What's the Difference Between Percent Grades and Degrees? 

When it comes to measuring the steepness of a hill or slope, you might come across two different units of measurement: percent grade and degrees. To the untrained eye, these two units might seem interchangeable—but they're actually quite different. In this blog post, we'll explain the difference between percent grade and degrees to help with understanding the local requirements for maximum grade when it comes to driveway construction. 

How Percent Grade is Calculated
Percent grade is calculated by determining the amount of rise over the amount of run (the horizontal distance) and then converting that figure to a percentage. For example, if a slope has a rise of 6 feet and a run of 100 feet, the percent grade would be 6%. You can also calculate percent grade using this formula: Percentage = (Rise/Run) x 100. 

How Degrees are Calculated
Degrees, on the other hand, are calculated by finding the angle formed by the line of slope and the horizontal line. To do this, you'll need a scientific or graphing calculator with trigonometric functions. Once you have your calculator, use these steps to find the angle in degrees: 
1. Enter the value of the rise (the vertical distance). 
2. Press the INV button. 
3. Enter the value of the run (the horizontal distance). 
4- Press the TAN button. The answer will be displayed in degrees! 
5. Use this formula to convert degrees to percent grade: %grade = Tangent(angle)*100  

For Example, 45° is 100% grade because the rise is equal to the run. 

Your vehicle may have an inclinometer tool built-in, but it usually reads in degrees, which can be misleading. The degrees will always be lower than percent grade. Using the inclinometer on your vehicle will not convey an actual reading of how steep your driveway is relative to the max percent grade requirements, 17% (9.65°) in Teller County, and 12% (6.84°) in Park County, for driveways over 150ft long. 

As a professional Full Excavation Contractor, Peak DirtWorks specializes in ensuring your driveway layout works with the slope of your property to meet the County code requirements by using our advanced laser technology and equipment, specifically the Spectra Precision GL622N Dual Grade Laser w/ RC602N remote Control w/ the Spectra Precision HL760 receiver.

When beginning to plan for your new home and septic installation, or when facing an issue or major septic repair, there are a few things you'll need to do before a Licensed Septic Installer can provide an estimate. We've compiled a quick and easy guide to help you get started!

If your Septic System is not working:
If your Septic system has failed or is not working properly, you'll need to first contact someone to inspect the system to determine the cause and needed repair. Once you have the inspection report, you can submit to info@peakdirtworks.com for a repair estimate. 

If your Septic Leach Field is determined to be at the end of its life:
Once it has been determined that the septic leach field has reached the end of it's life or is "locked up", you must contact an Engineer to proceed with the next step in customizing a new leach field design. The Engineer will determine the size and location of the new leach field. Once you have the new design, you can submit to info@peakdirtworks.com for an estimate.

If you an interested in installing a new septic system:
Contact a local Engineer. They will need schedule a soils test and will need to know the proposed number of bedrooms in order to determine the size and type of system required. In most cases, the system will need to be Engineered. Once you have received the new design, you can submit to info@peakdirtworks.com for an installation estimate. 

If Your Septic Tank needs to be replaced:
If an inspector has indicated that your tank needs to be replaced, in most cases, this should not require any additional Engineering. Peak DirtWorks can schedule an on-site appointment to provide an estimate or determine if any additional info is needed for the replacement.

If you are adding an addition to your home:
A septic system is sized based on the number of bedrooms. When building an addition, the county may require you to upgrade your system or add a second system if the existing one is not sufficient. We recommend contacting the County, or a local Engineer in order to make that determination. 

If you have any questions regarding getting started, feel free to reach out to us at info@peakdirtworks.com or by calling (719) 445-7325

What makes Peak DirtWorks unique, aside from our commitment to communication and quality, is that we hold 3 Licenses through the county: 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣/𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. Read below to learn more about each license, and how Peak DirtWorks can serve you!

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Not to be confused with Limited Excavation, the Full Excavation license allows the additional ability to work within the right-of-way, including culverts and utility hook-ups. We are required to keep a surety bond on file with the county in addition to our General Liability policy.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲: This single-trade license covers the gamut of concrete work including Footings, Foundations, and Flatwork. With over 25-years experience in concrete construction, we offer all of the above, including ICF and solid-poured foundation walls, house slabs, patios, driveways and the like.

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (and repairs): Our Septic License allows us to install and/or repair your septic system, as designed by an Engineer. We do not offer Engineering services. However, if the Engineer determines that a property does not require an Engineered system after performing a soils test, this license also allows for us to calculate the size of the treatment area and install the non-engineered system per county requirements.

Additionally, we use a variety of start-of-the-art tools and equipment to ensure each project is completed to the highest level of quality.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We work hard to maintain a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook, and are proud to give back to the community through multiple service projects and groups, including Teller Business Builders, and Iron Pigs of Southern Colorado/Ronald McDonald House.

How can Peak DirtWorks help you?
info@peakdirtworks.com
(719) 445-PEAK
Locally Owned and Operated our of Woodland Park, CO

You had some work done on your property. Something was damaged, or is not working as it should. Worse even, you paid a deposit and now the Contractor is MIA...

Unfortunately, we hear about these things happening all the time; so what can you do to best protect yourself when hiring a contractor? We'll tell you things to look out for and ways to verify a Contractor in 3 easy steps.

But first, why is it so important to find a licensed and insured contractor?

It is always important to work with a Licensed and Insured Contractor, or you could be left with sub-par work, costly repairs, and a lengthy civil battle as your only recourse. Don't fall victim to a fly-by-night Contractor!

How can you protect yourself? 

1. Watch for red flags:

• Does the contractor have an established business page or web presence?
  
  If a contractor is not established online, or has not taken the time to create a professional page with information, this may warrant additional research including asking for references to ensure they are qualified to provide the work they advertise.
  
  
• If you've received multiple bids, is one Contractor's price much less than their competitors?
  
  This could mean they are not licensed or insured and may not even be a legitimate business. With little to no overheard, a phoney "Contractor" can afford to charge less because they are not paying to carry the proper credentials/insurance.  This person is a liability and should not be allowed to work on your property.

2. Is their business listed on the Colorado Secretary of State Business Database?

• Find out easily if the Contractor's business is "active" as recognized by the state by searching the database HERE.  (Note: a company not listed could be operating under a DBA or other entity, so be sure to verify the actual business name with the Contractor. Don't be afraid to ask for proof via a 'Certificate of Good Standing' with the state. This is easily obtainable with a few clicks so any valid Contractor should be able to provide a copy at no cost upon request)

3. Search your local county Building Department website or call to ensure a Contractor is licensed to provide services in your area.​

       Each County has a Contractor List that is updated often to maintain the latest license information. A skilled trade contractor not listed with the county has not been approved to provide that service in the area. Skilled trades include Limited Excavation, Full Excavation/Grading (able to work in the Right-Of-Way), Concrete, Septic, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and the like. If not listed with the county, this is a big red flag as some of the trade skills require testing and references, as well as proof of insurance before being approved to work in the county.

• Search Teller County HERE
• Check with Park County by calling (719) 836-2771 to verify
  
  Note: Park County Electrical & Plumbing Licenses are handled at the state level. Verify a license through the state HERE.

As the homeowner, it is important to protect yourself and your property when selecting a qualified Contractor. The only way to FULLY vet a contractor is to follow ALL THREE of these steps and verify insurance. The county may show a contractor as active, but that contractor may not be in good standing with the state, or visa versa.

Do your research ahead of time to save in the long run and set yourself up for success on your next project!

By Casey Loftus
Peak DirtWorks, LLC

​
Peak DirtWorks is a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Colorado Limited Liability Company. View our credentials below:
-Secretary Of State
-Teller County Licensing 
-Park County Licensing (Call 719-836-2771)
-Proof of Insurance available upon request. 

​Request more info at info@peakdirtworks.com or call (719) 445-7325