Whether you’re laying a driveway or building a patio, one thing’s for certain — you need a decent sub-base material to get started.
If you’re wondering which aggregate works best for sub-base construction, then read on. In this article, we’ll cover what the main sub-base aggregates are and how to use them in your project.
What is a sub-base aggregate?
A sub-base aggregate is a load-bearing aggregate layer that lies below surface layers, such as paving, patios, roads, car parks, driveways, lawns, and other features. It usually lies between this top layer and the sub-grade layer, otherwise known as the underlying ground.
What are the benefits of a sub-base?
You might be wondering if it’s necessary to lay a sub-base for your particular project. Here are some good reasons why you shouldn’t bypass this step:
- Spreads the surface load evenly over a wider area, guarding against any shifting, sinking or other movement. Therefore, failure to lay a sub-base can lead to damage and cracks appearing in the surface over time.
- Provides excellent drainage and prevents pooling on the surface.
- Provides a strong, stable and supportive layer on which to begin constructing a patio, road, driveway etc.
- May provide a barrier to weed growth.
Now we’ll take a look at the main types of sub-base aggregates available to you, along with the key traits and applications of each.
Types of sub-base aggregates
There are many types of sub-base aggregates, and below are the main types that are most widely available and recommended.
- MOT Type 1: A multi-purpose aggregate which consists of crushed limestone gravel. Its excellent load-bearing ability means it can be used for a range of purposes, particularly in construction projects where weight-bearing qualities are essential. This includes road sublayers, car parks, driveways, pathways, and much more.
- Ironstone Type 1: A crushed ironstone rock, this hardcore aggregate is ideal for sub-base uses, thanks to its ability to compact very easily. It should not be used for highways and is instead widely used for equestrian areas and walkways.
- Ballast: A blend of gravel and sharp sand, ballast is ideal for sub-bases, foundations and footings. Created from crushed stone, ballast is an incredibly hard-wearing option widely used in construction projects and domestic applications, such as driveway laying.
- Recycled Type 1: An eco-friendly sub-base option, recycled type 1 is sourced sustainably from our very own quarry here at Chargrace Soils. With superb load-bearing capacity, it is a multi-functional choice for building and road sub-bases
- Road planings: Formed as a byproduct of road resurfacing, road planings are also known as road scalpings. Hard-wearing and cost-effective, they are an affordable choice for many applications including certain sub-base and void-filling jobs However, you should ask your contractors whether planings are the most suitable sub-base choice for your particular task.
Would you like some sub-base aggregates for your project? We’re here to help.
Order any volume of high-quality aggregates straight to your door with Chargrace Soils. We’re the leading supplier of landscaping materials for Kent, Bromley and Sevenoaks, providing both loose load and bulk bags for flexibility. With a wide range of sub-bases available, we’ll help get your project started straight away. Get in touch today.
