Would you like to install crushed concrete on your driveway and are wondering if it is a good material to use? Nowadays, construction materials can be recycled and this includes concrete. Crushed concrete or recycled concrete aggregate has many uses, but can it be used as the main material for your driveway? Below, we will discuss what crushed concrete is as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using it for your driveway.
Does crushed concrete make a good driveway? Crushed Concrete is an ideal material for driveways. It is more affordable as compared to other materials like regular concrete, or asphalt. Crushed concrete is cost-effective, sustainable, and low maintenance. It will never crack over time so it can save you money on repairs.
Crushed concrete is a cheap alternative for driveways. On the other hand, there are limitations and disadvantages that you need to be aware of. For instance, if you want to have a stylish driveway, crush concrete is not your best option because it has a limited style. This material is best used for rural houses. Let us learn more about crushed concrete below.
What is Crushed Concrete?
Crushed concrete is recycled material from asphalt debris that comes from construction projects. It is reused for various applications like pathways, driveways, and more. Concrete that is removed from a demolished structure, sidewalk, road, or parking lot is deposited in a landfill. Take note that concrete is a non-biodegradable material and will not decompose. As a result, it can cause environmental problems.
The good thing is that crushed concrete is now recycled. By recycling crushed concrete, it helps reduce landfill overflow. Moreover, it also saves resources used to create new concrete. Recycled concrete can be crushed to specific sizes. It is then cleaned to get rid of unwanted debris.
Advantages of Crushed Concrete on Driveway
Crushed concrete has many advantages which include a good price, being environment-friendly, being easy to repair, and being widely available. Let us discuss more the advantages of crushed concrete on your driveway below.
Affordable
One of the main benefits of using crushed concrete on your driveway is that it is affordable. This material is recycled, so it is much cheaper as compared to pure concrete or other driveway materials. Moreover, the production process of crushed concrete requires less time consumption, less natural resources, and less processing and transport price. It is also easy and affordable to install so it is the best choice if you are working on a strict budget.
Environment-Friendly
Another advantage that you can get from crushed concrete is that it is environmentally friendly. Recycling concrete reduces the need to use natural resources. Moreover, less concrete will be dumped on landfills where they are left to sit and stay for a long time. Take note that concrete does not decompose, so recycling it is beneficial to the environment.
Easy to Repair
Driveways made from crushed concrete are easy to repair. Holes and ruts are easy to fix. There is no need to hire the services of a professional to do the repairs. Moreover, crushed concrete also provides better drainage for your driveway. When you use crushed concrete as a base layer for your drainage, it prevents erosion attacks.
Widely Available
Another advantage that you can get from crushed concrete is that it is widely available. You can rest assured that you will not run out of materials while working on your driveway project. Check your local stores for the price and quotation for your driveway installation.
Disadvantages of Crushed Concrete on Driveway
Crushed concrete also has its disadvantages which include pothole issues, permeability issues, aesthetic issues, and size. You need to take note of these disadvantages so you can decide if it is the right material for your driveway or not. Learn more about these disadvantages below.
Aesthetic Issues
One of the disadvantages of crushed concrete for driveways is that it will not look as beautiful on your driveway as other material does. It is not your best choice if you want to have an aesthetically pleasing driveway.
Potholes Issues
Another disadvantage that you will have to deal with if you use crushed concrete is pothole issues. Potholes and ruts can easily develop on crushed concrete. Because the concrete is recycled, it is not as strong as compared to fresh concrete. Hence, it is not recommended for heavy-duty use. If your driveway has heavy traffic, crushed concrete was used can easily dent and have potholes.
Permeability
You also have to deal with the permeability of crushed concrete. Take note that crushed concrete prevents water from going through it. Therefore, water will remain stagnant on the surface of your driveway. As a result, your driveway can easily rut. Moreover, snow can be a hassle to remove and clean because of the uneven surface. Using shovels or rollers can be a challenge.
Size
Another issue that you will have to deal with when using crushed concrete is size. As compared to fresh concrete, crushed concrete is usually available in the same sizes. Because of this, your options are limited. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses what size of gravel you need for your driveway. We have shared helpful tips that you can refer to.
Can You Install Crushed Concrete?
You can install crushed concrete in your driveway. It is easy to purchase and install. On the other hand, choosing the right type of crushed concrete can be challenging and you might need professional assistance. Bear in mind that the right size of crushed concrete plays an important role in the durability and quality of your driveway. The wrong size or type can result in erosion and drainage problems. If it is your first time installing crushed concrete, you should hire the services of a professional to ensure a proper job.
✅ Video – Crushed Concrete Driveway
Always Sharp shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to install a crushed concrete driveway. In the video, the step-by-step process of installing a concrete driveway from start to finish is discussed. Check out the video for the visual demonstration.
What is Recycled Crushed Concrete?
Recycled crushed concrete comes from whole concrete that is broken down from various structures. To break down the structures, industrial crushing equipment is used. Next, concrete is impacted again so that it can be crushed into smaller sizes. Once they are broken down, they go through a cleaning process to get rid of dirt, debris, and other particles. Next, they are separated into various sizes. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can pour concrete over crushed concrete. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How to Prevent Water Runoff from Washing Crushed Concrete?
To prevent water runoff from washing the crushed concrete, you need to make sure that you have a proper drainage system. You can do this by installing a french drain on your property. Moreover, you can also keep your crushed concrete in the right place by using proper materials.
Will Crushed Concrete Harden?
Through the years, crushed concrete can harden and compact. When this happens, it creates a smoother surface, and its height decreases. To maintain the height of the concrete, you can more layer every year. Furthermore, see to it that you immediately repair any damage on the concrete driveway as you notice it. For instance, damage such as depressions or thinning in some areas of the crushed concrete driveway needs to be addressed immediately. To do the repairs, you can use a shovel or a rake to level the crushed concrete. Add another level of concrete as you see fit. You can also check out this article that discusses if crushed concrete make a good driveway. We have shared helpful tips and ideas about the topic.
Does Crushed Concrete Pack Well?
Crushed concrete packs well. It does not get muddy when it gets wet so you do not have to worry when it rains. On the other hand, crushed concrete can be dusty during the dry season. You can add a thin layer of asphalt milling at the top of the crushed concrete to prevent it from dusting. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses what the best material for a driveway is. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How Much Does Crushed Concrete Cost?
The price of crushed concrete varies depending on some factors. It can be a bit expensive in some areas. The price usually ranges between 11 to 53 dollars per ton depending on the quantity that you purchase. However, it is still one of the cheapest materials that you can use for your driveway. Because it is recycled, it is also an eco-friendly solution that you can purchase. You can also check out this article titled, do all concrete driveways crack? We have shared helpful tips and information that you can refer to.
Is Crushed Concrete Dusty?
Crushed concrete can get dusty during the dry season. This can be a problem especially if someone in your family has dust allergies. Dust can also cause lung problems when inhaled repeatedly. Some homeowners choose to spread a thin layer of asphalt at the top of the crushed concrete to prevent dust. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can chip seal a gravel driveway. Read the article for more information.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if crushed concrete makes a good driveway. We have found out that crushed concrete is a cheap and environment-friendly material that you can have for your driveway. Moreover, we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages that you can get from this material. We hope that this article that we have shared has helped you learn more about crushed concrete and its benefits. Thank you for reading!