A retaining wall is necessary for any landscape project. 

Without them, shorelines will quickly erode or flood, and gardens become overgrown with weeds.

The most popular type of retaining wall is the traditional concrete block style that has been around since the 1950s.

However, plenty of other options are available. One such option is a type of limestone called rip rap.

This bulky stone offers an array of benefits. When used as a retaining wall, it’s:

1. Aesthetically pleasing

A rip rap retaining wall is an attractive way to add some interest and excitement to your yard or city shoreline. The irregular shapes of the stones give it a more natural, rustic look that complements a variety of styles.

2. Eco-friendly

Because limestone can be obtained from quarries, it has less environmental impact than other materials like concrete and steel. It is also a sedimentary rock, which means that it’s formed over time from the weathering of other rocks.

The process of obtaining limestone does not involve chemical treatments or strong acids like some materials do. It helps to protect the environment and human health during and after its creation.

In addition, limestone is a natural sponge that absorbs water. This makes it an especially good choice for areas like the South that experience heavy rainfall and hurricanes.

3. Great for protection against the elements and erosion

Thanks to its irregular shape, rip rap can be useful in more urban areas to protect buildings from heavy rains and flooding. It also prevents soil at construction sites from getting washed away by rainfall or runoff water that carries mud and silt into nearby waterways.

4. Long-lasting

Rip rap is a long-lasting material that can remain in your landscape for many years. Since it’s made from limestone, you can also rely on this material for its strength and durability. Unlike certain materials like cinder blocks, rip rap will not break down over time.

In addition, the limestone itself has been around since prehistoric times and will likely be here until another type of rock comes along to replace it. This provides an excellent return on investment compared with materials like wood or plastic which need replacing every few decades.

5. Easy to maintain

One of the final benefits of rip rap is that it’s easy to maintain. Unlike traditional concrete block walls, you don’t need to replace these stones since they’re not attached together with mortar or cement.

Instead, each stone rests on top of the other and can be removed when necessary (if repairs are needed or if you want to create a new design).

In addition, the irregular shapes and sizes of rip rap makes it easy to find just what you need for your project, whether that’s one large piece or several smaller ones. This is unlike many other types of retaining wall stone which are sold in pre-cut pieces.

Port Aggregates offers three types of rip rap: 10lb rip rap (6-10”), 30lb rip rap, and 55lb rip rap. Whether your goal is to prevent erosion or simply create a garden, we’ve got just what you need. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in numerous sizes to suit your special needs. Contact us today to request a quote

The post 5 Reasons to Choose a Rip Rap Retaining Wall appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Around the world, concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in construction.

From concrete patios and walls, to intricate fountains and fireplaces, this versatile material is perfect for any project in your home or business.

In this blog post, we will discuss four reasons why concrete should be the building material you choose for your next project.

1. Strength and Resilience

The secret to concrete’s durability is all in the science. When cement is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs. This reaction bonds the two substances together rather than just holding them together. The resulting chemical bond prevents concrete from crumbling, breaking apart, or pitting. 

Concrete’s strength and durability allow it to withstand even the most extreme conditions, such as underwater environments, deserts, and extremely cold climates. It’s one of the most fire-resistant materials, and doesn’t burn like wood or other organic fixtures.

Not only is concrete strong, but it also gets stronger as it ages–unlike other construction materials that erode over time. This process is called hardening, and it occurs as a result of the formation of calcium silicate hydrate as the cement continues to hydrate. The integrity of concrete can last for decades. On average, you can expect concrete to last three times longer than most building materials.

2. Low Maintenance

Once concrete is poured and set, the job is pretty much complete. Unlike other building materials, concrete requires little to no maintenance; there’s no need to worry about discoloration or laborious upkeep. 

3. Versatility

Concrete can be applied in numerous ways — hand-applied, sprayed, pumped, poured, and more. When freshly mixed, it is malleable enough to be poured and molded into anything. Builders can even replicate the appearance of wood or bricks by stamping the concrete.

You’re really only limited by your own imagination when you pour concrete. From stamping designs to creating elaborate patterns, there are endless design possibilities, making it a first choice for many builders.

4. Affordability

One of the greatest benefits of concrete is its affordability. Because concrete can be poured into just about any shape or size, it does not require extra materials to maintain its form. As a result, the overall cost of your project will be significantly less than if you were trying to work with other building materials such as tile or stone.

On top of that, concrete’s low maintenance combined with its durability reduce the overall operating costs and insurance. Even after disasters, rebuilds are a lot less cost exhaustive than they are with other materials.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, versatile, and long-term solution, concrete is the best material for the job, and our dedicated experts here at Port Aggregates have you covered. Contact us today to start your next concrete project!

The post 4 Reasons Why You Should Use Concrete in Your Next Project appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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For the majority of south and east coast residents, the fear of hurricane season is at the forefront of their minds.

As global warming continues to worsen, we can anticipate these storms to get progressively stronger over time.

Understandably, this creates a great amount of fear for everyone and likely leaves you wondering what you can do to prevent damage the next time around.

When building a house in these hurricane-prone areas, you should always talk to your contractor about your options. They will likely present to you two choices: wood and precast concrete

The benefits of both materials are endless, but there are also disadvantages to consider.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of each material, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

Wood

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of wood is that it’s a relatively cheap material compared to precast concrete. It can be made from a variety of resources, such as bamboo or cedar, which will make it more eco-friendly in the long term. Wood is also easier to alter and transport if you’re not happy with the structure of your home once it’s built.

Cons

Wood does not stand up well against high winds in a storm. Not to mention, it will only add fuel to the fire if you live in an area where forest fires are common. Wood structures may also have to be replaced more often than precast concrete and other building materials, thanks to decay from termites or other natural occurrences.

Precast Concrete

Pros

Precast concrete is stronger, heavier, and more durable than wood when it comes to withstanding bad storms or hurricanes. There are also a variety of precast concrete materials to choose from, which can allow you to get creative with your architectural design.

Concrete lasts for decades against all forces of nature, is a better insulator than wood, and is resistant to termites.

Cons

Unfortunately, concrete isn’t technically environmentally-friendly, but this is the sacrifice you’ll have to make to save your house during a hurricane.

Precast concrete is also more expensive and time-consuming than wood structures during the building process, but you truly get what you pay for in this industry.

If you’re looking for a material that will withstand a hurricane, then precast concrete is your best bet. At Port Aggregates, we offer the highest quality concrete in the state, which is why we’ve been a trusted industry professional for over 40 years. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Building a Home in a Hurricane-Prone Area: What You Need to Know appeared first on Port Aggregates.