Crushed Concrete in Cleveland, OH

Crushed concrete (also called recycled concrete aggregate - RCA) is crushed, recycled concrete from demolished structures - concrete, aggregate, and fines. It often contains angular, sharp particles and fines that compact well. Compared with virgin gravel or crushed stone, crushed concrete is usually cheaper, recycled, and can contain more fines and varied particle sizes - which helps it lock up when compacted but means it won’t behave exactly like quarried gravel or engineered base material.

Yes - crushed concrete is commonly available in the Cleveland metro area from local recycling yards and haulers. Reasons to choose it in Cleveland include lower cost than many virgin aggregates, local availability from demolition projects, good compaction for driveways and base layers, and environmental benefits from reusing material instead of landfilling.

Costs vary with gradation, fines, contamination, and delivery distance. Typical Cleveland ranges: - Per cubic yard: about $12 to $35/yd3. - Per ton: about $10 to $30/ton (depending on density and dealer pricing). - Typical dump truckloads (10-12 yd3): expect $150 to $450 for material plus delivery; larger 20- to 25-yd loads cost more. Prices change seasonally and by supplier - get a local Hello Gravel quote for exact pricing and delivery included.

To cover a 20x20 ft area (400 sq ft): - At 4" depth (0.333 ft): 400 * 0.333 = 133.3 cu ft -> about 4.94 yd3 - At 6" depth: about 7.4 yd3. Round up for compaction and grading (add 10-15%). So plan 5.5 yd3 (4") to 8.5 yd3 (6") delivered. Using Cleveland price ranges above, material cost might be roughly $70 to $300 for material alone, plus delivery and compaction. Final installed cost depends on site access, base prep, and labor.

General guidance: - Walkways/patios: 2-3" compacted over a stable subbase. - Residential driveways (light cars): 4-6" compacted. - Driveways with frequent heavy trucks/RVs: 6-8" compacted, preferably with a stronger base (geogrid or compacted aggregate base). Always compact in lifts (2-3" layers) with a plate compactor or roller. Add a 2-3" wearing layer of coarser crushed stone if you want better surface drainage and less dust.

Crushed concrete can 'lock up' when fines, moisture, and compaction cause particles to interlock and bind, creating a firm surface - but it does not chemically cure like poured concrete. It will not achieve the tensile strength, structural capacity, or impermeability of cast concrete. Use crushed concrete as a base or durable surface in applications where pavement-strength concrete is not required.

Yes - crushed concrete is often used as a base layer under pavers, asphalt, and new concrete slabs when properly graded, compacted, and tested. It can replace virgin aggregate for many base applications. For asphalt or structural concrete, follow local engineering standards - some projects may require virgin crushed stone or specific gradations for compaction and drainage.

Weeds can grow through any aggregate layer if weed seed, nearby vegetation, or organic material is present. To limit weeds: - Install a clean, compacted base and a geotextile fabric where appropriate. - Remove topsoil and vegetation before placing material. - Use 2-3" of coarse wearing stone on top for better drainage and less organic retention. - Maintain with regular raking, weed pulling, or an approved herbicide if allowed.

Key drawbacks: - Variable quality: mixed contaminants or excessive fines from unknown sources. - Salt or chemical contamination from de-iced concrete can cause corrosion and deterioration in some uses. - More dust and finer particles than washed stone - requires good compaction and sometimes a wearing layer. - Not a substitute for structural, poured concrete in load-critical or waterproof applications. - Freeze-thaw in Cleveland can cause movement if the base and drainage are poor - so proper drainage and compaction are essential.

Preparation tips: - Clear vegetation and topsoil; establish proper subgrade drainage and slope. - Confirm truck access, overhead clearance, and a level place for dumping - dump trucks need room to maneuver and a safe approach surface. - Protect lawns and sensitive surfaces with plywood if necessary. - Schedule deliveries avoiding freeze/thaw ground if possible; in winter, frozen mud may complicate placement. - Consider edging or restraints to keep material contained for driveways or paths.

Use a plate compactor for 2-3" lifts on smaller jobs or a walk-behind roller for larger areas. Compact each lift thoroughly before adding the next. For large driveways and commercial areas, a vibratory roller gives the best interlock. Light misting of moisture helps fines bind during compaction but avoid over-wetting which causes tracking and soft spots.

Yes - using recycled crushed concrete reduces landfill waste and the need for newly quarried stone, lowering embodied energy. However, ensure the source is clean and free of hazardous contaminants (e.g., lead paint, asbestos, oils) - reputable Cleveland suppliers test and screen material. Recycling concrete helps circular construction practices but always confirm material quality for your intended use.

Routine maintenance: - Re-grade and add small amounts of material as needed to fix low spots and ruts. - Re-compact problem areas after adding material. - Remove vegetation and apply herbicide if permitted. - Ensure perimeter drainage is maintained to prevent water pooling and freeze-thaw damage. - Replenish a coarser wearing layer if surface fines get too dusty or wash out.

Permit requirements vary by project type and whether you alter the curb cut, change stormwater flow, or attach to public right-of-way. Minor residential resurfacing often needs no permit, but full driveway replacements, curb cuts, or work in the public ROW commonly require permits from the City of Cleveland or Cuyahoga County. Check with the Cleveland Building and Housing Department or your local municipality before starting work.