It may not be a pretty name but along with our customer’s demands, we have discovered many uses for slag. Our customers benefit by using slag as a cost-effective alternative to asphalt or crushed rock and gravel. Slag is commonly used for driveways, parking lots, landscaping, walkways, and industrial storage yards. When asphalt may not fit your budget, slag may be just the option for you or your business.

Slag cuts the dust and mud out. If you have a muddy driveway, covering it with slag can take care of the problem. If you have a private drive, it will cut out the dust caused by traffic. Engineers estimate that 1 vehicle stirs up 4 1/2 lbs. of dust into the air when traveling at 30 mph for every mile on an unpaved road.

Slag is really heavy. In fact about 50% more heavy than traditional gravel that is used for ground cover. This is important because the unit weight helps the product stay in place. The high angularity and sharp edges help the material to interlock. This also helps the material stay in place. Other benefits this provides are better traction and greater skid resistance.

Slag is harder and internally bound. Because of the extreme temperatures during the production process, slag is extremely hard. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 6 versus granite which only reaches a rating of 4. This provides extreme durability, sustainability, and a greater load-bearing capacity.

What is Slag?

Slag is a by-product of steelmaking. It is made by the separation of the molten steel from impurities while the steel is melted in a large furnace. After the slag is collected from the separation process it is then cooled using different processes depending on the final size of the product. It then goes through a curing stage before the product is ready for use.

Is Slag Safe?

Yes, slag is very safe. Its primary use is construction but other bi-product uses of slag include fertilizer in gardens and farms. This is because of the slowly released phosphate content and its liming effect. Because the use of slag helps steelmakers reduce their impact on the environment, slag qualifies as a Green Product which also means it is good for the environment and conserves natural resources.

Uses

There are many uses that have taken advantage of this amazing product as you can see in the following list.

• Unpaved Driveways and Roadways – A perfect alternative when asphalt does not meet your budget.
• Durable Asphalt Mix – Because of its durability and its anti-skid properties, it is used by Utah’s Counties and Cities.
• Railroads – Slag has been a key factor in railways.  It supports extremely heavy loads, drainage, and great track stability.
• Landscape Material – Used both in the commercial and residential markets as an affordable solution to gravel and crushed rock.
• Landfill Cover – Waste management companies use slag to control dust, moisture, and odor.
• Silage Pads and Barns – Because slag is completely safe for use around animals, it is a great product for the farming community and ranches.

With so many uses you can see that slag really is a quality product. We are extremely happy to be able to provide a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution to our customers.

Call Top Job Asphalt today to see how we might be able to use this product in your next project or click here for a free estimate.