How to choose an aggregate company

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Special to The Enterprise

Often overlooked, aggregates — materials such as gravel, sand and crushed stone that are used in the building trades — are the most basic construction foundations.

Because they are less glamorous than other materials, aggregates are nevertheless the starting point for any building project and have been since the days of the Roman Empire.

Not only the most important element in roads, bridges and buildings, aggregates make up some 400 tons of the materials used in constructing the average home. So picking a provider of quality aggregate for your project is key. Here are some things to consider when choosing a provider. Materials

The quality and quantity of materials available will vary with different providers, so first make sure the company is a good fit for the scope of your project.

The best aggregate companies will offer a wide range of popular and specialty products to fit your budget, whether you need gravel, limestone or granite. They also will source materials from the best quarries and processing plants that deliver extremely consistent, high-quality finished products in a range of sizes, from fine sand to large, chunky, fillergrade materials.

Two factors impact the quality of aggregate: where it comes from and how it was processed.

A good aggregate company will understand both those answers, including having the expertise to know which materials are suitable for the application you have in mind. Service

The same principle applies to every part of the buying process, too.

From selecting the right aggregate materials — including having employees on staff who actually know your industry inside and out — to getting them delivered on time and on budget, customer service is critical to making a decision.

Look for an aggregate company that shows professionalism at every level, including with how their employees communicate. The best companies will return messages and phone calls promptly to help you find the answers you need in a timely manner.

If you find a company with all those attributes — high-quality materials, reliable delivery options and excellent customer service — your decision will be simple.