Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any environmental concerns with Shingle Chips?
NO. See enclosed Ministry approval documents and leachate test results in the environmental section of this website.
Are there nails or tarpaper in the shingle chips?
All Shingle Chip material is NEW direct from the factory. The are the notched cut outs from manufacturing new asphalt shingles
Can I spread them with a blade or front-end loader bucket?
NO. The strip or spaghetti like configuration, which is a unique physical attribute of the material, allows it to knit together so it will not wash away. It requires spreading only by a traditional agricultural manure spreader, operating the spreader beaters at slow speeds making several passes, applying a thin half inch layer each pass until a 5 depth is achieved. During each pass throughout the spreading process it is advised that someone follows the spreader with a pitchfork or garden rake ensuring any lumps are shook out and the shingle chips are spread uniformly.
When should I pack the shingle chips?
Do not pack until spreading is completed and edges are trimmed. Pack only during direct sun light to achieve best results. Air temperature of 70 F or higher is recommended. Pack shingle chips to compressed depth of 2.5 to 3 .
Do I need a gravel base?
Removed soft mud and manure to solid base. Place shingle chips to a minimum depth of 8 to 12 allowing for approximately 40% compaction. Spread the shingle chips with a manure spreader for best results. Water will drain through shingle chips keeping livestock and machinery high and dry.
How long will it last?
Farm driveways properly installed are lasting 6 to 8 years depending on the traffic load. Livestock areas are lasting 10 to 15 years when installed 9 packed depth or greater.
How heavy should the packer be?
A 60 wide smooth drum vibrating packer weighing approximately 13000 lbs will produce the best results and is most economical to rent from your local rental shop.
Will the snow blower hurt the shingle chips?
NOT if you treat your shingle chip driveway like it was gravel. By adjusting the skid shoes on your blower or blade of your pick-up truck to scrape the surface clean, apply moderate down pressure on the shingle chip.
How much material do I need?
Shingle chips are delivered in approximately 26 tonne loads consisting of 2 x 40 cubic yard containers.
DRIVEWAYS AND YARDS:
Each 26 tonne load will cover 4,000 square feet (10x400), spreading 5 deep and packing to 3"LIVESTOCK AREAS:
Each 26 tonne load will cover 2,000 square feed (10x200), spreading 10 deep and packing to 6"Should you require a smaller load, and can arrange to split a full load with your neighbour, we will deliver to 2 locations providing it is within one mile of the original drop.