reply.
I actually did feel like I was treated badly from the begining. Their 'opinions' as you so stated honestly were not ' helpful '
It was moreso; ' in my opinion ', a refusal to provide advice based on the assumption that no homeowner has the ability to build a retaining wall 'like a
professional'
Now, I can fully understand ones 'reluctance' to give out ' free ' advice, but that is what a homeowner help section is for, free advice. If you didnt want to give it out you simply didnt have to post.
I hope you read the entire thread with an unbiased opionion before you posted. As my ego and my ' beratings' came only after some postings of less than helpful ' advice '
Feel free to ' keep an eye on fallen retaining walls' .. if ours fails I'll post the pictures for all to see. I can only hope it does not kill anyone if it does fail.
Maybe I should hav stated in my original post that, This wall IS going up by a homeowner and will NOT be done professionally.
Thanks again for any help and advice I 'was' able to put to good use.
I'll post a pic every 6 months or so .. or if something drastic changes. So I can keep my word true.
So what happened to the 2 walls spaced 2-3' apart in your drawing?
What happened to the instructions in the manufacturers manual?
You may not like our advice but is the manufacturer wrong too?
Why did you not have corner blocks?
Where is the geogrid?
Did you even glue on the cap?
Looking at your photo of the wall and assuming that the garage door frame is plumb it looks as if your wall was built with a slight forward lean.
If you don't take our advice that is fine but I am looking forward to the "We told you so" in 2 or 3 years (or the next big rain storm event)
__________________
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Beer in one hand - Nacho's in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming : Woo Hoo, what a ride!
I think this thread may serve as an excellent reference in future years for DIYers, but I think the usefulness of this thread for the time being has run it's course. I think each party has had their opportunity to voice their opinion, and with that, I'm closing the thread.
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