Aggregate plays a constructive role in landscaping. It is used for any particulate matter, including slag, sand, crushed stones, gravel, and recycled concrete. In alignment with aggregates in landscaping, Ready mix concrete Kent noted several benefits for you. You may have many excellent choices regarding ground cover, to protect soil, or retain water but having aggregates makes a lot of difference.
What are concrete aggregates, and why do we use them?
Sand, gravel, and crushed stone are called aggregate. They are granular materials used with cement to produce either concrete mix or mortar. There are two types of aggregates: coarse aggregate and fine aggregate. A coarse aggregate is more significant than 4.75 mm, and a fine aggregate is any material less than 4.75 mm.
It provides strength, thermal and elastic properties of concrete along with dimension and volume stability. Aggregates in the concrete mix can also control shrinkage and prevent cracking.
Depending upon your project, a combination of aggregates is selected for the durability, strength, workability, and ability to receive finishes. Additionally, various sizes and weights, moisture content, and gradation of each aggregate can add advantages to the concrete.
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Cost
The proportion of aggregate in concrete is higher than in other materials, and the total price is lower than other ingredients. It is economical for the builders. However, the final cost depends on the ratio of aggregates used for the project. If you go for sizeable coarse aggregate, you can further lower the construction cost.
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Aesthetics
A special construction project requires a unique aesthetic sense. In such tasks, exposed aggregate concrete makes an appealing impression. The aggregate used in such projects has particular color, texture, and shape. Natural stones such as basalt, marble, quartz, limestone, and granite are also used for designing purposes.
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Helps with Drainage
Dealing with drainage problems can become inconvenient or burdensome, which is why aggregates are an excellent option for drainage; it allows surface water to drain into the soil, resulting in reduced surface puddles. For example, water can travel between the crushed shells and the soil if you use seashells for landscaping. Water will pass through the soil as the base below the ground has good drainage. It will also prevent your yard from becoming a muddy mess.
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Minimize Weeds
Removing weeds can be time-consuming, but aggregates such as rocks and pea gravel provide a sparse environment for weeds and pests. Mulch feeds the plants and weeds and creates an ecosystem for snails, insects, and pests.
Unwanted weeds and pests will have difficulty finding food when it is covered by gravel. Additionally, it will be easier to spot the weed when they poke their way through so that you can pluck them easily.
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Stability
Aggregate offers a clean contemporary look to a landscape. It allows you to have a durable cover as the aggregate is heavy enough to stay where you apply it. Due to its stable foundation, it prevents soil erosion. Strong wind can wash away bark and mulch, but gravel, rocks, or sea shells will keep them in place as they are heavy enough to hold the underlying soil. In addition, aggregate is not susceptible to trampling, which would kill the live ground cover. Please note that aggregate has a lower shrinkage potential than cement, which will prevent cracks on the concrete surface.
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Eco-friendly
Aggregates are natural and organic, which makes them harmless to the environment. They do not pollute the ground below the aggregates. Unlike groundwater, the aggregate basis does not require water, pesticides, and fertilizer. Also, it does not demand replacement every year. It means you will be able to save money.
Rocks, gravel, or sea shells provide unique benefits not found in mulch. Additionally, they do not deteriorate, which makes them an eco-friendly option. It also does not decompose, which reduces soil erosion.
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Grass Alternative
Have you ever spotted an area in your backyard or garden that does not grow grass no matter what you do? Stone aggregate can convert that area into a decorative place, with some larger pieces for contrast.
Types of Aggregates
Now that you know why aggregate is used in landscaping let’s learn a little bit more about various types of aggregates that can be helpful for your landscaping.
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Gravel and Stone:
It can add a unique look to your landscape while serving all purposes mentioned above. Various types of shapes, sizes, and colors are available in stone. Large gravel and stone are perfect for creating walkways and pathways.
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Loam:
Loam includes a combination of sand, silt, and clay. It helps with drainage issues and improves the quality of the soil.
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Sand:
Sand is used in various ways in landscaping. Due to its multipurpose nature, it is a great option to explore for your project.
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Mulch:
Mulch is available in a wide variety. It has many benefits, such as providing nutrition to plants, regulating the soil’s temperature, keeping weeds away, and many more.
Conclusion
RMS Ready-mix Specialists use a wide range of aggregates for concrete mix. It helps to make concrete mixtures more compact, reducing the consumption of cement and water. If you wish to learn more about aggregates, call us on +447894239114 or visit online. Our specialists will promptly respond to your queries.