
If you're considering using Crush Run on your old concrete patio, there are a few things you should know. Crush Run, also known as Crusher Run, is a type of gravel that can be used as a base for paving projects like driveways, walkways, and patios. It's made up of tiny pieces of concrete and can be purchased at a lower cost than natural stones or fresh concrete. Using Crush Run can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but it may not be as strong or durable as other materials. Before using Crush Run, ensure that your sub-base is not made of heavy clay as this can cause the Crush Run to become muddy and wobbly. Additionally, consider using a clean aggregate and geotextile fabric to improve stability and prevent mixing with the subsoil. While Crush Run can be a great option for some projects, it's important to assess your specific needs and conditions to determine if it's the right choice for your old concrete patio.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | Crush and run is half the price of 3/4 gravel. |
Eco-friendliness | Using crush and run helps slow down the production of new concrete and frees up space in landfills. |
Durability | Crush and run is compactable and can lead to settlement under/of concrete and/or cracking of a slab. |
Ease of use | Crush and run is easier on buried plumbing than gravel. |
Drainage | Crush and run minimises puddles and mud patches. |
Maintenance | Crush and run requires minimal maintenance. |
What You'll Learn
- Crushed concrete is a popular, affordable and eco-friendly option for old patios
- It is made by crushing old concrete structures and can be used for fill, grade or stabilisation
- It is less durable than gravel and can create dust
- It is compactable and can be used as a base for new concrete
- It is not as strong as freshly poured concrete and may not look as nice
Crushed concrete is a popular, affordable and eco-friendly option for old patios
Crushed concrete is a popular, affordable, and eco-friendly option for old patios. It is made from recycled concrete structures like roads, sidewalks, curbs, buildings, and driveways. Using crushed concrete for your old patio can help you save money and reduce waste sent to landfills. It is also a versatile material that can be used for various projects, including pathways, driveways, drainage ditches, pond edges, foundations, and retaining walls.
One of the main benefits of using crushed concrete for your old patio is the price. As a recycled material, it is much cheaper than having fresh concrete poured and is more affordable than natural stones. It also helps slow down the production of new concrete and frees up space in landfills. Crushed concrete is also known for its versatility and can be used in conjunction with other paving materials. For example, you can use it to create a base for your patio and install your preferred surface materials on top.
Another advantage of using crushed concrete for your old patio is its eco-friendliness. By using this material, you can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and slow down the production of new concrete. It is also a more sustainable option compared to asphalt or concrete, which are non-porous and can impact the surrounding environment. Crushed concrete allows water to drain into the ground, acting as a strong barrier to protect the earth from damage.
In addition to its affordability and eco-friendliness, crushed concrete is also a durable option for your old patio. It provides structural strength and is known for its superior drainage and durability. It requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run.
Overall, crushed concrete is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, and durable option for their old patios. It is a versatile material that can be used in various projects and provides superior drainage and protection to the environment. By choosing crushed concrete, you can enjoy a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly solution for your old patio.
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It is made by crushing old concrete structures and can be used for fill, grade or stabilisation
Crusher run, also called crush and run, is a type of gravel that is commonly used as a base layer for patios and other construction projects. It is made by crushing old concrete structures and can be used for fill, grade, or stabilisation.
Crusher run is a blended mix of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate. The combination of both crushed stone and stone dust creates a low void content – that is, the space or air between the pieces of rock in a mix – which is valuable in concrete construction for its compaction ability and drainage characteristics. When compacted, it creates a strong and stable base that interlocks to minimise shifting and washing out.
Crusher run is typically used underneath concrete slabs, patios, driveways, sidewalks, and walkways. It ranges in sizes from half an inch to 4 inches with stone dust. The larger aggregate (coarse) measures up to 2 inches in diameter and down through a #200 sieve. At a depth of 2 inches, one ton of crusher run will cover 80 square feet.
Crusher run is often used as a base layer for patios and other construction projects. It is affordable and durable, and because it is made from recycled materials, it is also environmentally friendly. Using crusher run instead of gravel or stone is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. It can be up to 50% cheaper, allowing you to stretch your budget further and invest in other projects or new machinery.
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It is less durable than gravel and can create dust
Crush and run, also known as crusher run, is a type of gravel that can be used as a base for concrete slabs or as a top layer. It is made from crushed concrete and is a good option if you want to save money or be more environmentally friendly. However, it is important to note that it is less durable than gravel and can create dust.
When it comes to durability, crush and run is not as strong as the original concrete structure or stone. It can be compacted and will harden over time, but it may not be as strong, with some studies showing that recycled concrete has a strength between 90% and 70% compared to freshly poured concrete. This means that roads and driveways made with crush and run may be more susceptible to dents and potholes over time.
Another factor to consider is the creation of dust. Crush and run can create dust, which can stick to vehicles and cause them to become dirty. This is similar to loose gravel, which can also spread and thin easily, requiring regular maintenance to keep your driveway or patio even and free of bare spots and ruts.
To reduce the amount of dust created by crush and run, it is recommended to stabilise it with porous pavements or plastic pavers. This will also help to improve the durability and reduce the maintenance required, as the pavers will keep the crush and run contained and prevent it from spreading or thinning.
Overall, while crush and run is a more affordable and eco-friendly option, it may require more maintenance and is less durable than gravel. If you decide to use it for your project, be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure it is properly installed and stabilised.
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It is compactable and can be used as a base for new concrete
Crush and run, also known as crusher run, is a type of gravel that is commonly used as a base layer for other construction materials. It is often made from crushed stone, rock, or concrete and is well-known for its affordability and compactability. Due to its compactable nature, crush and run can be used as a base layer for new concrete.
When using crush and run as a base for new concrete, it is important to ensure that it is fully compacted to prevent any settlement or cracking in the concrete slab. This can be achieved by compacting the crush and run in layers, or "lifts", to create a sturdy and stable base. It is also recommended to use a geotextile fabric between the soil and the crush and run to prevent mixing and ensure a strong foundation.
One of the benefits of using crush and run as a base for new concrete is its affordability. It is often cheaper than other gravel options, such as 3/4" gravel, making it a cost-effective choice for construction projects. Additionally, crush and run is made from recycled materials, such as demolished concrete, which helps reduce waste and lower the environmental impact of construction projects.
When using crush and run, it is important to consider the subsoil conditions. In areas with heavy clay subsoil, it may be necessary to add a layer of clean aggregate and lime to improve the bearing capacity of the soil. This will help ensure that the crush and run base is stable and less prone to shifting or settling.
Overall, crush and run is a compactable material that can be used as a base layer for new concrete. By following proper installation techniques and considering the specific site conditions, crush and run can provide a sturdy and affordable foundation for concrete construction projects.
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It is not as strong as freshly poured concrete and may not look as nice
Using crush and run, or crusher run, which is a mix of stone, gravel, and dust, is a less expensive way to pave a patio or a driveway. It is often used as a top layer and fills the space between irregular stones. It is also used as a base layer, with gravel or another material on top.
Crusher run is a less expensive alternative to gravel and other types of stone. It is made from the leftover materials from paving projects and crushing down old concrete into smaller pieces. It is a smart way to save money and reduce waste, as it is often bought at a discount and keeps concrete from being dumped in a landfill.
However, crusher run is not as strong as freshly poured concrete and may not look as nice. It is compactable and can be spread and thinned easily, requiring constant maintenance to even out bare spots and ruts. It also creates dust, which can stick to vehicles. Crusher run might also not be as durable as freshly poured concrete. Some studies show that the strength of recycled concrete is between 90% and 70% compared to freshly poured concrete. It is important to check the quality and grade of recycled concrete before using it to ensure it is safe and will last.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, crush and run can be used instead of gravel for your concrete patio. However, it is important to note that crush and run is compactable, so there is a chance of settlement or cracking of the slab. To prevent this, ensure that it is fully compacted in lifts, layer by layer.
Crush and run is a cost-effective alternative to gravel or stone, often being up to 50% cheaper. It is also more environmentally friendly as it keeps concrete from being dumped in landfills and reduces the need for new mining or extraction of natural materials.
One potential downside of using crush and run for your concrete patio is that it may not be as strong as the original concrete structure or stone. It is important to check the quality and grade of the material before use to ensure it is safe and durable. Additionally, it may create dust and require more maintenance to keep the surface level.
To use crush and run for your concrete patio, it is recommended to stabilize it with porous pavements. Excavate your driveway to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and lay a piece of fabric at the bottom to prevent concrete migration and serve as a weed block. Then, pour and compact the crush and run, filling it to the brim. Snap empty pavers into place over the top and pour more crush and run into the paver cells to weigh them down and prevent movement.