Aggregate Archives - Wm. Mueller & Sons

roofing rock with golf ball and measuring tape for size comparison

Roofing Rock 1/2″

Roofing rock is an aggregate material frequently used to protect and finish certain roofs, especially flat and low-slope roofs, where it serves as a sturdy, weather-resistant cover for a roof’s underlayer.

Roofing rock offers various benefits, making it a preferred choice for many contractors and homeowners. One of its main advantages is the protection it provides against harmful UV radiation, which can significantly degrade certain roofing materials over time. The rock acts as a physical barrier, absorbing and deflecting sunlight to preserve the underlayer’s integrity.

Additionally, roofing rock can enhance a roof’s fire resistance. Since it’s a non-combustible material, it helps prevent the spread of flames, offering extra safety for the building.

Furthermore, the weight of the rock ballast helps keep the roofing system in place, particularly in areas prone to strong winds or storms. This weighted attribute prevents wind uplift and helps maintain the roof’s stability.

Beyond its traditional role on flat roofs, you can also find it in green roofing systems, where it acts as a drainage layer, helping to manage water runoff and promote the growth of plants.

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Boulders

The geological composition found in our boulders may include granite, limestone, sandstone, and glacial boulders. Every kind of boulder will have its unique characteristics, such as color, texture, and composition, which can influence its uses and suitability for different applications.

Our team can provide detailed insights into the specific types of boulders available and their recommended uses in landscaping and construction projects.

Landscaping Features: Minnesota boulders are frequently used as natural landscaping features. They can be strategically placed to create focal points, anchor garden beds, or enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces. Boulders can be arranged in clusters or individually to provide a rugged and natural aesthetic in gardens, parks, or commercial landscapes.

Retaining Walls: Large Minnesota boulders can be utilized in the construction of retaining walls. These walls help stabilize slopes, prevent erosion, and create terraced areas. Boulders can be stacked and embedded into the soil to form a sturdy and visually appealing wall that blends well with the surrounding landscape.

Water Features: Boulders are commonly incorporated into water features such as ponds, streams, and waterfalls. They can be used to create cascades, natural rock formations, or stepping stones across water bodies. Boulders add texture, depth, and a sense of natural beauty to water features, enhancing their overall aesthetics.

Boundary Markers: Large boulders can be used as boundary markers or landmarks on properties. They provide a distinct and permanent indication of property lines or serve as visual markers for entrances, driveways, or pathways.

Seating and Outdoor Living Spaces: In some cases, boulders can be used as seating elements in outdoor spaces. By placing boulders strategically, they can provide seating areas or natural seating walls for gathering spaces, fire pits, or outdoor entertainment areas.

Natural Play Structures: Boulders can serve as elements for natural play structures in parks or playgrounds. Children can climb, balance, and explore these large rocks, fostering imaginative play and interaction with nature.

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fill sand - screened shown with a measuring tape and golf ball for size comparison

Screened Fill Sand

Screened fill sand has been sifted or screened to remove any large particles, rocks, or other debris, resulting in uniform sand with consistent particle size. Its uniform consistency makes it ideal for filling in spaces and creating a level surface. Uses for screened fill sand:

Filling and Leveling: Screened fill sand is often used to fill holes, and low areas, or to create a level base for other construction or landscaping features. It compacts well and provides a solid base.

Construction: In construction projects, it’s used as a filler material behind retaining walls or under concrete slabs. It’s also used to fill trenches for utilities like gas lines, water lines, or drainage pipes.

Landscaping: In landscaping, screened fill sand is used in creating patios or walkways.

Backfilling: After installing features like pools or septic tanks, screened fill sand can be used to backfill the surrounding space.

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Plaster Sand

Plaster sand is a fine, washed sand often used in construction. It is lighter and finer than concrete sand, with smooth and round particles. Plaster sand is usually made from crushing larger rocks into very small, fine particles. The process involves multiple stages of crushing and screening to produce particles that are smooth and consistent in size. It’s also washed to remove any impurities, such as silt or clay, that could affect the quality of the plaster. Uses for plaster sand:

Plaster Production: Plaster sand is primarily used in the production of plaster. It provides the bulk to the plaster mix and gives it its smooth texture. This makes applying easier and ensures a smooth and even finish on walls and ceilings.

Masonry Work: Plaster sand is used in masonry work as a component in the mortar mix. It helps the mortar adhere to the bricks or blocks and provides a smooth finish.

Pool Liners: In pool construction, plaster sand is often used beneath vinyl pool liners to provide a smooth surface.

Playgrounds: Plaster sand is sometimes used in playgrounds as a safer, softer alternative to other materials due to its soft texture.

Gardening and Landscaping: It’s also used in gardening for soil amendment and as a top dressing for lawns and gardens.

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Concrete Sand

Concrete sand is also known as sharp sand or fine aggregate. Its particles are larger than those found in other types of sand, such as play sand or masonry sand, and they are typically angular and rough, not round and smooth. It’s also graded and washed to ensure it is free from impurities that could weaken the concrete.

The angular and rough shape of concrete sand particles makes the material ideal for providing stability and strength to concrete. This is because the angular particles interlock together, adding to the structural integrity of the finished product. Main uses of concrete sand:

Concrete Production: One of the primary uses for concrete sand is in the production of concrete. The sand acts as an aggregate and fills the spaces between the larger pieces of aggregate, usually gravel or crushed rock, in the concrete mix. This results in stronger, more durable concrete.

Base Material: Concrete sand can be used as a base layer for projects like patios or walkways before the final surface material is applied. It provides good drainage and compacts well.

Paver Sand: It is often used in the installation of pavers. The sand is spread over the base material.

Pipe Bedding: Concrete sand is used to bed pipes in utility projects. It provides support for the pipes and facilitates good drainage.

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Class 5 Gravel

Class 5 gravel is a common term used primarily in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest of the United States to denote a specific type of gravel used commonly in construction and building works. The name “Class 5” comes from the specifications set by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) grading requirements.

Class 5 gravel is typically a mix of rock, sand, and clay. It is a coarse aggregate, with the pieces of rock typically being less than 1″ in diameter. This type of gravel is typically brown or gray in color, and its composition can vary depending on the exact source of the gravel.

Some uses for Class 5 gravel:

Road Base: This is the most common use for Class 5 gravel. It’s used as a base layer for roads before asphalt or concrete is poured. It provides a stable foundation that can handle heavy loads.

Driveway Base: For the same reasons as road construction, Class 5 gravel is often used as a base material for driveways in residential and rural areas. It provides a stable, well-draining base that can support the weight of vehicles.

Parking Lots: Similarly, it can be used as a base layer for parking lots before a surface material is added.

Construction Sites: Class 5 gravel is used at construction sites for stabilization, providing a firm base for heavy equipment.

Utility Work: It can also be used as backfill around utility installations due to its compaction properties.

Landscaping: In some cases, Class 5 gravel may be used in landscaping for paths or as a decorative element.

The grading and specification system set by MnDOT uses a numerical classification, with Class 5 being one such category. This system ensures that materials meet certain quality and composition standards, so when a project requires Class 5 gravel, contractors know exactly what they’re getting.

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Trap Rock

Trap rock, also known as basalt or trap basalt, is a type of igneous rock that is dark-colored and dense. It’s primarily composed of minerals such as plagioclase and pyroxene, and it’s known for its high durability, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear.

Trap rock is an incredibly durable and useful material.

Landscaping: Trap rock’s distinctive dark color makes it a popular choice for decorative stone in landscaping. It can provide a sharp contrast to greenery and other elements, enhancing the overall aesthetics of a landscape.

Erosion Control: Trap rock is commonly used in erosion control due to its hardness and durability. It can be used in riprap (rock used for stabilizing shorelines and other areas prone to erosion), retaining wall backfill, and other erosion control systems.

Drainage Systems: Trap rock’s angular shape and the spaces created when it’s piled or layered make it effective for use in drainage systems. It can aid in the proper flow of water, reducing the risk of flooding and water damage.

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Quartz

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It’s known for its durability and its resistance to weathering and chemical breakdown. Quartz comes in a variety of colors, including clear, white, pink, purple, brown and gray, and black.

Because of its durability and resistance to weathering, quartz has many uses in civil engineering, construction, road building, and residential projects.

Landscaping: Quartz rocks can also be used in residential landscaping for decorative purposes, in rock gardens, or as a component of certain types of composite paving.

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Granite

Granite is a type of igneous rock known for its durability and varied appearance. It’s composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, among other minerals. These give it a grainy composition and lead to its characteristic appearance – a blend of white, pink, or gray, depending on the mineral proportions.

Pathways and Patios: In landscaping projects, crushed granite can be used to create garden paths or patios. It is often chosen over other materials because it provides a natural look that blends well with most landscaping styles.

Ground Cover/Mulch Replacement: Crushed granite can be used as a ground cover or mulch replacement. It helps to conserve moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and enhances the overall appearance of a landscape.

Erosion Control: The angular pieces of crushed granite lock together to form a firm surface that helps to prevent soil erosion. It can be used on slopes or areas of your yard where water typically flows.

Drainage Systems: Due to its porous nature, crushed granite can be used in drainage applications, where it aids in water flow and reduces flooding.

Decorative Accents: Crushed granite can be used as a decorative accent in gardens or other outdoor areas. Its natural, rustic look can enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

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River Rock with Wm. Mueller Golf ball for size indication

River Rock 2″ – 6″

Minnesota river rock is predominantly brown, tan, gray, and occasionally pink or red from iron deposits. River Rock has aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility. WM Mueller River Rock ranges from 2″-6″ in diameter, making them suitable for a variety of applications. The stones are well-rounded and smooth due to natural water erosion.

Drainage Systems: MN River Rock is often used in drainage applications because of its size and shape. It allows water to filter through the rock layers, reducing flooding and soil erosion.

Landscaping: These rocks are often used in landscaping for aesthetic purposes, including paths, rock gardens, and as filler around pavers or flagstones.

Erosion Control: MN River Rock can be utilized in civil engineering projects for erosion control, particularly in areas where water runoff is an issue. The rocks help reduce the speed of flowing water, thereby reducing erosion.

Decorative Facades: In architectural applications, MN River Rock is used as a decorative facade for buildings, walls, and other structures.

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