Sidewalksare a critical safety element in urban, suburban and rural environments. They provide a dedicated path between street and property for pedestrians. Over time, sidewalks can become damaged and need repair. This is especially true if they’ve been exposed to water or ice for an extended period of time.
Prepare The Area
A well-maintained sidewalk goes a long way toward protecting pedestrians from falls. Sidewalks that are damaged beyond a small amount of concrete – such as hairline cracks or a half-inch or more of crumbling – should be replaced. Likewise, sidewalks that have roots that push up through the concrete and lift panels should be replaced as soon as possible. To prepare for the job, start by digging out the path to a depth of about 6 in. Widen both sides of the paint marks to leave room for forms and topsoil later.
Remove The Old Sidewalk
To properly remove the sidewalk, use a jackhammer and break apart sections of it into manageable pieces that can easily be removed without creating a safety hazard for neighbors. If you don’t have a jackhammer, a hammer and chisel can also do the trick. When you’re finished, dump the broken slab into a rented dumpster or trash receptacle.
Install The New Sidewalk
When pouring a new sidewalk, it’s best to do it when the weather is nice. Otherwise, rain can ruin the concrete and cause it to not set. Before you begin, prepare the area for your sidewalk by removing any dirt or debris. This includes slicing off sod with a sod cutter and digging out the path to a depth of 6 inches. Next, lay down 4 inches of gravel to create a solid base for the concrete. This will help the concrete hold up better in high traffic areas and keep it from moving around too much during the curing process. Once the gravel has settled, pour your concrete and fill in the forms. Level the forms on both sides and space them using a homemade gauge board-just a 1×4 that’s a few inches longer than the width of the sidewalk.
Summary
One of the most rewarding aspects of sidewalk construction is the resulting curb appeal. If your sidewalk is in good shape, it’s a surefire way to improve the quality of your property. A new sidewalk will increase the value of your home by up to 10 percent, and can add a nice touch to your landscaping plan. And as you might expect, a sidewalk replacement is no small undertaking. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward and should be completed in a single day with minimal disruption to your neighborhood. The only hiccups you’ll likely encounter are finding the right tools and the patience to complete the job. Thankfully, there are plenty of local contractorsready to help you get the job done, so your sidewalk will surely be back on the street in no time!
If you’ve been thinking about building your own DIY pool, this article is for you. We’ll explain the process and what to think about before you get started!
Planning
Whether you’re looking to add an inground pool to your backyard, or simply want a portable pool that can be moved to your new home if you decide to move, building your own DIY pool may be the best way to go. It saves you a lot of money in the long run and eliminates the hassle and expense associated with a custom-built pool installation. The first step in any DIY pool project is to plan out the layout. This allows you to see how much space the pool will take up and ensures that the design works with the landscape of your yard. Another thing to consider is whether you need permits for the project. In some locations, specialized owner-builder consultants can be hired to help you with this. They often have industry relationships that allow them to minimize waste or avoid certain unforeseen costs and fees.
Excavation
Building a pool is a complicated and detailed process. It takes a lot of time and expertise to get the job done right. Getting the right materials, tools, and supplies is essential for your DIY pool project. Otherwise, you could end up with a pool that leaks or that isn’t made from the highest quality materials. It is crucial to excavate the area where you plan to build the pool. The soil and rock that are removed will be used as a foundation for the swimming pool. That being said, the excavation process is important for every construction project as it creates a strong foundation for your project and provides a stable surface on which to work.
Materials
A pool is an investment that can add value to your home. However, the installation and maintenance process can be complex and time-consuming. This is why it’s important to have a plan and to choose the best materials for your project. The material you use can make the difference between a great-looking pool and one that won’t last as long as it should. Concrete is a good choice for a DIY pool as it’s a durable and long-lasting material that’s ideal for heavy use. It can also be shaped in any way you desire, and it’s much more affordable than fiberglass or vinyl pools.
Tools
If you’re planning to build your own DIY pool, you will need a few important tools. First, you need to decide what type of pool you want to build. For example, if you want to save money and do it yourself, an above-ground pool is probably the best option. These pools are very easy to install and you can take them with you when you move home. Alternatively, you can also try building your own natural pool. These are a lot easier to build, and you can have a lot of freedom in the design. Looking for high-quality heavy equipment rentals that can assist you in getting a job done more efficiently? At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we offer a whole lot of equipment for rent in Monroe, LA. Contact us today to learn more!
Whether you’re digging for an extension or a new deck, you can make your job more efficient and safer by learning a few smart tips. The most important tip is to call 811 before you dig so that utilities can mark the location of underground lines. This is a free and simple service that protects you, your family and your neighbors. Call a few days before you dig, and your utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate locations of underground pipes and cables.
Preparation
Digging is a great way to improve your garden soil, and it can be done all year round. However it is most useful in the autumn as this allows the frosts to break up the soil. Before digging a bed it is best to add a top dressing of compost, manure or organic matter. This will help to aerate the soil and improve it for root penetration. Adding organic matter to the soil before you dig will also increase the amount of nutrients that can be found in the soil. This will help your plants grow better and produce more fruit and flowers.
Equipment
Whether you’re digging for landscaping, construction or just digging around your home, you need the right equipment. This can make a big difference in the success of your project. A square shovel is a good tool for digging in hard-packed soil or moving dirt, gravel, mulch or sand. They have flat tips and squared sides that produce smooth trench walls. Trenchers are designed for digging trenches for laying pipes, drainage and cables. They can dig to greater depths and are suitable for all types of terrain. Drain spades have rounded tips and curved sides for scooping debris from a trench. They also work well for shaping the trench after excavation. Pick mattocks have a head with a pickaxe on one side and a chiselled blade on the other. They are excellent for breaking up rocky or hard surfaces and can chop roots. Pinch bars are long crowbars with a smaller blade that can be used for levering and prying. They are great for digging in soft or hard soil and can be used to break up rocks and concrete.
Safety Measures To Take
Trenching and excavations can be dangerous, especially when the job involves a deeper trench. Soil can be unstable, and workers need protective systems to prevent collapses or cave-ins that can cause serious injury or death. Protective systems include sloping, benching or shoring. These systems keep soil from falling into the trench, protecting workers from being crushed or buried by a collapsing wall. A cave-in is the most common reason for worker injuries and fatalities in excavation work, according to OSHA. The agency’s priority goal is to reduce these injuries and deaths by ensuring all workers are protected from collapse.
Reasons To Call 811
Regardless of the size of your project, call 811 a few days before digging to have underground pipes, wires and equipment located and marked. This keeps people safe and avoids damage to buried lines that provide gas, electricity, water and sewage, communications and other essential services. Every six minutes, a buried utility line is damaged because someone digs without calling 811. Hitting a buried line can disrupt critical service for you or your neighbors, cause expensive repairs, and result in costly fines. That’s why a free request to 811 is the first step in any digging project, no matter how small. That includes planting a flower bed, putting in a mailbox or installing a fence.
Excavating is a heavy duty job that requires the right equipment to get the job done. This is why a professional excavation company will invest in top-quality tools. Each tool can handle different types of digging tasks.
Spade
The spade is one of the most common tools used for excavating. It can be used to dig trenches and other deeper holes, as well as for edging lawns or lifting sod. In addition, the spade can be used to bury small weeds and mix in plant matter or compost. This can help soil to loosen and aerate, which in turn increases access for beneficial earth worms. The spade can also be used to divide plants that need it, such as trees that outgrow their space in your garden. This can be done by gently levering them away from the ground, without damaging their roots.
Shovel
A shovel is a simple tool that can be used to lift and dig soil. It can also be used to scoop and move large amounts of material, such as sand or gravel. Shovels are usually made from metal and feature a blade attached to a handle. The blade can be flat or pointed, depending on the type of soil being worked with. The handle of a shovel is usually connected to the blade by a screw or rivet. This can make it easier to replace the handle if it ever breaks down. A shovel may have a kickplate that allows you to put your foot on the upper edge of the blade and add pressure to dig deeper. This can be helpful if you’re working with heavy ground.
Pickaxe
When digging a trench it is important to have all of the appropriate tools on hand. Each tool is designed for a different purpose and works together to dig the trench. A shovel is used to shape the trench and scoop up loose dirt. A pickaxe can be used to soften the ground before you start digging, this is especially useful in cold weather when the top layer of soil is tougher to dig. The pointed side of a pickaxe is great for lodging under rocks or hard ground and prying them free, while the flat head is good for chopping through roots. A 60” bar is also handy for breaking up really hard dirt like caliche.
Mattock
A mattock is a tool that can be used to dig or break up soil. It combines an axe blade on one end with an adze (horizontal blade) on the other. It can be used on both hard and soft ground, as well as rocky terrain. It can be used for a variety of tasks, including digging trenches and cultivating soil in raised beds. To use a mattock, grasp the handle or shaft about halfway through the head and place the other hand at the base. Bend at the waist and flex your knees. You can then swing the mattock downward in an arc, making short chops under the weight of the tool. This helps save energy and reduces the risk of straining your back.
Machine Tools
When it comes to digging, there are a variety of tools available. These vary depending on the project and the materials that will be used. When digging in soft ground, a dragline is the best option. These machines have long booms, and a digging bucket is suspended on a cable that hangs from the top of the boom. They are a great choice for larger excavations such as port construction, pond and canal dredging, and pile driving. They can also be rented for small jobs that require only the use of heavy machinery. If you’re not sure which excavating equipment is right for your job, a professional provider will help you determine the best options.
When planning for a wedding, it’s important to keep in mind that many essential items can be rented instead of purchased. These items make an impact on the overall look of your wedding and can be rented in several different styles and fabrications.
1. Chairs and Tables
When planning for a wedding, chairs and tables are some of the most important items. They determine the look of your reception, as well as the overall theme of the event. Larger venues can feature long tables and round tables, whereas smaller ones may opt for lounge-like setups with scattered sets of ottomans, sofas or benches. And once you know how many guests will be attending your wedding, it’ll be time to think about special seating arrangements. Will your entire wedding party sit at one table or will they split up into different groups?
2. Linens
Linens will cover the tables where your guests will sit and help bring your entire decor together. They also protect your tables and furnishings from spills, stains, and heat damage, making them an essential piece of rental equipment. Choosing the right linens is more than just a practical choice; they’re also a fun way to add color and style to your reception. The best place to start is with a vendor that has an extensive selection of fabrics in a range of colors. They can also show you swatches in person and in natural light to make sure they’re a good match for your wedding color scheme.
3. Dance Floor
The dance floor encourages dancing, gives guests a central location to enjoy the party, and helps make the reception feel fun and festive. Having a dance floor can help set the tone for your event, and you can personalize it with lighting and decorations to create a specific mood or theme. A rented dance floor also comes with professional maintenance and cleaning, which can be helpful if you’re planning a large, special event. Another great thing about a rented dance floor is that it can be easily set up and taken down for your event. This can save you time and stress on your big day.
4. Lighting
Even though it’s often overlooked, lighting can affect everything from the mood to task performance and safety. The right lighting can help to highlight your centerpieces, the cake, the dance floor, and your guests! It can also set the tone for the evening and evoke different emotions in your guests. There are several options for lighting your venue, including pin spots, uplighting and color wash. Uplighting is the most dramatic and can dramatically transform the atmosphere of your event.
5. Aisle Runner
An aisle runner is the perfect way to dress up your wedding aisle. These aisle runners come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to suit your personal taste and decor. They can also serve as a reminder of your special day, especially if they are personalized. One popular idea is to frame the decorated portion of your runner and display it in your home as a keepsake.
6. Catering Equipment
Catering is a big part of any wedding, so you want to be sure that your food is delicious and well-presented. Luckily, there are plenty of great rental equipment options to help you create the perfect wedding meal! The number of guests and the menu will determine what you need in the way of cooking supplies. Also, keep in mind that the season will affect your food choices. For example, if you’re having a spring wedding, then asparagus is likely to be a good choice. You’ll want to have a variety of dishes to offer guests so they can find something they like. A buffet can also make it easier to cater to a full guest list.
7. Generator
A generator is a great way to keep your party running smoothly without blowing a fuse. Whether you’re looking to power a reception tent, lights, or a restroom trailer, there are several companies nationwide that provide these mighty critters for rent.
8. China
Chinese weddings are often full of etiquette and cultural traditions, and it can be helpful to work with a wedding planner who is experienced in Chinese culture. Once your ceremony is set, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding reception. This is when you’ll need to finalize your guest list and decide which items will need to be rented. This typically includes fine china, which are sure to add a touch of elegance to your table settings!
9. Floral Arrangements
Creating floral arrangements requires skill and creativity. Whether you’re creating a traditional centerpiece or a whimsical bouquet, floral arrangements need to be balanced in scale, form, and color. Choosing a vase or container that works well with your flower choices will help the design stand out. Vases come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
10. Furniture
Generally speaking, you should go with the furniture that fits your theme and style. This means that you should choose chairs and tables that have a nice shape to them, as well as ones that match your color scheme and fabric choice. It’s also worth thinking about lounge furniture, especially if you’re having an indoor wedding or a reception in a venue with a lobby area. This will give your guests a place to relax and mingle while they’re waiting for dinner or dancing to begin. You can find couches, ottomans, coffee tables and more for rent.
