“It is estimated that over one billion tons of sediment pollute the waters of the United States each year.” — Watershed Council, Understanding, Living With, and Controlling Shoreline Erosion: A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners Third Edition (The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 2019)

Shoreline Erosion also creates issues for property owners, aside from hurting the lake environment. Property value is extremely dependent on controlling shoreline erosion. “One of the most obvious impacts, and perhaps that of greatest concern to many shoreline property owners, is the loss of valuable waterfront property. Given the high value of shoreline property, recession of just one foot of shore along a 100-foot lot can represent a loss of more than $9,000 on a cost-per-square-foot basis. This does not take into account the potential damage to, or loss of, near- shore buildings and other structures,” according to WatershedCouncil.org (Understanding, Living With, and Controlling Shoreline Erosion: A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners Third Edition).

In recent years, we’ve seen beaches all but disappearing. When property owners try to control shoreline erosion with the wrong methods, they can actually make the problems worse for themselves and their neighbors. In this article, we’re going to walk you through some of the main causes of shoreline erosion, what’s happening currently with shoreline erosion and the Great Lakes, how to prevent shoreline erosion, and what steps you can take to fix it the right way.

What are the Causes of Shoreline Erosion?

There are three main factors that lead to shoreline erosion. These are:

1. Natural Terrestrial (Land) Forces
2. Natural Aquatic (Water) Forces
3. Human Influences

Natural Causes of Erosion

Many natural forces can lead to shoreline erosion. These include things like wind erosion, frost action, soil creep, and slumping. These are all issues that can be (mostly) addressed by properly landscaping your property under the advisement of a professional. When landscaping your property, keep in mind groundwater movement, wind, and temperature changes. We have several available resources on proper drainage methods.

Water is an extremely powerful source of erosion, and — depending on where you live — can come in many different forms. In Michigan, erosion can happen because of waves, storms, and changing water levels. Here are some of the aquatic forces that lead to erosion:

1. Splash: Precipitation and storm water hitting loose soil cause heavy displacement depending on the slope of the property.
2. Waves: Waves caused by boats or natural causes can displace loose soil when the soil composition isn’t right for the area and natural vegetation has been removed.
3. Ice: When lakes freeze and then melt, sheets of ice are pushed up onto the shore. This is occurring more and more frequently as water levels rise.
4. Storm Water: As storm water moves over loose soil, layers of the soil are removed/displaced in “sheets” leading to something called “Sheet Erosion.”

Human Influences on Shoreline Erosion

Human influences also cause shoreline erosion to happen. This is often referred to as “accelerated erosion” which happens much faster than natural erosion and is much more challenging to reverse. Sometimes, people who are trying to help control shoreline erosion are actually causing much more damage in the process.

According to the Watershed Council’s guidebook on shoreline erosion: Understanding, Living With, and Controlling Shoreline Erosion: A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners Third Edition, “many erosion control projects which have been constructed are either inappropriate or ineffective…” (The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 2019).

Changing the elevation of a property using level control structures raises lake levels so that the shore is more directly impacted by waves and other natural forces.

Removing vegetation in order to create more visibility and access to the water not only destroys many natural habitats, but gets rid of the natural erosion control that plants and tree roots offer.

When people install impervious surfaces like driveways or structures, that surface area is now unable to absorb water from precipitation. This precipitation will therefore begin to collect in pools and cause erosion instead of absorbing into the soil naturally.

According to the Michigan Shoreline Partnership, the “two most destructive actions” that lead to shoreline erosion are removing natural vegetation and building seawalls or “hardening of the shoreline” in any way (Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, 2019).

1. Vegetation Removal

   Plant roots create a natural barrier to shoreline erosion by protecting the soil and holding it in place. When property owners remove this vegetation and replace it with a grass lawn, they are destroying that barrier and causing accelerated erosion to occur. Aquatic plant removal can have the same effect. Shallow lakes tend to have more aquatic plants near the shore. These plants help protect the shoreline from erosion by reducing a wave’s energy before it comes in contact with the shore. When too many aquatic plants are removed, the ecosystem in the lake is not only damaged, but the full erosive force of waves is able to hit the shoreline and cause damage there too.

2. How Seawalls Make Erosion Worse

   A “seawall” is any type of hard “wall” installed along the shore that is intended to prevent waves from hitting the shore. Seawalls can be constructed from materials like concrete, rock, or wood. When property owners install these walls hoping to control the erosion of their beaches, they actually cause more problems. Seawalls create barriers for wildlife like turtles, which disturbs the ecosystem. Ecosystem disturbances are not only issues for wildlife, but can cause the entire lake to have issues and become less enjoyable for lakefront residents too.

Seawalls also prevent the absorption of wave energy. When a wave hits a wall — rather than vegetation or soil — the energy is not absorbed, and therefore, is directed elsewhere. Usually, it goes downward toward the lake bottom, where it “scoops” out the soil there. This event is called “scour.” Scouring leads to more habitat loss AND makes the lake deeper until the seawall is no longer viable and the water undercuts it. Scouring also makes the water cloudy, algae-filled, and all together much less pleasant for lake life and people.

Not only do seawalls mess with the lake, but they also mess with neighbors. A phenomena called “wave flanking” happens when a wave hits a seawall and is directed sideways instead of downwards. The wave redirects toward neighboring property which causes erosion damage to those beaches. You can see how this causes somewhat of a domino effect. When one seawall is installed, neighboring seawalls are required to handle the wave flanking, and a vicious and unnatural cycle continues to wreak havoc on the lakes.

To see wave flanking in action, check out this video made by the Watershed Council here.

Great Lakes Shoreline Erosion

Inland lakes, rivers, and streams are not the only ones affected by natural and accelerated erosion. Our Great Lakes are also suffering from shoreline erosion. Here in Michigan we are lucky enough to have over 3,000 miles of beautiful shoreline along the Great Lakes. Each year, we notice a little bit more of these beaches are gone. This is a natural occurrence that happens because lakes are not static, they are constantly changing environments. While this type of erosion is natural, it can cause issues for property owners whose property value can be destroyed after one powerful storm.

Overview and History of Beaches and Erosion

As most of us know, we can thank ancient glaciers for carving out our Great Lakes, but it didn’t all happen at once. There were many glacial advances that slowly sculpted our stunning shores. The different movements of these glaciers can been seen in the exposed dunes and bluffs along the water. Like the everchanging Great Lakes, these shoreline features are living, and differ from season to season. Natural erosion is one reason for these changes. The different glacial movements overtime led to different soil types in different regions. In the north, for example, the shore is composed mainly of rock vs. sand because the glacier was very erosive and removed all other sand/soil leaving only erosion-resistant rock. Overtime, even these strong rocks can be displaced and worn down by repetitive waves.

Throughout their existence, the Great Lakes have withstood rapid and extreme changes that have altered our beaches. Temperature changes can bring the lakes from entirely frozen to swimmable in a matter of months. As discussed above, ice forming, melting and reforming can lead to natural erosion. Lake levels rise and fall throughout the years due to storms covering and uncovering beaches. Strong winds from weather systems have added contributed to eroding shores. Human influences like construction, vegetation removal, boating, and more have also altered the landscape as well as wave and wind patterns that contribute to erosion.

All of these factors have caused our beaches to look dramatically different decade to decade and even year to year. “On at least five occasions, Lakes Michigan and Huron rose or fell more than three feet (one meter) in about a year and a half. In about the same interval, Lake Erie rose nearly three feet in 1991-1993 and dropped about three feet in 1930-1931 and 1986-1988. In 1930-1931, Lake St. Clair dropped 3.8 feet (1.2 meters) in eight months.” (Michigan.gov, 2019)

Lake Michigan Shoreline Erosion — What’s happening currently?

Homes along Lake Michigan are being damaged and completely demolished due to record high water levels this year. Powerful storms are destroying beaches, taking out staircases and decks, and ruining property values. This year, we saw the most destructive storm in over 30 years according to mLive (mlive.com, 2019). Unfortunately, this is part of living on the water.

Panicked residents have been requesting permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install seawalls to try to protect their homes, however, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have been looking for better erosion solutions.

Effects of Shoreline Erosion

The effects of shoreline erosion on homeowners, wildlife, and public beaches this year have been much more visible. While shoreline erosion is expected, natural, and part of living in and around the Great Lakes, accelerated erosion can make life along the lakes extremely challenging.

Shoreline Erosion Effects on Homeowners

We briefly discussed this quote from the Watershed Council in the introduction: “Given the high value of shoreline property, recession of just one foot of shore along a 100-foot lot can represent a loss of more than $9,000 on a cost-per-square-foot basis. This does not take into account the potential damage to, or loss of, near- shore buildings and other structures,” according to WatershedCouncil.org (Understanding, Living With, and Controlling Shoreline Erosion: A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners Third Edition).” It’s clear that erosion can not only cause financial problems for property owners, but can put them and their assets in danger.

Shoreline Erosion Effects on Wildlife

Natural Erosion is a part of life for aquatic wildlife and vegetation, however accelerated erosion due to vegetation removal, boats, and seawall installation can disturb the natural ecosystem in the Great Lakes and inland lakes in Michigan. Disruptions to ecosystems not only negatively affect the wildlife, but cause problems like cloudy water and algae overgrowth, which make the lake unpleasant for people too.

How to Prevent and Control Shoreline Erosion

There are some ways that you can protect your Great Lakes waterfront property without causing more harm to the natural environment. The Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy offers tons of great resources on the best ways to do so here. These resources outline what is and isn’t legal when it comes to erosion control. Be warned, this isn’t light reading. If you’re not sure where to start with this, we recommend consulting a professional team.

Seawalls

Seawalls are any type of hard “wall” structure, typically made of concrete or stone, installed along the shore to redirect wave energy and prevent the full force of waves from hitting the shore and causing natural erosion. While seawalls can temporarily stop natural shoreline erosion, they cause as many (or more) problems than they solve. Seawalls do not absorb wave energy, but instead, redirect it.

There are two paths wave energy usually takes after hitting a seawall. The first path is downward toward the lake bottom. When this happens, scouring also happens. As explained above, scouring is when redirected wave energy moves downward and “scoops” out the lake bottom. In addition to harming wildlife and their ecosystems, scouring makes the water deeper. Overtime the water becomes deep enough to undercut the seawall, rendering it ineffective.

Secondly, wave energy can also be directed at an angle, causing “wave flanking.” Wave flanking is when redirected wave energy moves toward neighboring properties. If one property installs a seawall, wave flanking will almost force neighbors to install seawalls, creating a vicious cycle of environmental damage and ineffective, short term erosion control. In short, seawalls create environmental problems and don’t work long term.

Rip Rap Rock Revetment

Rip Rap Rock is large rock used to help prevent shoreline erosion. While rip rap tends to be a pricier solution, it’s a great choice since it is long-term and environmentally friendly. Often, rocks naturally lie along shorelines and help control natural erosion by absorbing wave energy. However, many of these rocks are taken for use in upland landscaping. When these rocks are taken, erosion is accelerated. The concept of rip rap is essentially replacing or preserving these rocks. To create a rip rap rock revetment, rocks are stacked on the sloped lake or stream bottom up to the shore.

Unlike seawalls, rip rap revetments are long-lasting because they are quite flexible and adaptable. Should any damage occur, small fixes can get it back into top shape.

There are many regulations regarding size, type, and placement of stone that need to be adhered to in order to legally and safely install rip rap. There are many available sources, however, quite a bit of research is needed to become familiar with the topic.

Vegetation

Natural vegetation serves as a wonderful form of natural erosion control. When vegetation is removed, erosion is accelerated. Reestablishing this vegetation can help fix the problem. This technique is called Biotechnical Erosion Control or BEC. BEC is an inexpensive and fairly simple method of controlling erosion, however not many lakeshore property owners are interested in using it because vegetation can reduce water views. Property owners prefer the look of a grass lawn and misunderstand the limitations of the BEC technique. Landscape professionals should be able to use innovative and creative plans that allow for sweeping views, as well as functioning to protect the shoreline.

Depending on the level of erosion control that has to be established BEC can even be done DIY. BEC is advantageous because it is a long-term solution that doesn’t require very much maintenance.

Backfill for Shoreline Erosion

Backfill is not a shoreline erosion solution, although in some cases, it can support erosion control efforts. These instances are very rare. Backfill/beach fill can be the right solution if beach materials were excavated previously, or where the environmental impacts are minimal.

There are two main reasons for beach fills. The first is to establish a buffer to help control erosion. The second is to establish or enhance a beach for swimming and recreation. There are many problems with beach fill however. As explained by the Watershed Council: “filling is often a futile, environmentally destructive action and should only be pursued after careful study and planning. If a site is conducive to the long-term existence of sandy material, it would likely be there naturally. If it is not there, it is because the energy is either too great to allow it to remain in place, or not great enough to wash away the finer materials. In either case, sand fills on the littoral shelf of lakes often disappear in a relatively short time, either by washing away or simply sinking out of sight in a few years into the softer underlying sediments.”

Backfill is also usually required when installing a seawall. Superior Watersheds explains “most seawall projects require some amount of backfill. Should this be the case, locate a source of clean backfill material. In general, dredging for backfill should be avoided; finding an upland source is recommended” (superiorwatersheds.org, 2019). Dredging for backfill will cause more environmental damage on top of the damage caused by seawalls. Using an upland source will reduce the damage done.

Installing beach sand can also cause environmental issues: “Although a natural sand beach functions well at erosion control and is desirable to walk on, it is the least productive type of sediment from a biological aspect. The introduction of sand fill can bury otherwise productive aquatic habitats, such as gravel, rocks, weed beds, and organic deposits.” Where a natural sand beach already occurs, enhancing that beach may help with erosion control and will have minimal negative effects on the environment. However, installing beach sand incorrectly can lead to damage to the lake’s ecosystem.

Best Solutions for Lake Shoreline Erosion Control

According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Shoreline Partnership, the Michigan Sea Grant, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the way that lakeshore and waterfront property owners handle their landscaping has a tremendous effect on the types of erosion they will face, as well as the impact on the natural environment. The lakeshores are naturally equipped to handle natural erosion because of vegetation and native barriers like rock. Relying on and reestablishing vegetation and native rock is an excellent, low-cost, long-term, and environmentally friendly way to protect and maintain lakeshore property.

If you own lakeshore property and are struggling with controlling erosion damage, the expert team at Superior Groundcover can help advise you on how to optimize your landscaping and establish an effective erosion control solution.

References

Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership. (2019). Understanding Shorelines. [online] Available at: https://www.shorelinepartnership.org/erosion-at-the-shoreline.html [Accessed 26 Dec. 2019].

Michigan.gov. (2019). Living on the Coast. [online] Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-wrd-greatlakes-Living_on_the_Coast_USACE-SeaGrant_615753_7.pdf [Accessed 26 Dec. 2019].

Michigan.gov. (2019). Natural Shorelines for Inland Lakes. [online] Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/WRD/Inland-Lakes-and-Streams/natural-shorelines-inland-lakes.pdf?rev=e282651f847241ea9e094fcb16ae8b45 [Accessed 26 Dec. 2019].

Superiorwatersheds.org. (2019). Shoreline Protection for Inland Lakes. [online] Available at: https://superiorwatersheds.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/shorelineprotectionforinlandlakes.pdf [Accessed 26 Dec. 2019].

The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (2019). Understanding, Living With, & Controlling Shoreline Erosion A Guidebook for Shoreline Property Owners. 3rd ed. [ebook] Petoskey, MI: Jimmy F. New Foundation. Available at: https://watershedcouncil.org/uploads/7/2/5/1/7251350/shoreline_erosion_3rd_edition.pdf [Accessed 26 Dec. 2019].

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Superior Groundcover provides a wide range of stone slinger services to commercial and residential businesses. Reach out to our staff to talk about your project and how our crew can provide professional and affordable material placement solutions.

What Is a Stone Slinger?

A stone slinger is a construction truck used to “sling” or place stone, sand, mulch, soil, dirt, and other aggregates. With a stone slinger, you can place materials in precise positions and reach hard-to-access areas.

Why Use a Stone Slinger?

Stone slingers are versatile trucks that allow our crews to apply materials without having to drive the truck onto your lawn. Depending on the material, a slinger has an effective range of up to 100 feet. They’re great for safely applying sand at beach areas that are experiencing erosion or filling in an old pool from a distance. The arm of a slinger truck can also deliver stone and other materials in confined areas, such as crawlspaces.

Slingers are much faster and more efficient than using manual labor, which minimizes the disruption to your home, school, or business. The time you save by using a slinger truck also makes them a cost-effective option. Plus, using a dump truck and wheelbarrow often results in wasted material that gets lost in transit and application.

Superior Groundcover’s Stone Slinger Services

• Installing mulch on a playground
• Backfilling your new in-ground pool or infilling an old one
• Developing a new gravel driveway
• Preparing for landscaping services
• Beach nourishment and erosion control
• Encapsulating crawlspaces
• Building seawalls
• Creating foundation drainage for property development
• And more

Is a Stone Slinger Truck Available Near Me?

Wondering if there’s a stone slinger service near you? Superior has one of the largest fleets of slinger and blower trucks in the United States. We offer stone slinger services to every metropolitan and municipality in Michigan and northern Indiana, including South Bend and Elkhart. Reach out to our team to find out when we can have a slinger truck install materials at your home or business.

Why Choose Superior Groundcover?

Superior Groundcover, Inc. has been providing high-quality material placement services since 2000. We’ve built a strong reputation with excellent customer service, unique product offerings, and affordable rates. Our employees are highly experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. Check out our reviews to see how our services have helped our clients across the Midwest.

Reviews

“The team at Superior has taken great care of us and our clients. We operate a mid-sized lawn and landscape firm in West Michigan and have enjoyed using Superior to help with our mulch and soil installation on many of our sites. Their entire team has been polite and professional with our clients.”—Luke B.

“Used them for mulch installation and they also topdressed a softball field for us with stone dust. Very pleased with the service.”—Brock B.

“Superior Groundcover Inc. was a great solution for getting the sand that we needed!  They are very easy to work with and we were very happy with the end result.”—Julie S.

“Due to a devastating storm, we lost all of the trees in front of our house. That left us with [an] area of our deck that had no support underneath at all. As a matter of fact, some of the deck was just “dangling” over the edge… Superior gave me the date and the time when they would come. They were here on the date and at the time they said. It took four days to complete the sanding process, and they were here everyday and on time. They even cleaned up after the work was done. I am so pleased with their work and their professionalism.”—Shirley M.

Get a Free Quote

Looking for a high-quality stone slinger service for your home or business? Tell us about your project, and we’d be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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Crushed concrete is a sustainable, reliable, and affordable material that is often used for a variety of residential and commercial projects from driveways to landscaping, to entire parking lots and roads. Want to learn more about how crushed concrete is made, how it can be used, and its benefits? We have all the resources you need to become a crushed concrete expert.

Luckily, crushed concrete is fairly easy to install. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to installing crushed concrete for your next project.

What kind of project are you attempting?

Crushed concrete can be used in a variety of applications. On top of that, there are several types and sizes of crushed concrete, which are better suited to different applications.

Crushed Concrete for Landscaping

Crushed concrete can be reused to create elegant walkways throughout your landscaping. For this type of project, you will want to use small, uniform pieces of crushed concrete in order to create a beautiful path that also has good drainage.

Crushed concrete can also be used to create raised garden beds, which improves drainage and warms soil allowing for faster growth.

You can pretty easily create retaining walls by layering crushed concrete. Crushed concrete retaining walls help to control erosion on slopes or hills in your yard. For this type of project, you can use different sizes of crushed concrete. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete will create a stable base. Layers of larger crushed concrete packed with dirt will then establish a functional, even, and appealing retaining wall.

Lastly, crushed concrete is excellent for improving drainage in your landscaping. Make sure to use small crushed concrete as an alternative to gravel.

Crushed Concrete Driveways

Crushed concrete is an ideal solution for driveways here in Michigan, as well as in places with similarly changing temperatures. Changing temperatures cause regular concrete slabs to crack and deteriorate over time. Crushed concrete stands up to extreme weather and lasts forever with the proper (minimal) maintenance. Depending on the size of your driveway and natural environment, there are several types of crushed concrete that could work for you.

Crushed Concrete Parking Lots or Roads

You can save a great deal of money on larger projects such as parking lots and roads by using crushed concrete. There are larger variations of crushed concrete available for these types of projects that help finish the job efficiently. There are also variations that provide better drainage, or a smoother driving surface.

As you can see, there are many ways to use crushed concrete, and many types to choose from in order to accomplish your projects. It can be overwhelming to choose the best kind of crushed concrete for your project.

Need help choosing the best material for your specific project? Contact the expert team at Superior.

Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider before beginning your project. Once you’ve established the correct materials to use and considered proper drainage, you still have to determine how to make your investment last as long as possible.

Choosing the right material can get you a long way towards establishing a long-term crushed concrete solution, however there are still potential threats to your project such as washout and erosion.

How to prevent water runoff from washing out crushed concrete:

The very best way to prevent water runoff from washing the crushed concrete away from your project is to make sure you have a proper drainage system in place. Typically this means installing a french drain. We have an in-depth article on how to do this here.

Another way to keep your crushed concrete in the right place is to make sure you’re using the right material and to create a slope in projects like driveways, roads, and walkways.

How to prevent erosion:

If your project is on a slope, you may want to consider installing a stabilizing grid system on top of your base. These systems typically come in plastic sheets or panels, which form small cells. You can attach these sheets or panels to your project area prior to installing the materials, and then fill them with crushed concrete. This helps establish a more stable surface, resistant to erosion.

Routine maintenance will also help prevent erosion. Make sure to rake out any weeds or other imposters like leaves or branches, remove any dirt, replace and repair edging, fill any holes with fresh crushed concrete, etc. Keep in mind: crushed concrete will harden and compact over time, creating a smoother surface, but also causing the height to decrease. You can add a layer or two each year to maintain the height.

Make sure you repair any damage to your project as soon as you notice it. Examples of damage that needs to be addressed quickly are: depressions or areas of thinning. To address these, use a rake or shovel to level the crushed concrete, then tamp it down again.

How much crushed concrete do I need?

To determine how much crushed concrete is needed for your project, first consider the size of the area you need to cover. Materials are typically priced by cubic yard or cubic ton. Different applications will require a different amount of material. For example, driveways require at least three layers of material three to four inches thick. Retaining walls require different sizes of concrete and will vary in height based on your specific landscaping.

It can be difficult to estimate how much material to buy when you consider all of the variables involved. Ordering the wrong amount can waste time and money. The two main things to consider before ordering materials are:

1. The dimensions of the area you’re covering.
2. How many layers you will need to place to successfully complete your project.

First, measure the length and width of the project area. Multiply the length and width to come up with the square footage of your project. For example, an 18’ by 10’ area is 360 square feet.

Second, determine how many layers or how deep you will need to cover the area depending on the type of project. Usually you will need at least two inches of material.

Next you will need to determine the size of the material you’re using. Depending on the size of the material, coverage area per one ton changes. After you determine the size of the material you’re using, you can check with the supplier how much coverage one ton offers.

Take the square footage and divide it by the coverage area per one ton of the material you’re using.

Here is the formula:

L x W = Square Footage

Square Footage / Coverage Area per 1 ton = Tons of material required for your project.

Superior Groundcover can help you determine the right materials and the required depth for your project to ensure you’re buying the correct amount of material, saving time, and saving money.

Excavation Requirements

Once again, excavation requirements change based on the project. If you are using crushed concrete to create a drainage system for your home, visit our foundation drainage system article where we break down how to create the drainage system from start to finish, including excavation.

Prepping Job Sites

While installing your own crushed concrete is not the most difficult landscaping task, it does involve some manual labor and a large chunk of time depending on the scale of your project. Crushed concrete driveways can take a full day or more to complete. Make sure you’re ready and able to operate equipment, lift heavy stone, and spend time spreading materials.

Before excavation can occur, you’ll have to mark off the area where you’ll be placing the materials. Whether you’re using crushed concrete for landscaping, walkways, or a driveway, you should take your time deciding how you want your project to look, what the drainage requirements are, and the amount of material you’ll need to complete it.

Once you’ve decided on the layout of your project, you can mark off the area with flags or landscaping paint. Next, it’s time to excavate or clear the area.

For driveways and other large-scale projects, a shovel won’t be enough. You can rent equipment from most hardware stores. Generally, digging to a depth of nine to twelve inches is sufficient. Make sure to dig to an even depth over the entire area.

Next, make sure to remove any leftover debris like branches, leaves, roots, etc. Once the area is clear, tamp down the soil to create a smooth even surface.

Is a retaining wall required for my driveway or walkway project?

Retaining walls are both visually appealing and practical for preserving your work. Using larger crushed concrete to form a border can increase property value and prevent crushed concrete from being displaced.

Retaining walls can also help with crushed concrete in landscaping by preventing the rocks from scattering and ending up in the yard where they can damage your lawnmower.

Superior Groundcover can help you decide if a retaining wall will be beneficial for your project.

What tools and materials do I need for crushed concrete installation?

Required materials will vary by project. In order to install a crushed concrete driveway you will need:

1. Cones and signs for safety
2. Markers such as landscaping paint or flags
3. Gloves
4. Shovel
5. Wheelbarrow
6. Grade laser
7. Rental excavation equipment such as a small loader or tractor, and a compactor
8. Geotextile cloth or landscaping fabric
9. Optional grid system
10. Crushed concrete for the base
11. Crushed concrete for fill
12. Rake
13. Larger crushed concrete for optional retaining wall.

DIY Crushed Concrete Driveway or Road Installation

After you’ve made your plan, purchased materials, marked off, and excavated the area, it’s time to begin installing your crushed concrete driveway.

The first step after the excavation is to apply landscaping fabric.

In order to prevent pesky weeds from infiltrating your driveway, you can lay down geotextile cloth or landscaping fabric.

Geotextiles are permeable mesh fabrics which, when used in the soil as part of a foundation drainage system or crushed concrete project, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. They help to prevent weeds from growing in your driveway.

Weeds not only ruin the look of your driveway but also create stability problems.

Next, pour your base layer.

Use larger crushed concrete to cover the entire area to a depth of three to four inches. Next, tamp down the area to make a smooth, even surface.

Now it’s time to pour the crushed concrete.

Pour the crushed concrete evenly atop the base layer. Make sure the depth is even across the entire surface.

Compact and rake.

After creating your crushed concrete driveway, you’ll have to take measures to ensure it’s safe and stable. Compacting the materials will accomplish this by making sure there are no large depressions or areas where loose materials could shift or be washed out.

The simplest way to do this is by driving over your driveway a few times. You could also use a roller for this process. After you’re satisfied with this step, you should rake the crushed concrete to create a slight peak in the center. This will help with drainage when it rains.

Edge your driveway.

This optional step not only adds property value, but increases the aesthetic appeal, and helps prevent crushed concrete from straying.

You can use larger crushed concrete to create your edging/retaining wall.

Other Considerations

Know the regulations in your area.

There are specific regulations for driveways based on where you live. If you’re in Michigan, you can reference the MDOT Regulations for Parking Lots and Driveway Construction Section 12.08.03.

These regulations specify what material types are allowed, the required thickness, grades and more.

Where do I buy crushed concrete?

Crushed concrete can be purchased at concrete recycling plants, however, you’ll have to make sure that the plant offers the material type you need for your project.

Superior Groundcover not only offers the crushed concrete materials you need, but also offers a fast and easy installation. To ensure your project gets done the right way the first time, rely on Superior’s expert team.

The post Installing Crushed Concrete (DIY) For Your Next Project appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) — also called “crushed concrete” — is made up of asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be reused to create driveways, pathways, garden beds and more.

When any concrete structure, road, sidewalk or parking lot is destroyed, that concrete is often deposited in a landfill. Concrete is not biodegradable and unfortunately, will not decompose. Rather, it sits there taking up space and causing environmental problems. At the same time, new concrete is being created to begin the process all over again.

There is a solution to this wasteful, expensive cycle. It’s recycling!

Recycling crushed concrete to be reused helps reduce landfill crowding AND saves more resources from being used to create new concrete. Old concrete can be crushed down to specific sizes, cleaned so that unwanted debris is removed from the mixture, and reused as a solution to a number of construction and landscaping problems.

US History of Using Crushed Concrete for Roadway and Driveway Construction

Since the 1940s, recycling concrete pavements (crushed concrete) has been a fairly common solution. The first instance in the US was following World War II. US Route 66 in Illinois needed to be expanded from two to four lanes. During this reconstruction project, the old concrete was recycled and reused in the new project.

Later, In the 1970s there was a big push to reduce landfill overflow. Crushed concrete became a more and more popular material choice for both roadways and driveway construction. Crushed concrete continued to grow in popularity into the 1980s along with recycling efforts.

What kinds of Concrete can be Recycled into RCA?

Concrete from many different applications such as old concrete structures, sidewalks, building slabs, foundations, curbs, and more can be recycled into RCA.

How is Concrete Recycled?

The first step to recycling old concrete is to use industrial crushing equipment in order to break up the original structure. Next, the broken up concrete is run through a secondary impactor. After being crushed to an even smaller size, the crushed concrete is then screened so that dirt and other foreign objects can be removed. After this step, the concrete is separated out by size.

Another method for recycling concrete is pulverization. Pulverizing the concrete isn’t the best way to recycle concrete, however. It can make the separation of contaminants much more difficult, lowering the quality of the finished RCA.

Repurposing Recycled Concrete Aggregate

When concrete is recycled, it can be broken down into a variety of sizes. Each of these sizes is well-suited to different applications, making the material incredibly versatile.

Large pieces of RCA, for example, can be used to create “rip-rap.” Rip-rap, sometimes referred to as riprap, shot rock, rock armor, or rubble, is larger slabs of recycled concrete used along shorelines to control erosion or form a breakwater. Smaller gravel bits of RCA are often used as a sustainable, affordable subbase for roads. Dry aggregate can even be reconstituted as new concrete.

What kinds of projects can be done with Recycled Concrete?

Base for Asphalt Parking Lots and Roads

Smaller-sized RCA can serve as a stable, reliable base for asphalt parking lots.

Walkways / Pathways

Crushed Concrete can be reused to create walkways in your landscaping. Make sure that you’re using uniform RCA pieces for your walkway. This will help prevent rainwater from causing runoff and drainage issues. Uniform pieces also make the finished walkway more visually appealing.

Raised Garden Beds/Landscaping

Creating a raised garden bed provides a lot of benefits. Some of these include improved drainage and warmer soil, both of which lead to faster growth for your garden when spring comes. To create a raised garden bed, lay crushed concrete in layers. This will form the perfect base.

Retaining Walls/Rip-Rap

Larger pieces of RCA are perfect for creating retaining walls or rip-rap to help control erosion or create a breakwater. Different sizes of crushed concrete can function together to help prevent erosion. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete as a base will contribute to the stability of the wall. Following with layers of larger recycled concrete packed with dirt will create an even, beautiful retaining wall.

Broken Up Concrete for Drainage 

Smaller, more broken up concrete is a great drainage alternative to gravel. We break down how to install a french drain in your landscaping here.

Where Can I Buy RCA near me?

Superior Groundcover provides a variety of RCA sizes, perfect for whatever project you’re looking to complete. Our expert team can help you decide how much material you need, what kind, and even install it for you. Consulting professionals will help you make the right material choice so that you can avoid some of the issues that arise when you pick the wrong size crushed concrete. Some of these issues include erosion and drainage problems.

Another option for purchasing RCA near you is to find a local concrete recycling plant, however we don’t recommend this unless you are a pro yourself and feel confident in the type and amount of the material you will need. You will also need to rent/buy installation equipment depending on the project.

We do have an article to help you out with your DIY crushed concrete installation project here.

The post Why Use Recycled Concrete / Crushed Concrete appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Home Foundation Drainage: What Can Go Wrong

Water Damage Can Decrease Home Value

Water damage is the fastest way to destroy a home’s value. Addressing simple plumbing issues thoroughly is only a minor way to protect the home from water damage. More threatening is damage caused by improper foundation drainage.

A flooded basement, for example, can lead to serious structural damage to the home’s foundation. Poor foundation drainage can also cause the soil around the basement to move when saturated, pushing and pulling at the foundation, and eventually causing cracks. 

These sources of damage are not the end of the line, unfortunately. Once water infiltrates, mold is likely to set in and thrive without a proper basement foundation drainage system.

Mold Contamination and Home Value

Even after water damage is attended to, mold can linger. Poor foundation drainage leads to standing water and cracks and leaks, which create the perfect mold environment.

The sooner foundation drainage issues are solved, the better the chance none of these issues will affect the homebuyer or the value of the home. Because water damage and mold must be disclosed to potential buyers, a home with these issues is unlikely to sell for its full value. If mold is found after sale, the buyer can sue.

Home Foundation Drainage Solutions

Dampproofing versus Waterproofing Foundation Walls

Waterproofing and dampproofing are two different methods of home foundation drainage solutions meant to protect a home’s foundation from water damage. Dampproofing works to keep moisture from the soil out of the home and away from its walls. Waterproofing keeps out not only moisture from the soil, but also liquid water.

Traditionally, dampproofing has been the standard method of protecting a home from water for a long time. It’s in accordance with the International Residential Code in certain circumstances according to Section R406. Further, according to this code, waterproofing is only required in areas that have serious soil-water conditions or a higher water table.

If you’re in an area where either method is permissible, how do you choose which is best? First, let’s break down both methods.

Dampproofing 101

Standard dampproofing consists of an asphalt-based coating applies to the outside of the wall, usually using a sprayer. Dampproofing is typically around 10 mils thick. It is recommended less often than waterproofing, however, it is an effective method for protecting a home against damage caused by water in the soil.

However, dampproofing has its own set of disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is that you can’t repair cracks and other damage from improper backfill. In partnership with a well-installed foundation drainage system — which we discuss in detail here — dampproofing can get the job done.

Waterproofing 101

While dampproofing is a solution, it won’t go the extra mile. Dampproofing is intended to slow the progress of water in the soil, however, it will still allow water to push against the foundation walls. Waterproofing is a more precise method.

With waterproofing materials, you can bridge developing cracks as they are more flexible than dampproofing materials. They can also withstand hydrostatic pressure — pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to gravity. It’s also applied much thicker (at least 40 mils) than dampproofing material.

Foundation waterproofing — when done properly — should be able to prevent water vapor from surrounding soil from moving through concrete. It should also stand up to hydrostatic pressure where dampproofing cannot. Lastly, it should be able to cover any cracks in the concrete.

In areas of higher water tables or heavy rain, waterproofing is the way to go. Water entering the soil will move toward the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure from the collecting water can force water through concrete, a porous material, and into basements. 

Choosing a Method:

When deciding between dampproofing and waterproofing, there are several variables to consider. 

1. Soil conditions and types
2. Water table level
3. Foundation Drainage System
4. Subgrade Depth
5. Moisture toleration
6. Cost

Waterproofing is more expensive than dampproofing, but depending on the circumstances, may be the necessary choice.

Damp-proofing and Waterproofing Preparation Requirements

Both methods require some surface preparation. Proper backfill is absolutely necessary to avoid membrane damage after the application is done, and to provide necessary drainage where possible.

Properly Divert Runoff Away From Foundation Drainage System

Foundation Drainage Systems work to reroute water from the home through the use of perforated pipe drains placed underground on a slight slope. However, these drains can clog and become overloaded over time. A homeowner will notice signs like a very humid basement, efflorescence, and leaks when a foundation drainage system is becoming ineffective. 

There are many ways to help divert water away from the foundation drainage system you put in place. The first is through strategic landscaping. Creating things like a berm — a hill covered with grass or a garden — are easy tricks that can support your home foundation drainage system. You can also implement a rain garden or a creek bed.

Install a Rain Gutter System

Runoff from a roof can also cause foundation damage. When water runs off of the roof, it can pool in the yard, creating standing water. A rain gutter system including a well-placed downspout can help carry rainwater away from the house. Extending your downspout can be even more beneficial.

Negative Slope

A surefire way to cause a foundation drainage system to fail and wreak havoc on a foundation is to create an improper, or negative slope. When creating your foundation drainage system, you have to make sure that the drain tile is running at a negative slope in order to carry water away, not toward the home. We teach you how to do this here.

Already have a negative slope issue with your landscaping? Poorly planned plant and flower beds can disrupt natural water flow. There are ways to help temporarily curb the issue using landscaping. 

Negative Slope Solution

First, remove all landscaping around the home where pooling is occurring. Next, remove all grass at least 10 feet away from the house. After you’ve done this, fill the exposed area with more soil in order to raise the grade.

Add at least 8 inches of soil in order to lift the landscaping bed to a level that will force water in the other direction. Make sure to pack the soil down to a height of around 6 inches higher than it was previously.

Continue to do this further out from the house, creating a slope. Your new slope should go drop the 6 inches in the 10 feet of distance from the house. Use a level to check that your slope is correct. Replant your landscaping.

All of these methods help support your foundation drainage system and avoid overloading them. 

Landscape Planning for Optimal Drainage

Landscape planning is a must for residential foundation drainage systems. Tree roots are seeking nutrient-rich water, so of course they head straight for your drainage system. This often results in clogging and damage, preventing your drain from working properly. 

If you have not yet installed your drainage system, make sure to clear the underground route of nearby trees and plants. If your system is already in place and facing root issues, there are products that can treat the issue. These products will require frequent application to keep the roots from invading. It’s best to address the issue ahead of time.

Tree roots can also pull moisture from the soil — sometimes too much! This can cause settling and foundation cracks. It’s best to consult a professional to make sure your landscaping is done strategically with foundation drainage in mind.

If you decide to DIY your landscaping, you can use the US Department of Housing and Urban Development  guidebooks for planting trees as a reference.

Home Foundation Drainage Solutions as well as Waterproofing and Damp-proofing are integral parts of successfully building a home.

It can be easy to try and save money and time by cutting corners on your drainage solutions when building a house, however, this is much like buying cheap tires for a nice vehicle. Over time, the damage and hassle caused by the poor solution will cost much more than just doing it right the first time and can cause damage to the real investment. 

Have a project coming up and want a professional team to install a foundation drainage system? Call Superior Groundcover. We’re ready to help!

The post Residential And Home Foundation Drainage Solutions appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Installing a foundation drainage system on your own can be extremely difficult, time-consuming, and occasionally dangerous. Make sure you’re prepared for the challenge or call in the professionals to take care of it for you.

What type of foundation drainage solution is required?

Before considering how to install a foundation drainage system, you must first consider which type of drainage solution you’ll need. What kind of water issues are you facing? What type of soil do you have in and around your property? Will an exterior drainage system be possible? What hazards are buried around your property (power lines, gas lines, sewage)?

Surface water or standing water can ruin your landscaping. It can also seep into your basement leading to mold and more. To address surface water issues, you could install a french drain. A french drain is made up of a perforated plastic pipe, a permeable mesh sock, and gravel. 

If you have a runoff problem on your property, you’ll not only need to address the extra water but possible erosion issues as well. Superior Groundcover’s team of erosion control experts can help find the right solution.

Know what the regulations are in your area.

Each state, city, or county may have its own laws surrounding foundation drainage that must inform what type of drainage system you install and where you install it. You can check with your county or state to find documents explaining what is and isn’t legal. Your drainage system may affect neighboring properties and therefore, must be built in accordance with the law. Some more general requirements can be found in the following links:

The International Residential Code (IRC), in Section R405.1,

OSHA Technical Manual; Section V: Chapter 2 Excavations: Hazard Recognition in Trenching and Shoring

What are the excavation requirements?

First, make sure your landscaping is done at the proper slope. A slope that is too steep will cause erosion issues. A flat yard will lead to standing water. A proper slope is 1 foot in rise (the difference between the highest and lowest points in the slope) per 50 feet of run (the horizontal length of the slope). This is ideal for drainage.

To install an exterior french drain, you’ll need to do some digging — digging up most of your yard, unfortunately! During this step, make sure to avoid any buried power lines, gas lines, or sewage. You’ll have to dig a trench around the perimeter of your footing. This trench must be at least two feet wide and six feet deep. For a slab-on-grade home, the trench can be as shallow as two feet.

Exterior drains can get clogged in a few years and require you to redo this project. In order to make sure this doesn’t happen, you’ll have to place a permeable mesh sock over the drain pipe. Your other option is to install an interior drain. This requires breaking up your basement floor, installing the drainage system, and then rebuilding the floor. 

At this point, you may be thinking the install job might take a little more time and attention to detail than originally thought. That’s ok. The team at Superior has the experience and expertise to install foundation drainage systems correctly and 

What are the required materials for proper foundation drainage?

Different drainage solutions can require different materials. There are many questions that need to be answered. What is the preferred placement of stone around foundation drainage? What kinds of stone can I use? Where can I get stone? What kind of pipe or tile is required? 

Acquiring the correct materials will help inform you of how to install a foundation drainage system. For a basic french drain, you’ll need perforated pipe, a geotextile cloth/cover such as a permeable mesh sock, and gravel. Not sure what those materials are or where to find them? Let’s break them down.

• Perforated Pipe: A perforated pipe is simply a plastic pipe, such as corrugated drain tile, with small exterior perforations that help collect and redirect water in the soil.
• Geotextile cloth/cover: Geotextiles are permeable mesh fabrics which, when used in the soil as part of a foundation drainage system, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. They help to filter soil and prevent the perforated pipe from clogging with dirt over time.
• Proper backfill material: There are several varieties of proper backfill materials that are used in different scenarios. When installing a basic french drain, you’ll need to use pea stone or washed gravel to cover the pipe and fill in the trench. Superior provides and installs a variety of backfill media. Our stone slinger trucks easily install peastone without any heavy lifting or ruining your landscaping.
• Extras: Tools for excavating, hammer, stakes, string, line level, tamper, tape measure, rake

Before buying materials, find out which kind of drain pipe is best suited for the job. We break down several of the options and descriptions of other related terms here in our glossary.

How to install a Perforated Drainage Pipe

Step 1: Dig the trench

Prior to doing any digging, you’ll have to prepare your property. First, call your utility companies and have them mark where your utility lines are buried to make sure you don’t hit them while digging.

Next, make sure that the trench will use elevation properly to direct water away from the structure. Once you’ve prepared your yard and made your plan, it’s time to start digging.

Make a trench around 2 feet wide, or twice the width of the drainage pipe. Make sure the trench is deep enough that the entire pipe lies below the frost line.

A trench that is 6 feet deep should generally work for a regular basement. You’ll have to check local laws and regulations to make sure your trench is in compliance. If you have a large property, manually creating the trench could be a huge project. Consider renting equipment to make the job a little easier.

Step 2: Create a proper slope

Use a sledgehammer to drive stakes/markers into the soil in the trench every four feet or so. Take a string and tie it where the pipe should start. Next, run that string to the next stake and wrap it around.

Use a line level to make sure your string is level. Slide the string down half of an inch to create the slope and ensure that the water runs down the drainage pipe and away from the structure. Repeat this process until you’ve tied every stake.

Step 3: Level the soil

Using a tamper, pack the soil in the trench to create a solid base. Measure to make sure that the distance between the string and the soil in the trench is the same at every stake. Adjust the trench by adding or removing soil to create the slope.

After you’ve tamped down all of the soil in the trench, you can go ahead and remove the stake and string guides.

Step 4: Add geotextile and gravel

Geotextile should be laid to make sure that soil doesn’t clog your drainpipe and force you to redo this project in a few years due to drainage problems. Simply place the fabric along the trench. You’ll need the fabric to be wide enough to eventually wrap around the drainage pipe and gravel that will surround it. Pour a 2-inch layer of gravel onto the fabric and, using a rake, level it.

Step 5: Place the pipe

Lay the perforated drainage pipe on the gravel. Again, check the area laws and regulations. Some areas require the use of “sock tile,” or a drain pipe that is covered in permeable mesh. This mesh acts as a second barrier to prevent the pipe from clogging with dirt.

Step 6: Finish

After you’ve placed your drainage pipe, you’ll need to cover it with a second layer of gravel. Place enough to bury the pipe 4 to 6 inches deep. Use the geotextile you placed in Step 4 to wrap the pipe and gravel. Cover the wrapped pipe with a few inches of dirt to hold the fabric in place.

Finish filling the trench and replacing any affected landscaping.

Finding a professional team to help:

As you can see, placing an exterior drainage system is a challenging task to tackle on your own. On top of that, if done incorrectly, your insurance company may not cover any damages, and you could be in violation of local laws and regulations.

Secure the safety of your home and landscaping by using a professional team that can get the job done right the first time. Superior’s team of experts can make sure your home or building is protected from foundation drainage.

Have more questions about how to find the right drainage solution for your property? Get in touch with us and we can help.

The post How To Install A Foundation Drainage System (DIY) appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Consequently, these types of damage lead to irreversible and dangerous problems for the building and property. Because damages of this nature are somewhat avoidable, they likely won’t be covered by insurance. Luckily, drainage systems exist to protect buildings from moisture!

Interior vs Exterior Foundation Drainage Solutions

How do exterior foundation drainage systems work?

Foundation drains are buried underground and therefore, not visible. They’re constructed of perforated 4-inch plastic, PVC or flexible ABS pipe. The pipe is positioned to run along the perimeter of the house or building. This pipe is referred to as “Drain Tile.”

A foundation drain works by attracting water in the soil around the property from rain, melting snow, or rising groundwater. Once collected, the water is carried away from the structure which prevents flooding and most importantly, residual water damage.

Conditions vary from site to site and require varied materials. There are different variations of drain tile like sock tile for example. A sock tile is a drain tile covered by a permeable mesh, called a “sock”. The sock acts as a filter that helps prevent dirt from entering or clogging drain pipe.

Differences between interior and exterior foundation drainage systems:

Interior drainage systems like foundation waterproofing and damp proofing are a longer-lasting alternative to exterior drainage systems. For instance, exterior drainage systems can clog with dirt and become ineffective over time. They are also incredibly difficult to access should an issue arise. This is primarily due to their location, usually placed beneath landscaping, decks, or other obstacles.

Other hazards like buried gas or water lines, sewage, or electrical wiring can make repair difficult.  Excavating damaged exterior drainage systems can also be dangerous. In other words, it helps to hire a professional when working with exterior drainage systems.

Interior drainage systems are alternatively much safer and more convenient to access. They are located directly on top of the footing around the perimeter of your basement. This area is the “clear water zone.”

These systems don’t require any trenches to be dug in the yard as exterior drainage systems do. Instead, a drain pipe is installed and covered with gravel at the bottom of the wall and filled with cement.

Interior drainage systems work by collecting water from where the floor and wall meet. Subsequently, they also collect water from the walls themselves. This prevents it from draining to the center of the basement floor where it could pool and cause lasting damage. Interior drains work with Sump Pumps (defined below) to effectively keep basements dry and protected from damage.

What Are The Different Types of Drainage Systems?

French Drains, Foundation Drains, Perimeter Drains

A French Drain is another name for a Foundation or Perimeter Drain. The French Drain gets its name from its inventor, Henry French, who popularized the method in the 1800s.

As described above, a French Drain is a perforated plastic pipe, buried underground. It effectively collects and relocates water to avoid foundation damage.

Footing Drains

A Footing Drain is an exterior foundation drainage system outside the foundation wall. Footing drains exist in both commercial and residential buildings.  The drain itself is covered with gravel which allows the water to seep into the tile. The Footing Drain diverts water to a catch basin, which then is pumped to a storm drain.

Sump Pits and Pumps

A Sump Pit is a hole in the basement or crawlspace of a house or commercial building.

A Sump Pump sits inside of the Sump Pit.

Water enters the Sump Pit and triggers a sensor that activates the Sump Pump, turning it on. The Sump Pump then moves water away from the structure through pipes. It runs through electricity or sometimes even battery power.

Why is Foundation Drainage Important?

Water damage can range from cosmetic to catastrophic — and some of it might not be covered by insurance.

Noticing water spots or mold in and around your basement? That could be a sign of something more dangerous for the structure of your property.

For instance, without proper foundation drainage around basement walls, water can saturate the soil beneath a building or home. 

As a result, the ground will shift. This movement can cause foundation cracks. Think of when changes in weather cause roads to crack. After that, the shifting can lead to stress in other areas of the building as it “settles” and appear as cracks in walls or ceilings.

Moisture can easily penetrate further into the property when there is structural damage, making mold more likely and invasive. Mold can potentially be dangerous to your health if it goes unnoticed for too long. This CDC article on mold and dampness explains the ramifications of prolonged mold exposure. 

What are the Advantages of Foundation Drainage?

In addition to protecting your property from dangerous and irreversible structural damage, drainage systems can also help with soil care. They can prevent erosion, standing water, and other landscaping issues.

Rainwater can displace soil from your yard. Therefore, the erosion can result in a lack of soil depth, and ruin your landscaping. It can also pool, creating standing water. As a result, the standing water drowns plants and other landscaping.

What are the Disadvantages of Foundation Drainage?

A foundation drainage system is a necessary part of protecting the structural integrity of any home or building. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Interior drainage systems can be easier and safer to install and maintain over time.

Different types of soil or clay on the property can affect the foundation and drainage systems. Clay, for example, is a very expansive material, making it tough to deal with. As it expands and contracts with moisture and temperature change, foundation shifting can occur and lead to cracking. To have a long-term foundation drainage solution work, soil types must be considered.

You can avoid possible disadvantages and issues with foundation drainage systems by working with a professional team on your project. The pros can gauge which drainage method will work best for your property. They can also help ensure whichever system is chosen will last and require the least amount of maintenance.

Installing Foundation Drainage systems without a professional is difficult. Similarly, it can also be time-consuming and could even exempt you from insurance coverage should the system fail.

Professional Installation of Foundation Drainage Systems

It can be tough to find the right professional team for the job. Superior Groundcover has years of experience installing both residential and commercial foundation drainage systems across the Midwest.

Superior’s drain tile installation crew makes quick work of the install. We have experience installing sock tile, perforated tile, solid tile, and sump pumps for residential and commercial foundations. Our stone slinger trucks are used for placing peastone up to 70′ from the truck. We can get material in the toughest to reach areas. 

Our blower truck fleet offers our clients an additional solution for installing peastone under homes, already framed in. Our blower truck installation service is the perfect solution for pea stone placement in limited access areas.

Superior also provides foundation waterproofing and damp proofing service which is unmatched in the industry.

Have Questions?

Have more questions for the professional team at Superior? Ready to start your Foundation Drainage project? Contact us.

Read more about our Foundation Drainage Services.

The post Foundation Drainage Systems: Interior vs Exterior appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

What is Crushed Concrete or Concrete Aggregate?

Crushed concrete is made up of asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be reused to create driveways, pathways, garden beds and more. When any concrete structure, road, sidewalk or parking lot is demolished, that concrete is usually deposited in a landfill. Concrete is not biodegradable and won’t decompose — so it simply sits there taking up space and causing environmental problems. All the while, new concrete is simultaneously created to begin the process again. Thankfully, there is an alternative to this unsustainable and inefficient process: Recycling! 

Recycling crushed concrete to be reused helps reduce landfill overflow AND saves more resources from being used to create new concrete. The concrete can be crushed down to specific sizes, cleaned so that unwanted debris is removed from the mixture, and reused as a solution to a number of construction and landscaping problems.

How can I use Crushed Concrete?

1. Walkways / Pathways
   Crushed Concrete can be reused to create beautiful walkways in your home or business landscaping. To make sure that your walkway looks as uniform as possible, make sure that the pieces of crushed concrete are all from one project site. This will also ensure that they are easier to form into your path since they will all be similar sizes. Using uniform pieces will also prevent rainwater from infiltrating your path and causing damaging runoff.
2. Raised Garden Beds
   Raised garden beds provide many benefits such as improving drainage and warmer soil. These benefits allow for faster growth in the spring. Crushed concrete laid in layers is the perfect base for creating a raised garden bed. 
   
3. Retaining Walls
   Layering crushed concrete is also a great way to create a retaining wall and control erosion on slopes or hills in your yard. Different sizes of crushed concrete can function together to help prevent erosion. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete as a base will contribute to the stability of the wall. Following with layers of larger recycled concrete packed with dirt will create an even, beautiful retaining wall. 
4. Drainage
   Smaller, more broken up concrete is a great drainage alternative to gravel. 

What is the process of installing/delivering crushed concrete?

Purchasing and installing your own crushed concrete material is possible, however, it can be a challenge to find the right type of crushed concrete for your project without professional assistance. Purchasing the wrong size or type can cause drainage or erosion issues. Crushed concrete is also heavy and difficult to install. Unless you’re a seasoned landscaper who’s used to heavy loads and precision installation, call a professional to ensure the job is done right the first time.

The installation process with Superior is simple. Our team of experts will recommend the right type and amount of crushed concrete material you’ll need for your project, and easily deliver and install the material in one step with our stone slinger trucks. Our fleet of stone slinger trucks also allows us to install material without driving over and crushing your lawn or other landscaping.

Pros and Cons of Crushed Concrete

1. Price
   The first check in the pro column for crushed concrete is the price. Because the process is more efficient and requires less resources, crushed concrete is significantly cheaper than new concrete.
2. Sustainability
   Using crushed concrete is a much more environmentally-friendly way to complete your project. It not only saves landfill space, conserves resources, and reduces waste; it also reduces carbon emissions produced in the concrete manufacturing process.
3. Multi-Purpose
   Crushed concrete can be used in a variety of circumstances. It’s used by homeowners, contractors, and landscapers as a practical material for general problem-solving like creating a base for a driveway, garden beds, or overall construction purposes.
4. The Look
   Some people prefer the look of new materials for their landscaping needs over recycled concrete aggregate. Our solution? Use the recycled materials to create a solid base, then use new materials for the more visible parts of your project. This way, you can achieve the look you want, while still being sustainable and cutting costs.

Types of Crushed Concrete

There are many types of crushed concretes. Our expert team at Superior is happy to help guide you towards the best material for your project. Here are some of the kinds of crushed concrete we offer and what they can be best used to achieve

1. 21AA CRUSHED ASPHALT
   21 AA Crushed Asphalt contains oils that cause it to heat faster and bind together, preventing dust. It can be successfully used for roads, driveways, or walkways.
2. 21AA CRUSHED CONCRETE
   21AA Crushed Concrete is great for drainage which makes it the right solution in wet areas. It’s often used as a surface for driveways or parking lots.
3. 21AA Natural
   21AA Natural is a looser material that works for gravel roads or as a base layer underneath asphalt pavement.
4. 22A Crushed Concrete
   22A Crushed Concrete is made up of smaller particles which create a smooth driving surface. This makes it excellent as a top layer for roads, driveways, and parking lots. It can also be used as a base layer underneath asphalt pavement.
5. 21A Gravel
   21A Gravel is made up of small particles and makes a great base for patio and paver bases.
6. 6A Crushed Concrete
   6A Crushed Concrete is a clean crushed concrete which is often used as a base for driveways or walkways. It can also be used in muddy areas. 

What about washout?

After concrete is laid at a site, the trucks and other equipment have to be cleaned before the concrete hardens. The material that is “washed out” is called washout. This material contains toxic materials that are harmful for wildlife, environments, and humans. It must be cleaned and sorted thoroughly prior to use. After the water evaporates and the cleaning and sorting process is finished, the remaining aggregate pieces can be safely used as crushed concrete.

Crushed Concrete Driveway

Crushed Concrete driveways are a much more cost-effective driveway solution compared to gravel driveways, regular concrete driveways, or asphalt driveways. With benefits like the price, sustainability, and the fact that it can never crack and require a repair, crushed concrete is a great driveway option. 

With its many benefits and uses, crushed concrete is a highly-practical and widely-available material that could be the solution to many of your construction or landscaping needs. Call the expert team at Superior Groundcover today to start your project.

The post Crushed Concrete & Concrete Aggregate 101 appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Don’t worry, we’ll talk you through all of those mistakes — and, we’ll even walk you through how to do it right.

If it seems like a tedious task (because it is a tedious task) we’ll tell you all about our convenient blow-in mulch service that can take care of it in half the time while you sip lemonade on the porch.

Benefits of Blow In Mulch

• Curb Appeal

  • Mulch adds rich color and beautiful contrast to your garden.

• Soil Health

  • Mulch improves the health of your soil as it breaks down. Insects and microbes consume mulch over time and add the by-products back to the soil as organic matter.

• Weather Protection

  • Mulch insulates plants and protects them from more extreme temperatures like hot sun and cool winters. Mulch can extend the life of plants planted later in spring or fall that will be subjected to temperature changes.

• Moisture Conservation

  • Mulch slows water absorption and maintains moisture so that you don’t have to water as often.

• Weed Prevention

  • Mulch prevents weeds from growing by blocking the sun. Make sure to spread your mulch thick enough so that the weeds cannot break through.

Mulching Mistakes to Avoid

The first common mistake is using too much mulch. It’s easy to do and it could cost you all of your landscaping. More than a few inches will not only make your landscaping soggy and prime for plant disease, it will suffocate your plants.

On the flip side, not enough mulch can also mean trouble! Mulch helps keep weeds at bay. If it’s not spread thick enough, weeds will have no problem pushing through. If you’d rather not spend your summer pulling weeds, make sure you have the right amount of mulch!

Make sure not to go too long without replacing your mulch. Mulch should be replaced at least once a year in the spring. We recommend doing it in the spring and fall if you want to have the best-looking yard in the neighborhood all year ‘round.

All mulch is NOT created equal, so don’t buy the wrong kind! Yes, there are cheap or even free mulches, but they aren’t going to do the job right. Free mulch sometimes even contains pesticides, bugs, or weed seeds! Don’t introduce harmful things into your yard. Go with mulch that you can trust.

People have all kinds of creative, great ideas when it comes to saving money on landscaping. Skipping mulch is NOT one of them. Trust us. Mulch not only looks beautiful, but it also does a lot of hard work for your plants! Mulch retains moisture so that you don’t have to water as much, saving your time, and saving water. It also prevents weed growth by blocking weeds from the sun they need to ruin your garden. Mulch protects plant roots from the weather — which, in Michigan — is extremely important.

Make sure you avoid all of these mistakes by having the professionals take care of your yard. Superior is happy to get the job done right.

Mulching: How to DIY

Now that you know what NOT to do, let’s talk about what you should do! Mulch seems like an easy task you can knock right out and still get to your afternoon plans, but if you do rush through it, you’re going to be spending all summer paying for it.

We’ll give you a few tips to make sure your mulch looks and works its best throughout the year.

1. Clear the area.
   Spend the time to pick up look twigs, stones, and leaves from your yard. Pull all the weeds by hand, or use a weed killer.
2. Pick a delivery site.
   If you’ve opted to DIY (instead of using our convenient blow-in service), you’ll have to decide where to have your mulch delivered. Make sure to pick a place that the truck can get to without ruining your lawn, or off-roading.
3. Edge.
   Using a square shovel, insert the blade between the garden bed and the grass or pavement to create a clean line between them. Create a trench 2 inches deep and 3-4 inches wide between grass and a garden bed, and 2 inches deeper than the edge of the concrete between concrete and a garden bed. If your garden bed is large, use a mini-tiller or rent a bed edger from your local hardware store. You can also use a leaf blower to clean up the displaced dirt.
4. Spread the mulch.
   Use a pitchfork to pick-up the mulch. Drop the mulch into a large wheelbarrow. Push the wheelbarrow to your installation site and drop the mulch in small piles throughout the site. Spread the mulch with a rake until it’s evenly 2-4 inches deep across the full garden bed. Make sure not to cover tree trunks or plant stems as this will cause plant disease and attract insects.
5. Clean the area.
   Use a leaf blower to quickly blow any displaced dirt or mulch. You can also use it to smooth out the mulch on top.

Blow-In Mulch Service

Superior’s mulch blowers make installing mulch a breeze! If you want the most convenient and beautiful installation experience, blow-in mulch service is the way to go.

How does it work?

Superior’s fleet of Express Blower® trucks gives us the ability to install thousands of cubic yards of material each day. We focus on efficiency, precision, and attention to detail at each site. Save huge amounts of time by teaming up with Superior!

Why use blow-in mulch service?

Blow-In mulch service saves time and effort. Installing mulch the “old-fashioned” way is physically demanding, takes hours, and yields less professional results.

What are the benefits of mulch blowing?

1. Speed
   Using a blow-in mulch service saves tons of time! That means your landscaping will be ready to show off before you know it.
2. Cost
   Blow-In Mulch service is comparative in cost to other methods of installation but saves so much time and energy.
3. Quality Finish
   Our method of installation ensures even distribution at the right depth. This is difficult to achieve when DIYing.
4. Less physically demanding
   DIY mulch installation can be very hard on backs because it involves repetitive heavy lifting. This can cause permanent back problems if done incorrectly.
5. Accessibility
   If your yard has small, steep, or tough to reach areas, our blower trucks can reach them no problem.

Save time and effort, and get the best-looking landscaping around! Call the experts at Superior Groundcover.

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• Vertical Reach: 50′
• Horizontal Run: 300’+
• Production Per Day: 200 cubic yards

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