What are the 4 Main Types of Aggregates

Not everybody knows that there are different types of aggregate available to them. Similarly, not everyone realises that it takes a different type of aggregate for certain construction tasks. Here is all you need to know about the 4 main types of aggregate.

Aggregate is what we do best here at JT Few. We have been helping the people of Suffolk and East Anglia to create their dream homes and build exciting new projects for upwards of three decades now. We know exactly the hard work and dedication it takes to collect material and turn it into precisely measured and impeccable pieces of aggregate. We also know that there are four main types of aggregate that we process those recycled materials into.

The Four Main Types of Aggregate

So, let’s review what those four types of aggregate we produce are, and how our clients might use them.

1 – Gravel

Usually, gravel is small stone that is pressed down to less than 2 inches in diameter. Gravel can be smaller than this, made from small materials all the way down to just under half an inch in size. Gravel finds its use in driveways, in gardens, in pathways, and even in potholes. It can line roads or prevent plant growth on roundabouts. Gravel has good drainage since it doesn’t come with muck or dust attached.

2 – Sand

Sand is the second most common aggregate produced in quarries around the UK. To create sand from recycled materials, we must crush glass back down to the smallest possible particles. Glass is made when sand is heated, so breaking it down into smaller particles can undo the solidification process. Sand is used to build houses, create cement, and in parks and gardens all over East Anglia. Sand might be made from crushed up bricks, crushed quartz, or granites reduced to find powders.

3 – Concrete

Concrete is made from mixing all the other small minerals that make up aggregate into one pot. It uses cement to concrete the minerals together. Concretion is the process behind the name of this mix. Concretions occur naturally, but sometimes we humans require to make them for ourselves. A good example of this is in precast concrete manufacturing and in the roads, we drive on. Both are made of concrete.

4 – Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is like gravel, but it usually contains different shapes and sizes. You can have crushed stones in all shapes and sizes. Typically, the sizing will stay together to make it easier for you to pick which recycled aggregate will suit you best.

Where to Buy Aggregates in Suffolk?

If you live in East Anglia and you need aggregates for your home or business, we are happy to help. Trust the finest recycled aggregate firm in Suffolk to produce high quality building and construction materials for you. Contact us today with enquiries and to book the right type of aggregate for you. We can even provide muck haulage services to help your project get underway.