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Author Archives: Tim Carter

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Retaining Walls – Overview

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Retaining walls need sound planning. Consider soil, drainage, loads, retaining wall height, site geology,etc. Any retaining wall blocks reaching over 3 or 4 feet deserve an engineer's attention. Don't skimp on professional assist or research. Consult listed resources to do your due diligence.

Posted in Outdoor, Retaining Walls | Leave a comment

Retaining Walls – Books & Publications

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

These are great resources for research on retaining walls. Plan your retaining wall with decorative concrete, concrete block or stone, and learn how to build a retaining wall with these guides.

Posted in Outdoor, Retaining Walls | Leave a comment

Segmental Retaining Walls

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Segmental retaining walls offer year round construction and require no mortar, making them a DIY possibility. A segmental retaining wall can be built in a variety of shapes and designs using decorative concrete or concrete block. Retaining walls higher than four feet should be engineered by a professional.

Posted in Outdoor, Retaining Walls | Leave a comment

Segmental Retaining Wall Manufacturers

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Segmental retaining walls allow all season construction and need no mortar. These manufacturers offer a variety of retaining wall choices for your consideration.

Posted in Outdoor, Retaining Walls | Leave a comment

Retaining Walls Construction Tips & Suggestions

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Retaining walls need sound planning before you begin construction. Excellent guides help design your retaining wall and explain how to build a retaining wall properly. Consult the company from which you purchase your retaining wall blocks for additional help.

Posted in Outdoor, Retaining Walls | Leave a comment

Lights Dim When AC Comes On

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Do your lights dim when AC comes on? One AsktheBuilder.com reader has this problem - do you? Read on to find out why and how you can fix it.

Posted in Electrical, New Construction | 1 Comment

Whole House Surge Protection

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Whole house surge protection can be done with a surge protector connected to your electric panel. These surge protectors are harder to find. One manufacturer was located that provides surge protection for the whole house.

Posted in Electrical, New Construction | Leave a comment

Surge Protector/Suppressor Protection Guide

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Surge protectors, or surge suppressors, come in many varieties. In the surge protector chart below you can compare joule ratings, warranties and prices to find the best surge protectors for your home.

Posted in Electrical, New Construction | Leave a comment

Surge Protector Manufacturers

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Surge protectors and surge suppressors are not all of high quality. Many are sub-standard protectors that claim to be the best surge protectors. A surge protector should have a certain voltage, joule rating, a good warranty and an alarm. A few manufacturers offer a whole house surge protector.

Posted in Electrical, New Construction | Leave a comment

Surge Protectors

Posted on August 30, 2005 by Tim Carter

Electric surges can ruin your electric appliances. A surge protector and lightning arresters can protect from short circuits. Surge protectors are a must, whether in the surge suppressor or point-of-use form.

Posted in Electrical, New Construction | Leave a comment

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