DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAND USED FOR BUILDING

Many kinds of building materials have multiple uses. Sand is high on that list, if not at the top. Sand can be used for construction, sports grounds, homes, schools etc.

Knowing when you have high quality sand and what kind it is can help you determine the best application for it. Different kinds of aggregate have been modified to specific building applications. Aggregate less than 5mm in diameter is categorised as sand. These include, but are not limited to:

BUILDING SAND/PLASTERING SAND-

Also known as builder’s or bricklayer’s sand; building sand is ideal for mixing to make building materials, such as fine grade plaster.

Most commonly, it is mixed with cement and water to create a mortar for bricklaying. This is a building sand that is usually made of sea bed sand, envisioned for future use in plastering, masonry or mortaring. Being taken from sea beds, it may contain some salt and clay which mixes well for different materials used in general building.

CRUSHED STONE-

This can be used as an auxiliary sand option when river sand is unavailable. It is made by crushing granite or basalt rock. This man-made sand is a great option to make use of materials available to create the right consistency. The process may take as many as three crushing sessions but the result has become a very popular substitute for river sand.

RIVER SAND-

Rounded particle sand taken from the banks of rivers. This is also used for plastering is sea bed sand is unavailable in landlocked places. If it is clean and ready for use as building materials it should be a very light grey and be free from any sediment left by the water.

The use of sand in construction provides substance to the building materials as opposed to using more expensive or less available materials to create bulk.

For your building material consider the kind of sand you need. Perhaps you need something else; plant hire, site clearance or bricks? Whatever your building needs may be, knowing the product means successful building.