Tag Archives: Essential

How to Build a Retaining Wall with Railroad Ties Retaining walls are essential landscape features that prevent soil erosion, create usable flat spaces on sloped terrain, and add visual structure to a yard

December 01, 2025   Shane

While materials like concrete blocks and natural stone are popular, railroad ties offer a rustic, durable, and often more affordable alternative. Their substantial size allows for quicker construction of taller walls. However, building with railroad ties requires careful planning and execution due to their weight and potential environmental considerations.

Important Preliminary Note: Modern railroad ties are often treated with chemical preservatives like creosote, which can be toxic. For any project near gardens or areas frequented by children and pets, it is highly recommended to seek out “new, non-treated” landscape timbers or recycled composite timbers designed to mimic the look of railroad ties. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and a dust mask when handling old railroad ties.

Planning & Safety

  • 1. Check Local Regulations::

    • Before you begin, contact your local building department. Many municipalities have codes governing retaining walls over a certain height (often 3-4 feet), which may require a permit or professional engineering.

  • 2. Call Before You Dig::

    • In the U.S. and Canada, always call 811 or your local utility locating service at least a few days before digging. They will mark the location of underground lines for free.

  • 3. Design Your Wall::

    • Determine the wall’s length, height, and layout. A wall taller than 3-4 feet requires advanced techniques and professional consultation. For stability, the wall should lean slightly back into the hill (a “batter” of about 1 inch for every foot of height).

    Materials & Tools
    Materials:
    * Railroad ties or suitable landscape timbers
    * Drainage gravel (¾-inch crushed stone)
    * Landscape fabric (non-woven geotextile)
    * Deadmen anchors (for walls over 3 feet): extra railroad ties cut to 4-5 ft lengths
    * Rebar pins (12-18 inch lengths, ½-inch diameter)
    * Galvanized spikes (12-inch landscape spikes) or large lag bolts

    Tools:
    * Shovel, spade, and digging bar
    * Tape measure, level, and string line
    * Circular saw or chainsaw (with a sharp blade for treated wood)
    * Sledgehammer
    * Drill with a long wood bit (for pre-drilling spike holes)
    * Plate compactor or hand tamper
    * Wheelbarrow

    Step-by-Step Construction Guide

    Step 1:

    Excavate the Trench
    Mark the front line of your wall with string and stakes. Dig a level trench along this line. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the full width of your tie and deep enough to bury the first course (layer) by at least one-third of its height. For a standard 7-inch tall tie, dig a trench about 4-6 inches deep. The trench base must be perfectly level and compacted.

    Step 2:

    Establish Drainage and Foundation
    Line the back of the trench (the side against the hill) with landscape fabric, allowing excess to drape up the excavated slope. Fill the trench with 2-3 inches of drainage gravel and compact it thoroughly. This gravel bed is critical for preventing water from pooling under the ties, which causes rot and heaving.

    Step 3:

    Lay the First Course
    Place your first railroad tie in the trench on the gravel bed. Check for level from front to back and side to side. Use gravel to shim and adjust until it is perfectly level. This course sets the stage for the entire wall, so take your time.

    Step 4:

    Secure the Ties and Build Up
    * Drill and Spike: For each subsequent tier, stagger the vertical joints like bricks for strength. Pre-drill holes at an angle through the new tie and into the one below. Drive 12-inch galvanized spikes through the holes to pin the ties together. Use at least two spikes per tie, positioned about one foot from each end.
    * Anchor with Rebar: For additional lateral stability, drive 12-18 inch rebar pins vertically through pre-drilled holes in the ties and into the ground below. Space these pins every 3-4 feet along the wall.
    * Install Deadmen (For Walls Over 3 Feet): Every 6-8 feet along the wall, install a “deadman”—a tie that extends perpendicularly back into the hillside. Bury it in a trench and spike it securely to the face ties. This acts as an anchor, tying the wall into the stable soil behind it.

    Step 5:

    Install Backfill and Drainage
    As you build each course, immediately backfill behind the wall with drainage gravel. Do not use native soil. The gravel layer should be at least 6-12 inches thick directly behind the wall. Wrap the landscape fabric over the gravel to prevent soil from clogging the drainage zone. Continue this process—lay a course, backfill with gravel, compact—until you reach the final height.

    Step 6:

    Cap the Wall (Optional)
    A final “cap” tie can be spiked horizontally along the top of the wall for a finished look. You can use a full tie or cut one lengthwise for a smaller cap.

    Step 7:

    Final Grading
    Once the wall is complete, backfill the remaining area behind the gravel drainage zone with native soil. Slope the final grade slightly away from the top of the wall to direct surface water runoff away from the structure.

    Long-Term Maintenance
    * Inspect Annually: Check for signs of bulging, leaning, or rot.
    * Ensure Proper Drainage: Keep weep holes (if installed) or the gravel base clear of debris.
    * Address Vegetation: Prevent tree and large shrub roots from growing into the wall structure.

    Conclusion
    Building a retaining wall with railroad ties is a demanding but rewarding DIY project that can transform a sloped, unusable area into a beautiful and functional landscape feature. By prioritizing a solid, level foundation, robust internal drainage, and secure mechanical fastening, you can construct a wall that is both strong and enduring. Always prioritize safety, don’t hesitate to seek help with heavy lifting, and consider professional advice for taller or complex walls. With careful work, your railroad tie retaining wall will serve your property for decades.

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    Professional Chimney Sweep Cost: What to Expect Keeping your chimney clean and well-maintained is essential for safety, efficiency, and preventing costly repairs

    June 14, 2025   Michelle

    Hiring a professional chimney sweep ensures proper cleaning and inspection, but how much should you expect to pay? This article breaks down the factors that influence chimney sweep costs and provides a realistic price range for homeowners.

    Average Cost of a Professional Chimney Sweep

    The cost of a chimney sweep typically ranges from 0 to 0, with the national average around 0 to 0. However, pricing can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Type of Chimney:

    • (masonry, metal, or prefabricated)

  • Level of Creosote Buildup:

    • (light, moderate, or heavy)

  • Additional Services:

    • (inspections, repairs, or animal removal)

  • Location:

    • (urban areas may have higher labor costs)

    Factors Affecting Chimney Sweep Pricing

    1. Type of Chimney

  • Masonry Chimneys:

    • (0–0): Require more labor due to brick-and-mortar construction.

  • Metal or Prefabricated Chimneys:

    • (0–0): Easier to clean, often costing less.

    2. Extent of Cleaning Needed

  • Light Cleaning:

    • (0–0): Minimal creosote buildup.

  • Moderate to Heavy Cleaning:

    • (0–0): Thick creosote layers may require specialized tools.

    3. Additional Services

  • Chimney Inspection:

    • (–0): Often recommended alongside cleaning.

  • Chimney Repairs:

    • (0–,000+): Cracked liners, damaged flues, or masonry issues.

  • Animal or Nest Removal:

    • (0–0): Birds, squirrels, or raccoons may need extraction.

    4. Geographic Location

    – Prices may be higher in cities with a higher cost of living.

    When Should You Schedule a Chimney Sweep?

    The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections and cleanings, especially if you:
    – Use your fireplace or wood stove frequently.
    – Notice smoke backing up into your home.
    – Detect a strong, unpleasant odor from the chimney.
    – See visible creosote buildup (a shiny, tar-like substance).

    How to Choose a Reliable Chimney Sweep

  • 1. Check Certifications:

    • – Look for CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification.

  • 2. Read Reviews:

    • – Verify customer feedback on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.

  • 3. Get Multiple Quotes:

    • – Compare pricing and services from at least three professionals.

  • 4. Ask About Insurance:

    • – Ensure the company carries liability coverage.

    Conclusion

    Investing in professional chimney sweeping is a small price to pay for safety and efficiency. While costs vary, budgeting 0–0 for a standard cleaning is reasonable. Regular maintenance prevents fire hazards and extends the lifespan of your chimney, saving you money in the long run.

    For the best results, hire a certified chimney sweep and schedule annual inspections to keep your home safe and warm.

    —
    Would you like any modifications or additional details included?

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    7 Essential Active Ingredients For A Thriving Personal Computer Repair Business

    June 01, 2020   Matt

    7 Essential Ingredients For A Growing Computer Repair Service

    Everyone intends to function from home nowadays. That wants to commute to an office as well as rest in a work area when you can be equally as efficient in your own home using what you such as without having any individual examining your shoulder?

    Whether it stays in business for yourself or over a broadband link to the office– job at house is hot– which’s a great deal of work to be had for you as an IT entrepreneur.

    Yet prior to selecting a logo for your Superfixit5000 van it’s essential to come down to some basics as well as proper preparation (the logo design bit does come– all in great time). Like any various other business a correct plan, some study and also the ticking of a couple of essential boxes are what will certainly obtain your endeavor off the ground as well as flying high. Right here are just a couple of:

    1. Know your market– house individuals (duh!), however seriously. That are they? What do they do? The corporate employees will certainly have their very own remote assistance so you’ll be targeting the business kinds (like you) and also recreational computer system users.

    2. Know what to anticipate from them– what issues will they normally run into? What should you rise to speed on so you can diagnose as well as repair their issues swiftly as well as efficiently? Generally it will certainly be spyware related– expect to see a whole lot of that.

    3. Know your competitors– Who is doing the same, just how are they doing it, how a lot do they bill, what services do they supply and just how do they market? Do they have unique promos or packages?

    4. Professionalism and trust is whatever– you need professional looking work orders, billings, website, calling card and also leaflets that make people take you seriously.

    5. Have a solid brand name– Currently it’s time for the logo! Have a regular brand name that recognizes you, embeds people’s minds and also sets apart from the competitors.

    6. Obtain attached– that can help you develop as well as grow your computer repair service? Where are the most effective distributors, can you contract out as well as predict take care of the solutions you don’t supply on your own? Can you swiftly refer people to non competing complimentary companies to satisfy their requirements and charge referral/finders fees?

    7. Prepare for development– do this initially. A service strategy is a should and also you need to be prepared to handle needing to get assist when there’s way too much job and budgeting to cover peaceful periods. Having a development and financial investment technique is what will certainly take your organisation to the next level and ensure you never need to take orders from any individual else ever before again.

    Home users and also small companies remain in dire requirement of friendly capable computer system specialists to attend their IT needs. To really obtain one of the most out of all the possible business you require to place on your entrepreneur cap and believe in regards to possibility– at every possibility.

    When you’re in someone’s office or home considering their computer problems you’re greater than just a repair it individual. They’re going to ask you for advice on their IT method and also will certainly anticipate you to have answers. Even if they don’t ask, you are assured to see disasters waiting to happen and possible renovations– so assume like a consultant and also do not hesitate to make referrals.

    The success of your venture will certainly pivot mostly on people’s understanding of you and also just how you run your operation. Word of mouth advertising and recommendation is your support. Go out of your way to overdeliver and also meet their demands (consisting of the ones they don’t learn about) with a well considered specialist service.

    To do that you need a plan as well as a roadmap– invest the moment early to construct a sturdily started house computer repair service and also you’ll never have to help any individual else once more.

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    Computer system registry Maintenance – An Essential Refine

    April 07, 2020   Matt

    Pc registry Maintenance – A Vital Process

    Also one of the most cautious and also attentive computer customers go through unusual mistakes and various other annoyances. These mistakes will certainly nearly certainly rear their hideous heads after some significant computer use. You may be asking on your own “What creates these problems, and also can I avoid them?” Well the answer, basically, is yes you can.

    These errors do disappoint up by crash.

    The age old quote I hear my customers claim to me is “My computer system made use of to be so quickly! What happened?!” My response to this is ALWAYS the same: I inform them that this slow-moving down is inevitable unless appropriate safety measures are taken. What happens if you were to skip transforming your oil for say … 20,000 miles? What do you believe might take place to your poor cars and truck? That’s right, you presumed it, it would greater than likely discontinue to function! It would certainly reduce over time and also ultimately … poof it goes up in smoke (with any luck not literally).

    Registry mistakes are virtually always to blame. These errors are tricky and will commonly accumulate gradually. What is the computer system registry you ask?

    The Windows computer registry is a directory which shops setups and also options for the os for Microsoft Windows 32-bit variations, 64-bit variations and Windows Mobile. It has details and also settings for all the hardware, running system software, the majority of non-operating system software program, customers, preferences of the COMPUTER, etc

    . Whenever a user makes modifications to Control board setups, data associations, system plans, or most mounted software program, the adjustments are mirrored and also saved in the computer system registry. The computer system registry also gives a window into the procedure of the kernel, exposing runtime info such as performance counters and also presently active hardware.

    These modifications commonly leave traces of what “used to be”. Old references, out-of-date access, and void start-up entries are just a few of the problems that can develop on your equipment.

    Why should I carry out a thorough computer registry scan?

    A top quality extensive computer registry fixing program will make cleaning up the pc registry as very easy as one, 2, three. It will actually search down and also fix bothersome pc registry entrances. Before it does this nevertheless it will completely backup and also archive your original pc registry setups to guarantee that you have a “functioning” back-up to function from.

    Not just will it repair the problems, it will preserve the health and wellness of your registry. Quality pc registry fixing programs will certainly often portable and also defragment your computer system registry. It will certainly re-organize and diminish your pc registry. What will this do you ask? This will certainly enable your maker to operate at its ideal rate constantly. That’s right, hands free maintenance of your machine.

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    It Is Essential To Know A Bit About Plumbing

    December 08, 2019   Matt

    It Is Necessary To Know A Bit Concerning Plumbing

    A collection of ideas on how to be successful at plumbing makes the best beginning factor for a novice. Below is simply such a collection that will hopefully assist the anxious beginner right into ultimately becoming a pro when it comes to plumbing.

    Make certain that you look at your water meter when it is not being used. Then, examine on the meter 8 hours later. If the meter has actually transformed, even a tiny amount, this could be an indication that there is an unseen water leakage, which can be a severe problem.

    If you have chrome or ceramic plumbing fixtures, be really cautious when making any kind of types of repair work. These kinds of coatings are extremely conveniently scratched, as well as they are costly to obtain fixed. Beware and also workout care when handling these surfaces. Take into consideration if it may be better to work with a specialist.

    Several individuals ask yourself where the fruit flies are originating from. Each plumbing fixture has a self-sealed book that holds regarding two mugs of water. If those pipelines are damaged or do not seal off, after that odors and also residue container create fruit flies. It is suggested before anything to cleanse your pipelines using bleach. If the flies come back, contact an expert.

    If your sink is allowing rusty water out as well as it will not drain, it is primarily most likely due to the fact that of the biological scum and also grease that is developed in the pipes. You need to have your drains pipes professionally cleaned up, enabling maximum flow via your drains pipes. Your drains must be open totally.

    DIY plumbing work will certainly call for that you comprehend just how to solder copper for the lines for the water system. You can practice this skill to make sure that you will have the ability to run your lines without stressing over it dripping. Search online for video tutorials that can aid you handle exactly how to deal with soldering.

    Avoid purging cotton rounds, cotton swabs as well as any type of feminine sanitary products down the toilet. Also tiny panty liners can cause big troubles since their sticky support can stay with pipelines as well as cause standstills. Maintain a small, protected trash can alongside the commode to encourage visitors to effectively deal with used hygienic posts.

    You might desire to take into consideration tankless water heating units if you wish to preserve water in your house. These type of water heaters heat up your water as quickly as it is being utilized, so you are not throwing away power on keeping your water warm when it is not being used.

    If you are unable to close off a major shutoff to your home before you leave for holiday, turned off the individual shutoffs under the sinks and behind the commodes. Make certain that the valves remain in good functioning order prior to you make the error of transforming one that is all set to be damaged any time.

    Well, with any luck the abovementioned collection of suggestions sufficed to give you a terrific beginning on what to do and also anticipate when it comes to keeping your own plumbing. This collection was meticulously constructed to be an aid in your toolbox so that you can begin to refine your plumbing abilities right into having a fantastic plumbing system.

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    It Is Essential To Know A Little Regarding Plumbing (2 )

    April 19, 2019   Matt

    It Is Necessary To Know A Little Bit Concerning Plumbing

    Plumbing problems? You’re not the only one. Regardless of exactly how straightforward it is to resolve many plumbing issues, lots of people do not understand exactly how to repair their own easy plumbing issues. If you’re one of these people and also wish to prevent spending for the solution, continue reading to locate out exactly how to become a plumbing specialist!

    You should never ever discard oil, fat, or cooking oil down the drain. These fats and also oils can strengthen in cold pipelines and block your sink. Rather you should put the fats and also oils in a dish as well as wait for it to strengthen, then throw it away for trash collector to choose it up.

    If you are seeing areas in your ceiling or walls that appear to have water damage or are drooping, see to it you shut off the power before evaluating. Electricity and also water do not blend. The last point you require is to enter into the attic as well as obtain shocked by a pool of water.

    Lots of people complain of low tide stress. While there are several things that can cause this, one need to not be overlooked when starting your investigation. What kind of pipelines do you have? If your piping is galvanized, you are much better off just replacing your piping which will eliminate the concern.

    In order to keep your shower as well as bathroom tub drains in appropriate working order, try pouring a potful of boiling water into the drain a minimum of every other week. Using this technique will certainly get rid of out the continuous hair and soapscum accumulation that might take place even if you have actually installed a drain display.

    To stay clear of having your outside faucets panic in the winter, remove all hoses prior to the very first freeze. Likewise, shut the shutoff valve that leads to the exterior taps, after that activate the outdoor taps to allow any type of continuing to be water in the lines drain. Once temperature levels warm up in the springtime, you can turn around the procedure.

    Normal maintenance of your plumbing lines is a fantastic concept. Your options are obtaining your lines snaked or jetted. Jetted is an innovation that is confirmed much more effective than snaking is. It obtains deeper and also cleans harder. So jetting is a good idea next time you are having maintenance executed on your lines.

    Do not put grease or oil down any one of your household drains pipes. Put them in containers and area in the fridge till they are strong, after that toss them away. If you pour them down the drain, they can strengthen in cool pipelines. These solid masses will certainly obstruct your pipelines and also are really hard to get rid of.

    Every now and then you should examine your toilet for leaks. A great way to check for leaks would be to put food coloring, Kool-Aid, or also coffee in the tank, anything that will certainly tint the water will function. You must inspect your toilet bowl in a little bit, and if there is color in the dish, your commode is leaking and the stopper and/or flush valve may need changed.

    Plumbing troubles aren’t so hard to handle when you know just how to deal with basic plumbing problems. Following time you’re thinking about calling a pricey plumbing professional, bring up this short article instead and also see if you can deal with the problem on your own with the suggestions you’ve reviewed right here today.

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