Aggregates are essential for any DIY or building project. They are not only a crucial ingredient in concrete and screed but also for sub-bases and plastering, rendering and drainage systems. Rated Builders London is a group of highly skilled and professional tradesmen who are dedicated to providing top-quality services. We are the most trusted London builders.
This article will discuss some of the key players in your project’s success. Why not get a butcher?
10mm Shingle
Characteristics: Also known as pea gravel, 10mm Shingle Stones are small and colorful, which can add a little pizzazz to your garden. You can use it for drainage purposes as well as other practical uses, since water can easily flow through the cracks.
What’s it used for?
- Decorative outdoor landscaping
- Borders & flowerbeds
- Driveways and pathways
- Drainage, soakaways, and pipe beds
- Shingle 20mm
Characteristics: 20mm shingle is slightly larger than pea gravel and can be used as bedding for large pipes, driveways, or to mix with cement to create concrete. Because of the large gaps between stones, water can reach the voids faster than it is saturated. This makes it an important player in drainage applications. It is also less likely that it will scatter than 10mm. This is something to keep in mind.
What’s it used for?
- Bedding for large pipes
- Decorative outdoor landscaping e.g. Flower beds
- Driveways
- Concrete can be made by combining cement and concrete
- Coarse Sharp Sand
Characteristics: The clue is in the name. This sand contains coarse particles that are more angular, sharp, and heavier than the other types.
What’s it used for?
- Paving
- Driveways
- Block Laying
- A mix of concrete and screed
- Fine, sharp sand
Characteristics: Fine sharp sand has a finer grain that its coarse counterpart. This makes it ideal for rendering and plastering where a smoother finish may be required.
What’s it used for?
- Plastering
- Rendering
- Pointing
- Dry-packing
- Soft Sand
Characteristics: Also known as bricklaying sand or building sand, this aggregate looks almost like it has come from the shore. Close-up, you can see that the grains are smooth and round. This makes it great for rendering and plastering, but it is most commonly used for brickwork.
What’s it used for?
- Bricklaying and blockwork
- Pointing
- Plastering, rendering
- Landscaping/gardening
- MOT Type 1
Characteristics: MOT Type 1 is a multi-purpose crushed stone aggregate that can be used in a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. It is made up of limestone, granite, concrete and other types of stones. It is possible to find a variety of particle sizes, from small dust particles to larger and more granular stones. It is a stable and load-bearing aggregate that is ideal for sub-bases.
What’s it used for?
- Sub-bases are used for driveways and patios.
- Back fills and trench fills
- High-traffic areas