5 Benefits of Using Sand and Aggregates in Construction

1. 5 Benefits of Using Sand and Aggregates in Construction Most people know that sand and aggregates are used in construction, but many do not realize how important it is to use the right type of sand and aggregates in your project. For example, many contractors do not know that the size of your aggregate can affect the strength of your structure! In order to make sure you are using sand and aggregates properly, here are five benefits to using these materials. 1) Save Time Quickly put together a building or foundation with concrete, saving you time and money. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that using concrete is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to build or repair a structure, mostly because it requires very little energy to produce. Plus, concrete reduces wear on your carpet by up to 70 percent since there are no moving parts—you won’t have to worry about rusted screws or worn-out floors. Concrete can be used both indoors and outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about rusting pipes or broken welds. If your floor is cracked but you’re not ready for a renovation yet, simply pour some concrete into existing cracks; once it dries, it will harden into a single block again! 2) Save Money

2. One of the biggest benefits to using sand is that it will help save you money on concrete. Since sand contains smaller particles than gravel, it makes for a smoother material that’s less likely to crack or chip with age. By replacing some of your gravel or stone aggregates with sand, you’ll be able to save yourself money on materials while also improving your final product. And since customers are more inclined to pay more for an aesthetically pleasing building than they are for one that looks a little worse for wear, adding sand can be one way to make sure your customer base is happy both today and in years down the road. 3) Environmental Considerations The use of sand as a construction material has grown exponentially over recent years, with Australia being one of the world's biggest consumers. However, little is known about how much sand is extracted from our ocean floors each year and how much damage is done to these environments when we do. Use aggregates wisely by using only those that have been mined or dredged locally to avoid contributing to unnecessary environmental destruction. This not only reduces transportation costs but also ensures your project uses local labour. 4) Flexibility in Designs Sand and aggregates allow for a tremendous amount of flexibility in home designs. If you’re looking to build a sprawling mansion, you can use large amounts of sand and aggregates to create more open floor plans with high ceilings. Alternatively, if you’re seeking more privacy, using small amounts can still be effective for creating visual separation between rooms. Additionally, it may help control your budget as certain types of concrete or masonry have greater strength than others depending on what type or mix of sand or aggregates are used. 5) Skilled Labor Isn’t Required There’s a perception that concrete work requires craftsmen or laborers who are skilled in applying mortar to an existing structure. But, using ready-mix concrete doesn’t require advanced skill sets. Ready-mix is a ready for use product that requires no mixing—just dump it into place. That means you can save on labor costs by choosing pre-mixed concrete, which is usually sold from large containers similar to those used for hauling dirt or sand from construction sites. Just be sure to add water before use and thoroughly stir it up—if you don’t do so, you could end up with uneven areas on your new patio or walkway because of settling over time.