New Haven County is in the central part of Connecticut. It is the home of Yale University and the second-largest city in Connecticut. The residents of New Haven County have access to top cultural, medical, historical, and teaching facilities. Meanwhile, many educational, commercial, and residential buildings are built every year. And stone gravel is used to fill construction sites, make concrete, and create foundations for new roads. That being said, finding a stone gravel supplier in New Haven County, CT, is not a problem, as the construction industry has the largest market for stone gravel. Meanwhile, gravel is used in landscaping, making driveways, pathways, and outdoor patios. It is also used in place of mulch because it ensures moisture retention in the soil and prevents evaporation.

Gravel

Gravel is a crushed stone made of rock fragments, while the stones used for gravel are limestone, sandstone, and basalt. Natural gravel is found in riverbeds and streams, and mining companies make gravel in places where naturally crushed stones are not found. Meanwhile, construction-grade stone gravel is made by breaking down large rocks into small irregular-shaped stones with a durable surface.

Stone gravel is available in two forms – granular (coarse) and pebble (fine), while residential and commercial constructions use fine gravel, and railways use coarse gravel.

Gravel in Construction

Gravel is available in many colors like gray, black, red, and white. It is strong, sturdy and easy to work with, and great material for building driveways. It is environmentally friendly because it allows water to pass through it and into the ground below. This way, water doesn’t enter the drainage system and ends in local water basins.

Choosing gravel of the right size and shape for construction is essential for the stone to hold together properly. And gravel manufacturers have stones in different sizes and shapes to suit the customers’ needs.

Gravel in Concrete

A typical concrete mix has around 60 to 80% sand and gravel, while the amount of sand and gravel in the concrete composition determines its strength and mixture. It acts as a filler and adds more volume to the concrete. And without the sand and gravel, the concrete mix becomes a different product.

The size of the stone determines the concrete’s strength. As such, fine gravel gives a smooth surface, and coarse gravel doesn’t provide an even look, but it is more robust.

Uses of Stone Gravel

Drainage: Surfaces covered by gravel have space between them to drain water and moisture, and people use it in areas where drainage is required. Even home yards can use it for areas that need drainage.

Driveways and roads: Gravel is used in paved roads as a foundation for asphalt and to design cost-effective driveways. People choose gravel colors that match the landscaping.

Landscaping: Gravel offers an affordable way of landscaping. Meanwhile, mulch allows grass and weeds to grow on flower beds, and gravel prevents the growth of weeds and grass. Moreover, it is cost-effective and easy to maintain.

Walkways: The use of right gravel can make the walkways comfortable. Rounded stone has smooth edges, and they do not hurt the underfoot area.

Winter traction: Gravel and sand are great options to walk around safely in winter. The sand and gravel mixture makes sidewalks and driveways safe to use, as they help people to walk safely on slippery surfaces.

Erosion control: Gravel helps in erosion control, and it is helpful in areas like hill slopes where there is a potential for mudslides. It is placed directly into the eroded area to reduce the water flow. This way, the soil latches onto the gravel and stays in place.

Any stone gravel supplier in New Haven County, CT, will have all types of gravel to meet clients’ requirements. And as you know by now, gravel is an essential material in the construction industry and for designing driveways, patios, paved roads, and decorative landscaping. People construct buildings throughout the year, and stone gravel is needed in all construction sites.