Concrete can be poured and worked with in cold weather, but there are certain precautions that should be taken to ensure that the concrete cures properly and achieves its desired strength and durability. Here are a few things to avoid when using concrete in cold weather:

1. Avoid freezing temperatures: Concrete should not be placed or worked with when the temperature is below freezing (32°F or 0°C). When concrete is placed in freezing temperatures, the water in the mix can freeze before the concrete has a chance to cure, which can cause the concrete to crack and weaken.
2. Avoid rapid temperature changes: Concrete should also be protected from rapid temperature changes, as this can cause the concrete to crack. For example, pouring concrete on a cold surface and then covering it with a heat source can cause the concrete to cure too quickly, leading to cracks and weakness.
3. Avoid using cold water: It is important to use warm water when mixing concrete in cold weather, as cold water can cause the concrete to set too slowly. This can lead to a lower-quality finished product, with reduced strength and durability.
4. Avoid using too much water: In cold weather, it is important to use the minimum amount of water necessary to achieve the desired consistency in the concrete mix. Using too much water can cause the concrete to cure too slowly and reduce its strength and durability.
5. Avoid overworking the concrete: When working with concrete in cold weather, it is important to avoid overworking the concrete, as this can cause the concrete to lose heat and set too slowly. This can lead to a lower-quality finished product, with reduced strength and durability.

By following these precautions, it is possible to use concrete successfully in cold weather, ensuring that the concrete cures properly and achieves its desired strength and durability.

Aggregates are one of the most versatile and widely used construction materials in the world. From the roads we drive on to the foundations beneath our homes, aggregates play a critical role in keeping our built environment strong, stable, and functional. At Erewash Concrete, we supply high-quality aggregates to customers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and the surrounding areas — so we know just how valuable they are. Here are the top 5 uses for aggregates you should know about.

1. Concrete Production

Without a doubt, one of the most common uses for aggregates is in the production of concrete. Aggregates — typically a mix of sand, gravel, and crushed stone — make up the bulk of any concrete mix, accounting for around 60–80% of the total volume. They provide the structural strength and stability that concrete is renowned for, while also helping to reduce shrinkage and cracking as the mix cures.

At Erewash Concrete, our ready-mix concrete is produced using carefully graded aggregates to ensure a consistent, high-performance result every time. Whether you’re pouring a driveway, a foundation slab, or a commercial floor, the quality of the aggregate directly affects the quality of the finished concrete. That’s why sourcing from a trusted local supplier matters.

2. Road Construction and Surfacing

Aggregates are absolutely essential to road construction. They are used in every layer of a road — from the sub-base and base course right through to the surface course. Crushed stone, gravel, and recycled aggregates are commonly compacted to form a stable sub-base, providing the load-bearing foundation that prevents roads from sinking or shifting under traffic.

In asphalt and tarmac surfacing, fine and coarse aggregates are bound together with bitumen to create the smooth, durable surfaces we rely on every day. The hardness, shape, and grading of aggregate particles all influence the skid resistance, durability, and overall performance of road surfaces. It’s no exaggeration to say that the UK’s road network simply wouldn’t exist without aggregates.

3. Drainage and Landscaping

Aggregates are widely used in drainage applications, both in domestic gardens and on larger civil engineering projects. Gravel and shingle are particularly effective at allowing water to percolate through, reducing surface run-off and preventing waterlogging. They are commonly used in soakaways, French drains, and drainage trenches to manage groundwater around properties.

In landscaping, decorative aggregates such as pea gravel, slate chippings, and crushed stone are used to create attractive, low-maintenance garden surfaces. They suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and add a clean, professional finish to paths, borders, and patios. Whether you’re improving your garden drainage or refreshing the look of your outdoor space, aggregates offer a practical and cost-effective solution.

4. Building and Construction Foundations

Every structure needs a solid foundation, and aggregates are fundamental to achieving one. Granular fill materials such as MOT Type 1 crushed limestone or hardcore are used beneath foundations, floor slabs, and paving to create a stable, well-compacted sub-base. This prevents settlement and movement, protecting the structure above from cracking or subsidence over time.

In addition to sub-base work, aggregates are used in backfilling trenches and excavations following the installation of utilities such as gas pipes, water mains, and drainage. Using the right type and grade of aggregate ensures that the ground around buried infrastructure remains stable and well-supported for years to come.

5. Railway Ballast

One of the more specialised uses for aggregates is as railway ballast — the angular, crushed stone that forms the bed beneath railway tracks. Ballast aggregate, typically made from granite or limestone, is carefully selected for its strength, durability, and angular shape. These properties allow the stones to interlock and resist lateral movement, keeping railway sleepers and tracks in precise alignment under the enormous loads and vibrations generated by passing trains.

Ballast also plays a vital role in drainage, allowing rainwater to drain away quickly and preventing water from pooling around the tracks. Without high-quality aggregate ballast, the UK’s railway infrastructure simply could not operate safely or efficiently.

Supplying Quality Aggregates Across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

As you can see, aggregates are far more than just stones and gravel — they are the backbone of our construction industry. From concrete mixes and road surfaces to drainage solutions and railway infrastructure, the applications are truly wide-ranging. At Erewash Concrete, we supply a range of aggregates to suit projects of all sizes across the East Midlands.

If you’d like to discuss your aggregate requirements or find out more about our concrete and aggregate supply services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re based in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire, and we’re proud to serve customers throughout the local area and beyond.

The quality of the concrete used in any project plays a significant part in the building’s durability. This is why you have to find a reliable name when choosing a concrete supplier for your construction project.  

An experienced concrete supplier has plenty of experience and can deliver the product on time without any delay. Aside from the quality product, professionals are also easy to deal with and can provide you with a fast and smooth transaction. 

If you are looking for the best concrete suppliers that deliver around Nottingham or surrounding areas, Erewash Concrete will make a perfect choice. We are a reputable concrete supplier that provides high-quality concrete and outstanding customer services to clients. Regardless of their construction project’s type and size, choosing us for your concrete needs guarantees satisfaction and peace of mind throughout the process. 

Trusted Concrete Suppliers in Nottingham 

Established in 2008, Erewash Concrete has built an outstanding reputation among our clients. Since then, we have been focusing on helping our clients build high-quality and long-lasting structures. Being in this trade has helped us learn the importance of providing high-quality products and delivering them to clients on time. 

We always aim to provide quality service, and to arrive on time on the agreed schedule is one way to achieve that. We have a fleet of volumetric lorries to deliver concrete to different locations without delay. These adapted volumetric lorries are a massive help in calculating the right amount of concrete to provide to clients. They are a massive help for clients to save money and reduce the amount of time spent clearing up the site. 

Another advantage of hiring us for your concrete needs is saving on labor costs. Our lorries are equipped with a flexible concrete chute to pour concrete directly into the area where it is supposed to be applied. This means a lesser need for extra labourers to carry the mixed concrete from one location to another. The concrete we deliver is freshly mixed on–site to ensure a successful construction. 

Give us a call today if you wish to book an appointment or enquire more about our concretes and aggregates. You may contact us at 01773 819 660, and our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to provide you the information you need. 

Innovation in the construction industry is a massive help in the performance and efficiency of everyone working on the trade. One of the innovations that made it possible for builders to create more durable and sustainable structures is ready mixed concrete. 

Gone are the days when so many people are needed to mix concrete on site manually. Now, all you need to do is make a phone call, and your concrete supplier will deliver the freshly mixed concrete on-site and drop it in the area where it is required.  

What are the incredible advantage of using ready mixed concrete for your construction project? Check out below. 

It Saves Time 

Mixing concrete manually on-site requires a large labour force and takes a lot of time. But with ready mixed concrete, all you have to do is place an order according to the concrete measurement requirements. 

The mixed concrete will then be delivered to you using volumetric lorries. The mixture is mixed thoroughly while travelling to the construction site.  This eliminates the waiting time and allows you to straight away get to the job.  

Consistent quality of concrete 

Volumetric concrete mixers allow perfect measurement and mixture of the concrete materials. So you can expect the same amount of quality throughout the mixing process. 

Convenient 

One of the reasons why construction projects cannot finish on time is the delay in materials. If you don’t choose ready mixed concrete, you have to go through all the hassle of acquiring the raw materials, scheduling, delivery, mixing, etc. 

With ready mixed concrete, you can have high-quality fresh concrete delivered at the right time so you can continue with the job smoothly and finish on time. Concrete suppliers are all aware of the importance of not delaying concrete delivery. So you can be at ease knowing the concrete will arrive on time, within the timeframe you have agreed upon ordering. 

Eliminates wastage 

One of the fantastic advantages of ready mixed concrete is that it reduces the risk of concrete wastes and ensures that the raw materials are used optimally. The high-technology volumetric mixer can maintain perfect measurement of the concrete mixture throughout the process.  

Environmentally safe 

On-site concrete mixing increases the risk of wastage and dust emission, making it unsafe for the environment. We all want to ensure a safe, eco-friendly method in your construction. In that case, ready mixed concrete is the best and safest alternative. 

Ready Mixed Concrete Specialists 

If you are looking for high-quality and durable ready mixed concrete for your construction project, Erewash Concrete is the answer. Contact us today and let our specialists take care of the rest.