FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Duraberm come from?

A. Duraberm is an aggregate that comes from steel furnace slag. Slag is a co-product of the steel making process. We combine processed slag from two different steel making lines to meet the physical properties needed for Duraberm. Between the angularity of the slag aggregate and the fines, this material will “lock” together, becoming very hard.

Since it comes from the steel making process, are there pieces of metal in Duraberm?

A. In the process of crushing the slag, magnets are used to remove metals that may be present in it. It is part of our mill contract to remove as much of the metallic material as possible.

Is it safe to use around animals?

A. Yes, it is. We have worked with the USDA NRCS (United States Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service), supplying materials for high traffic areas around cattle feeders and watering areas.

Is it as dusty as limestone?

A. When it is first laid down, there will be dust because of the fines. Once the area has become wet and somewhat compacts, the dust becomes minimal. The fines will settle down and become part of the hardened material.

Can I pave over it?

A. It is not recommended. Because of the materials in Duraberm, the material has some expansive properties. When properly blended with other materials, or after a few years of being in place the expansive qualities will dissipate. If you are looking for materials to place under asphalt or concrete, there are other materials available at our site(s) that would work. Contact your local salesman for more information.

Besides driveways, in what other applications can it be used?

A. This material is used by many Counties and other municipalities for unpaved, rural roads. Because of the cementitious qualities of the Duraberm, it can be incorporated into existing low-volume, rural roads, to form an improved base for chip and seal or other surfaces. Farmers often use this for farm lanes and feed lots, and parking areas for large equipment. It has also been used in landscaping applications.