Many homeowners opt for crushed concrete as a common choice for driveway paving. Like gravel, it consists of small concrete fragments that have been crushed and ground to form a paving material.
People choose ground concrete for driveways for various reasons, but there are also reasons to consider avoiding it. If you’re deciding between a concrete driveway and an asphalt driveway, there are some factors you can consider to make your decision easier.
Crushed Concrete – What Is It And Where Is It Used?
Crushed concrete is a byproduct of demolished concrete structures. As concrete is not biodegradable, it either accumulates in landfills indefinitely or undergoes recycling for various applications, such as driveway construction.
Following the demolition of structures, Concrete Recycling plants further crush and purify the material, rendering it suitable for reuse. Some companies create a supplement for manufacturing new concrete, while others sell it like traditional gravel.
Utilizing pulverized concrete in construction projects not only prevents the material from occupying landfills but also presents a cost-effective alternative to quarried stone. Commonly referred to as ‘RCA’ or Recycled Concrete Aggregate, it is derived by crushing old concrete elements like roads, sidewalks, curbs, buildings, and driveways into smaller fragments.
This environmentally friendly option finds application in diverse construction and hardscape projects. Moreover, it can be fashioned into blocks for foundations and retaining walls, or mixed with asphalt for paving projects.
Advantages Of Choosing It
Cost
As already mentioned, a notable benefit of selecting a driveway constructed from recycled materials is its remarkable cost-effectiveness. This leads to substantially reduced expenses in comparison to newly poured driveways. Furthermore, this option proves to be a more economical choice when compared to the costs linked with installing a driveway made of natural stone.
Environmentally Friendly
Opting for granulated concrete for your driveway actively contributes to mitigating its environmental impact, ensuring that demolished concrete doesn’t linger in landfills.
This Concrete Recycling practice not only conserves valuable landfill space but also reduces the necessity for producing new material, thereby minimizing the overall environmental footprint associated with concrete manufacturing. Embracing crushed concrete as a sustainable alternative for driveways aligns with eco-conscious principles. It also promotes a responsible approach to construction materials while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges.
Permeable
It readily absorbs water due to its high permeability. The installation method plays a role in determining the extent of this quality. When applied conventionally, it allows rainwater to flow effortlessly into the ground. This permeable attribute offers a practical solution to ease the pressure on local drainage systems, effectively reducing the load they would otherwise bear.
By facilitating the penetration of rainwater, a properly installed crushed concrete surface not only aids in efficient water management but also contributes to the sustainable handling of stormwater runoff.
Widespread Use
Its availability and utilization across various industries make it readily accessible. This ensures an exceedingly low likelihood of running out of materials during construction, repair work, or maintenance, as crushed concrete is abundant and commonly found in garden centers or DIY stores.
Simple Upkeep
Driveways made with it are notably easier to maintain or repair in case of damage, ruts, or potholes, without the need for professional assistance.
Determining Its Quantity For A Driveway
Calculating the required materials for a construction project typically involves using a consistent formula to measure in cubic yards.
For instance, if you’re figuring out the amount of concrete needed for your driveway, you can employ the formula: multiply the width by the length by the height in feet, and then divide that result by 27. This calculation provides the necessary material quantity.
Consider a scenario where your driveway measures 10 feet by 20 feet, and you require six inches of crushed concrete. Using the formula:
10’ x 20’ x 0.5’ results in 3.76 cubic yards.
To align with the equation, we converted the six inches to 0.5 feet.
While this formula serves as a baseline, additional factors should be taken into account so you order an accurate amount of the material. Depending on the material size, the coverage area can vary. Providing your measurements to the supplier allows you to determine the specific quantity needed for each material type.
Does Crushed Concrete Become Harder Over Time?
It naturally undergoes a process of hardening and compaction as time passes, resulting in a smoother driving surface. However, this transformation is accompanied by a decrease in height. While the compacted surface improves the overall driving experience, it requires regular maintenance to uphold the driveway’s optimal conditions.
To preserve your driveway, add a layer annually. This counteracts the gradual settling and compression, the driveway will maintain its desired level of firmness.
Is Crushed Concrete Better Than Gravel?
In comparison to gravel driveways, crushed concrete can be a bit more challenging to install and is not as permeable as gravel.
Gravel proves to be an excellent choice for driveways, particularly in terms of permeability. This material, consisting of non-uniform rock fragments, not only offers a distinctive appearance but also facilitates natural water flow, preventing pooling on the surface.
A well-installed gravel driveway can effectively prevent the occurrence of mold and stains. Gravel is also known for its ease of maintenance, although it may not compact as readily as crushed concrete, leading to occasional dust issues.
Common gravel types include limestone, sandstone, and basalt. For those seeking unique options, there are even glow-in-the-dark gravel varieties, providing visibility into the driveway at night without the need for additional lighting—ideal for those with longer driveways.
Maintenance Of A Recycled Crushed Concrete Driveway
Routine Inspections And Care
Watch for signs of wear, such as unevenness, rutting, or spreading of the material. Timely addressing of these issues can prevent more significant problems in the future.
Top-Up Strategies
Periodically, the driveway may need a top-up of crushed concrete to maintain its level and structural integrity. This is especially important after periods of heavy use or extreme weather, which can cause the material to scatter or settle.
Cleanliness And Dust Control
Regularly remove leaves, debris, and weeds to preserve the driveway’s appearance and prevent organic materials from decomposing on the surface. In dry conditions, consider lightly watering the driveway to control dust, being careful not to over-water to avoid erosion.
Effective Drainage Management
The sides of the driveway and nearby drains or gutters should be clear to prevent water from pooling on the surface. If puddles or ruts form, promptly address them by adding more crushed concrete, regrading, or improving drainage in the affected area.
Final Words
For reliable sources of recycled stone and other aggregates, JJD Recycling is what you need. We blend time-tested values with the latest technology, offering clients the services and materials they need. We provide crushed concrete, asphalt, gravel, and more. Explore further details about our services on our website.
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