When it comes to building a concrete porch or driveway, simply laying down the slabs is not enough. In fact, the experts at B & R Sand & Gravel suggest laying down a layer of crushed stone before installing concrete slabs. As Gales Ferry, CT’s most trusted gravel suppliers, their team emphasizes using a crushed stone base for the following reasons.

Gravel Suppliers Share Benefits of Using Crushed Stone Under Concrete

1. Help Level the Ground

Starting the installation process with a layer of crushed stone helps level the ground and gives you an even surface to work on. Pouring concrete without a firm stone base will cause it to crack and erode over time. The stone layer also helps create a barrier between the slabs and the surrounding plant growth. It prevents tree roots from breaking into the concrete structure and damaging it.

2. Promote Water Drainage

Being a porous material, concrete tends to absorb moisture from rain and other water sources. Without a proper form of drainage, the water can keep accumulating around the concrete, compromising its integrity and causing the structure to erode. Experienced gravel suppliers advise using crushed stone beneath the concrete to deter water accumulation. The stone crevices provide an easy exit route for water, preventing it from pooling under the concrete. Moreover, crushed stone adds a protective underlayment that keeps water from touching the concrete slab.

3. Prevent Concrete Cracks

Installing concrete slabs can be a major investment, so an unsightly crack on the surface is the last thing you want to encounter. Often, concrete structures crack when the earth beneath them shifts and exposes their weak footing. These situations can be prevented simply by adding crushed stone before pouring concrete. Crushed stone provides much-needed stability to clay or sandy soils, keeping them tightly compacted and resistant to shifting.

Give your concrete floors a solid foundation with help from a trusted local crushed stone supplier. The experienced staff at B & R Sand & Gravel are dedicated to providing high-quality raw materials to clients throughout Gales Ferry and the surrounding areas. For information about crushed aggregate or other construction materials, get in touch with these gravel suppliers at (860) 464-7368 or visit their website.