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    • 5 Ways in Which Aggregate Helps With Drainage

    Drainage is one vital aspect of any civil engineering project that can’t be ignored. Effective drainage isn’t only necessary for landscaping projects. It’s key for the construction of any building, from a commercial property to a residential high-rise.

    A proper drainage system needs the right aggregates. All aggregates are similar in that they’re essentially crushed pieces of rock, but they’re not all ideal for drainage. When you’re considering your construction materials supply options, it’s worth knowing that specific aggregates are most effective at improving drainage. Their specific properties make them ideal for drainage purposes, setting them apart from the other aggregates and construction stone types.

    Storefield Aggregates is a construction materials group supplying aggregate bulk bags used for a range of projects. Since 1996, we’ve dominated the construction sector as a leading name for end-to-end solutions, meeting a variety of civil engineering, construction and environmental requirements. Whether you’re a contractor, landscaper, or homeowner, our guide will help you understand the different aggregate construction stone types and their role in building drainage systems.

    5 Ways Aggregates Improve Drainage Systems

    Here’s how drainage aggregates improve the drainage of your construction project. 

    1. Better Drainage Capacity

    The use of aggregate construction stone types can increase the capacity of the drainage system. Aggregates facilitate quicker water flow in systems like French drains.

    2. Better Soil Permeability

    Specific types of drainage aggregates improve the permeability of the soil and allow the water to flow through more easily. By increasing the amount of space in the soil, aggregates like limestone, pea gravel, and crushed granite make the soil more porous.

    3. Better Control of Water Levels

    With the help of the right aggregate construction stone types, you can effectively direct water away from structures and into the drainage system. 

    4. Prevent Erosion

    Using aggregates can prevent the process of erosion. Aggregates reduce the impact of the runoff by slowing down the water flow. 

    5. Neutralise Soil Acidity

    Some soil types have high acidity levels. When you choose limestone as the construction material used, you’re able to successfully neutralise the soil acidity. 

    Improve Aesthetics

    Landscaping projects typically focus on achieving desired aesthetic results. Certain aggregates like lava rock, pea gravel, and river rock hold dual purposes: they work wonderfully for drainage purposes and can also add to the aesthetic appeal of the project as a decorative landscaping element.

    The construction material used greatly impacts drainage. Aggregates used for drainage are key to controlling the flow and permeability of water. They’re also instrumental in providing a stable foundation for driveway and walkway projects.

     

    5 Types of Aggregates for Drainage Applications

    Many construction stone types in aggregates can support the soil’s ability to drain water. 

    1. 10mm and 20mm Recycled Pipe Bedding

    Pipe bedding aggregates are recycled washed aggregates available in 10mm and 20 mm sizes. They’re excellent for use in drainage works.

    2. 10mm and 20mm Washed Quarried Gravel

    Our gravel is quarried and washed before supply. We supply 10mm and 20mm variants for drainage applications as well as for decorative purposes.

    Use our handy tonnage calculator to calculate your drainage aggregate requirements.

    3. Limestone

    Limestone is a naturally available rock quarried for a variety of purposes, from buildings to landscaping projects. Quarried limestone is crushed before using for drainage purposes. As a natural aggregate, it’s a great choice for drainage applications because of its durability, strength, and soil acid-neutralising properties.

    You’ll commonly find limestone in 10mm to 50mm sizes for subsurface drainage systems like French drains. 

    4. Crushed Stone

    Choose crushed stone if you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting option that’s also resistant to erosion. It’s widely available in sizes ranging from 6mm to 20mm for a variety of drainage uses. Crushed stone as a drainage material is popular for subsurface drainage systems.

    5. Pea Gravel

    Pea gravel is a smooth stone that’s commonly used for drainage works. It’s available in sizes ranging from 10mm to 20mm for surface drainage works like drainage swales. Pea gravel is also used for walkway and driveway works.

     

    Choosing the Right Construction Stone Types for Drainage

    There are a few factors that determine which aggregate construction stone type is best for your drainage project. Here are the considerations you should make when choosing between your options:

    Purpose

    First, consider the intended use of the aggregate you need. If you’re after an aggregate for a subsurface drainage system, such as a French drain, choose a larger aggregate, about 20mm.

    For a drainage swale (a surface drainage system), it may be best to pick a much smaller aggregate, like 10 mm or pea gravel.

    On-site Conditions

    The type of soil and the slope area also affect your choice of drainage aggregate. If your site is on a high water table or flood-prone, it's better to choose crushed stone or pea gravel for its high permeability.

    Budget

    Construction materials supply takes a considerable chunk of your project’s budget, and it’s important to establish what you can afford to spend before you start shopping. Some aggregates are costlier than others; river rock and lava rock are more expensive than crushed stone or pea gravel.

    Aesthetic Appeal

    Commercial and residential landscaping projects need drainage aggregates that serve their purpose but also have a visual appeal. Consider the look of your chosen aggregate and its visual effect on your project.

     

    Rely on Storefield Aggregates for Your Project’s Construction Materials Supply


    In summary, aggregates have an indispensable role in drainage works. They’re an essential construction tool and are key to protecting your structure or landscape from damage by controlling the flow of water.

    With Storefield Aggregates as your aggregate partner, you’ll receive expert guidance from our team to make the right choice for your civil engineering or landscaping project. Our large network of quarries and landfill sites can meet your needs for your construction projects.

    Contact us with your requirements today on 01536 418121 or email our sales team at orders@storefield.co.uk.

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