Soil bioengineering stabilizes mountain slopes and limits impacts on ecosystems and is increasingly used worldwide, yet its effectiveness requires better assessment through post-intervention environmental monit
Step 10: Set each post and plumb it (make sure it's perfectly vertical), then fill in around its base with about six inches of gravel. Fill up the rest of the hole with soil, shoveling in about four inches at a time and compacting each layer with a scrap of 2x4. Step 11: Cut...
Grading a backyard is a lawn leveling process that creates a mild incline. These graded lawns keep water from concentrating around the house. A graded yard will allow water to flow away from your home, where it can do the most damage. Homeowners can design a mild grade, but the best-desi...
I suggest using topsoil to smooth out your lawn. Next, you should grade your soil— or determine the slope of the ground. You don’t want a completely flat surface. A 1 or 2 percent slope is best, but make sure it’s facing away from your house or any structures. This will divert...
Finish it off by nailing it to the bottom frame. The Doors You will need a good eye or framing skills for this step. Make sure your hinges are exterior grade and your measurements are spot on. Leaks in the winter can only come from your door with this design. ...
Fix leaks and seepage. The ground should slope away from your house. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Have a heating and cooling contractor check your heating and cooling system to make sure it...
Cover the area with finely crushed rock, gravel, or decomposed granite – anything to prevent slumping and help with water flow. Generally, you’ll need around three to four inches of base material on top of the soil. Pro tips: Run a compactor over the area to ensure it’s perfectly ev...
to locate the metal stakes that mark the corners of your lot. These are often buried a few inches underground and are set 1 foot in from the actual lines. If you can't find the markers on your lot corners, walk around and find your neighbor's. It is permissible to use theirs as a...
Slope: The flatter the ground the less prep work required for building a gravel pad. The more uneven or sloped the ground, the more work needed to level a space for the pad. The greater the slope, the bigger the retaining wall to build. ...
Water is a common problem for homeowners, particularly if they have a basement. A walk-out basement adds value to a home but poses problems, particularly if the drainage around the house is poorly done. When a water leak is detected, it is always a good