Does Decomposed Granite Perform For Road Base Construction?
Does Decomposed Granite Perform For Road Base Construction?
Road base construction is more complex than most realize. While we can see and feel the surface level, many underlying layers provide the surface with its strength and stability. One of the most important is the road base. The road base helps enhance load-bearing capacity and gives surfaces the stability needed to last for decades. Road base construction can use many materials, including limestone rocks and gravel. However, one alternative, decomposed granite, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for road base construction.
What is Decomposed Granite?
Decomposed granite in Austin is a loose aggregate material that’s beautiful, cost-effective and strong. Granite is a material that many are familiar with, especially in interior design. It’s an igneous rock composed mostly of quartz and feldspar. Decomposed granite is a natural derivative of granite that’s weathered and broken into smaller pieces, forming a fantastic aggregate.
A great materials delivery contractor can bring decomposed granite in Austin to your site for use in various projects, and many offer a spreading service to aid in construction.
What are Popular Uses for Decomposed Granite for Construction?
There are many ways you can use decomposed granite in Austin. It’s a popular landscaping material. The material’s color and durability make it an excellent choice for pathways. It compacts better than limestone rock and is less reactive to soil.
Another popular use for this material is as a road base. Decomposed granite for driveways can serve property owners in one of two ways. If you plan on building a concrete driveway, the material makes a great road base to support the surface material. In these cases, decomposed granite for road base construction often offers better density, strength and durability than limestone rock. Hiring a contractor who provides a spreading service can make creating a strong foundation for concrete easier than ever.
A more cost-effective alternative to concrete driveways is to use raw decomposed granite for driveways without a surface layer of concrete. With good compaction, the material will serve as a reliable driving surface. Furthermore, its permeable nature can reduce water runoff and improve drainage.
What Makes Decomposed Granite a Great Material for Road Base Construction?
Many property owners and contractors use decomposed granite for construction because it’s affordable and reliable. The broken granite pieces compact tightly to maximize durability and density. When preparing a road base, it’s a great material that can provide decades of stability.
Yet, it still allows water to run through. Even after compaction, water can flow through to enhance natural drainage. Therefore, it works well for loose-aggregate driveways and looks more attractive than standard gravel.
How Do Contractors Use Decomposed Granite for Driveways and Other Surfaces?
Whether using decomposed granite for construction or as an exposed material for driveways and pathways, you must hire a contractor with experience handling the material. A great material hauling company can transport decomposed granite by the truckload, and many also offer a spreading service.
After preparing the subgrade soil, teams can spread the material evenly. Then, contractors can compact it with heavy-duty rollers. Compaction helps remove air voids and “lock” the material together, giving it density and stability. The finer dust and particles will act as a binder to provide you with a surface ready to drive on. Contractors typically follow up by spraying every square inch of the spread material with water to settle the dust and weigh down finer particles.
Junior’s Materials is ready to handle all your hauling and spreading needs. We’re one of the most trusted material hauling and material contractors in Central Texas, proudly serving property owners and other contractors in and around Austin. You can turn to us for decomposed granite in Austin, landscaping materials delivery, dump truck hauling, skid-steer operation, road base installation and more.
We have over a decade of experience in this industry, and our highly trained team works hard to fulfill your needs while helping you stay on schedule and within budget. Your satisfaction is our top priority, so you can rest assured we’ll work hard to deliver great results.
Call Junior’s Materials at (512)924-6887 for a free project quote today! You can also use our online contact form or email juniorsmaterials2@gmail.com to get in touch.
