Recycling concrete can be an environmentally-friendly and sustainable business practice that can both save money as well as conserve natural resources. The use of recycled materials in construction reduces the need and cost of transporting aggregates.
Depending on what type of concrete you have, there are several steps to recycle concrete. First, the concrete needs to be broken down into smaller pieces. These are then used as a base material for new structures. In addition, the recycled concrete can be sized down as decorative gravel for landscaping. It can also be used for environmental restoration projects.
Recycling concrete is an economical and eco-friendly way to dispose off demolition debris. Concrete waste used to be regularly sent to landfills. This practice is now more restricted and expensive. Concrete recycling can be done with a wide range of industrial equipment. There are jaws and impacts, air and/or water separators, and magnetic separateors.
Concrete recycling involves removing concrete from existing structures, screening and cleaning up the debris. This is necessary to make concrete aggregate. The debris is then screened over again to separate the smaller particles. Alternatively, it can be pulverized. This can be less efficient and make separation more difficult.
Concrete recycling is possible on-site and at commercial sites. For large jobs, it is usually more cost-effective and efficient to recycle on-site. The cost of transporting the debris can also be eliminated, which can make it expensive. Many building material companies do the recycling on-site with a mobile crushing unit.
An impactor is used for initial crushing and screening in concrete recycling plants. After the materials have passed through screening, they are then run through a secondary Impactor. This secondary crushing process can cause more contamination than the original crushing. Cone crushers or jaws are commonly used for secondary crushing. Cleaning and reusing is the last stage in recycling.
The recycled concrete produced by this process is undistinguishable to other types made from limestone quarries. It is also recognized by LEED(r), Green Building Rating System. Recycled concrete is a requirement in most agency specifications.
Concrete recycling not only saves money but also has long-term environmental benefits. This includes a reduction in CO2 emissions. It is possible to combine calcium from old concrete with carbon dioxide in industrial exhaust to create calcium carbonate cement. Reusing old concrete is a way to use more sustainable building methods.
Despite its many benefits, recycling concrete is not without controversy. Concrete recyclers are still trying to come up with innovative ways to make concrete scrap into useful products. In fact, one of the most recent projects was a cross-border research project between TU Delft in the Netherlands and Strukton in the United Kingdom.
A materials specialist is a good resource to consult if you are thinking about concrete recycling. They will help you to determine the type of recycling that is best for your particular project.
FAQ
Do I require permits to renovate a house?
Yes. Permits will be required for any home-improvement project. In most cases, you will need a building permit and a plumbing permit. You may also need a zoning permit depending on the type of construction you are undertaking.
Do I need an architect/builder?
It may be simpler to hire someone to help you renovate your home. However, if you are planning to buy a new home, then hiring an architect or builder will help you make sure that you get exactly what you want.
Can I do the whole renovation myself?
You can do it yourself so why pay someone when you could save time and money?
You may love DIY but there will come a time when you can't do it all by yourself. It may be impossible to control the many variables.
An example: If your house is older than you think, it might be that the wiring is unsafe. You will need an electrician to inspect and make sure that your system is reliable and safe.
It is possible that your renovations might cause structural damage.
In addition, you might not have the tools necessary to complete the job properly. You will need a special tool called the plumber's snake to clean clogged pipes if you plan to install a kitchen sink.
Plumbing codes also require that you have a licensed plumber work on your project.
It is important to understand your capabilities before embarking on such a large task.
If you are unsure if it is possible to do the job on your own, ask friends or family members who have worked on similar projects.
They can advise you on the steps you should take and where to look for further information.
Statistics
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
- According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's 2019 remodeling impact report , realtors estimate that homeowners can recover 59% of the cost of a complete kitchen renovation if they sell their home. (bhg.com)
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- They'll usually lend up to 90% of your home's "as-completed" value, but no more than $424,100 in most locales or $636,150 in high-cost areas. (kiplinger.com)
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How To
5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your House Renovation
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Do you really want to do this? If you are planning to do major home improvements like renovating your bathroom or building new houses, you will likely need help. It's possible to feel overwhelmed by such a large project. It could take up a lot of your time and money, and you won't get any real benefits from it. Instead, you can hire someone who knows their stuff to help. You'll be able to save a lot of time and stress while still having a lovely space to call your own.
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How much should you spend? This may seem obvious but it could make things worse if you spend too much on your renovation project. You'll likely have to repay most of your costs at the end. So if you've got a budget in mind, stick to it! You could wind up spending a lot and not getting any return.
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Should I use DIY or hire professionals? - There's no right and wrong answer. We recommend hiring professional tradespeople, however, if you're able to afford them. They'll give you the best advice possible on how to proceed with your particular project. They can install the plumbing correctly and make sure that it is done safely. DIY projects require lots of trial and errors, which can mean you'll have many lessons to learn. You will also need to deal with the many issues that arise during the process.
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How much can I afford it? - Do not underestimate how expensive a renovation project will cost. You might need to borrow money from family and friends to pay the bills. You should also consider the cost of selling your property if you plan to move soon after the renovations are completed.
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How do I begin? There is no right or wrong place to begin when it comes to starting. But we suggest you choose something that you enjoy working on. If you enjoy what you do, you will be more motivated to continue working and less likely procrastinate. You should also avoid areas that require extensive maintenance. You should avoid redecorating your living room if it is always covered in dirt and dust.