Recycled Concrete - A Better Choice than Stone or Brick

by Vaibhav Maheshwari SEO Manager

When it comes to building homes, most builders make the common mistake of Recycled Concrete instead of using a more sustainable alternative. Unfortunately, the use of concrete is not environmentally sound. Concrete is one of the most destructive and pollution-producing materials. As it is poured into new construction, thousands of gallons of water are used to create a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Not only does this waste add to landfill waste, but the chemicals used in the combination can cause serious health problems.

If architects look for solutions that will benefit society, they should consider LEED concrete-certified construction waste and demolition. By utilizing recycled concrete, builders will not be adding to the growing problem of landfills. Instead, they will be replacing the garbage with a product that has many positive environmental benefits.

One significant benefit is improvement in building quality. A builder will know that the concrete he is using is better for the environment with a LEED certification. There are three major components to the composition of recycled aggregates. The first component is cement, which makes up about forty percent of the material. The second component is sand, and the third component is a natural compound called "compressional strength."

Most Recycled Concrete manufacturers choose the natural compound because it is less expensive than the synthetic counterpart. By using the natural compressional strength, the manufacturers will use the same amount of concrete while reducing the amount of water added to the mixture. Also, most recycled aggregate materials can be purchased at a much lower price than other products. This allows builders to take advantage of the low prices, which will help reduce the costs to the consumer.

In addition to helping the environment, some of these products will also allow the builder to take advantage of some tax incentives. For example, most counties have a regional materials credit to help builders who use recycled concrete aggregate at a certain percentage point. These credits vary from county to county, so it is essential to check with your county government to find out if you qualify for this credit. If you do qualify, you may also be eligible for state or local government rebates.

In addition to helping the environment, recycled concrete rebates can also provide some construction contractors with financial relief. These rebates typically range between ten to twenty percent of the contractor's cost for the project. Also, if the building is being constructed under a contract with the local government, the contractor will often receive a share of the savings. In short, by using recycled aggregates, builders can reduce their overall costs. In addition, they may also be eligible for some or all of the rebates provided by the government.

There are two kinds of Recycled Concrete available on the construction market - traditional aggregates and virgin aggregates. While conventional aggregates are made from natural materials such as sand, they are not nearly as eco-friendly as the pure types. Pure concrete is made from a mixture of rock and recycled concrete, with the aggregate portion removed. This material does not offer the same compressive strength or other essential properties provided by the natural aggregate, making it a poor choice for high-traffic areas and commercial structures. It may even reduce the structural quality of the system.

Recycled Concrete is much more durable and reliable, allowing builders to use them in place of natural stone or wood, asphalt, gravel, and many other commonly used building materials. Not only does this improve the structural quality of the building, but it reduces the need for the expensive replacement of costly stone or brick materials. In addition, the porous nature of recycled concrete allows water to easily permeate the surface, making the use of such porous paving materials more desirable throughout the life of the building. With the improved permeability of recycled concrete, water drainage can help reduce flooding in areas where stormwater is usually a problem.