Ballast Bulk Bag
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Product Details
A Ballast Bulk Bag contains a pre-mixed combination of sand and gravel (typically 10-20mm stones) that serves as the essential aggregate component when making concrete for DIY projects. This versatile building material provides the ideal base for foundations, footings, and paths when mixed with cement, offering strength and reliability for various construction applications. Typically supplied in large 800kg bags for convenient handling, ballast is perfect for both small home improvements and larger construction projects. The well-balanced mixture creates a sturdy, fire-resistant material that forms the backbone of many building projects, making it an essential purchase for anyone undertaking concreting work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much ballast bulk bag do I need for concrete?
For standard concrete mix (1:2:4 ratio), one 800kg ballast bulk bag will mix with approximately 133kg of cement and produce about 0.5 cubic metres of concrete. This is sufficient for around 2.5 square metres at 200mm depth or 5 square metres at 100mm depth.
What's the difference between ballast and MOT Type 1?
Ballast is a pre-mixed sand and gravel aggregate designed for concrete production, while MOT Type 1 is a crushed stone sub-base material for road construction and hard standings. Ballast contains rounded stones (10-20mm) whereas MOT Type 1 uses angular crushed stone (0-40mm) for better compaction.
Can I use ballast bulk bag for drainage applications?
Ballast is not ideal for drainage as it contains fine sand particles that can clog over time. For drainage, use clean gravel or specific drainage aggregates like 20mm single-sized stone which allows better water flow and prevents silting.
How do I store an opened ballast bulk bag?
Store opened ballast bulk bags on a hard, level surface away from contamination and moisture. Cover with waterproof sheeting to prevent water ingress which can cause the material to freeze in winter or become muddy. Use within a reasonable timeframe to maintain quality.
What cement-to-ballast ratio should I use for concrete?
For general purpose concrete, use a 1:6 ratio (1 part cement to 6 parts ballast). For stronger applications like foundations, use 1:5 ratio. Always add water gradually - typically 0.5 parts water to 1 part cement for proper workability.