BREEDON GOLDEN

AMBER GRAVEL

www.breedon-special-aggregates.co.uk
BREEDON
GOLDEN AMBER
GRAVEL
ROBUST PERFORMANCE WITH A SOFT NATURAL
GOLDEN FINISH, ENHANCING SOME OF BRITAIN’S
MOST PRESTIGIOUS PROJECTS.

Breedon Golden Amber Gravel provides exceptional performance, durability

and versatility with a soft, natural appearance which compliments both modern day
and historical projects, from cottages to castles, traditional or contemporary.

APPLICATIONS
Footpaths Golf courses material. Spread the material out to
a depth of approximately 75mm in

Private Canal towpaths order to achieve a finished compacted
driveways 
Parks, leisure and thickness of 50mm.
Car parks recreational
Cycleways Colleges
Bridleways Historical

LAYING INSTRUCTIONS
The approximate coverage is 8m2 per
tonne. It is recommended that Breedon
Golden Amber Gravel (Breedon
Gravel) is laid at a finished compacted
thickness of 50mm. Please note that
Breedon self-binding gravel is not a
free draining product and requires a
cross fall or camber to shed water from
its surface into adequate drainage. By using a heavier roller, this helps
achieve maximum compaction with
Breedon Gravel is a natural material fewer passes, however on smaller
quarried from selected limestone and areas a pedestrian roller may be used
graded approximately 12mm (1/2”) to although it is vital that the surface is
fines; the fines content being naturally rolled sufficiently to achieve fullest
occurring marl which acts as the self- compaction prior to water rolling. The surface must then be rolled
setting agent when the material is This may take a few more passes over using a roller of similar type to that
watered and rolled to fullest compaction the area. The sub-base should be laid used for compacting the foundation
in the manner described below. with cross falls or cambers prior to with the vibratory action of the
the application of the Breedon Golden roller switched on and the area
Breedon Gravel must be laid onto Amber surface course. should be continually rolled until
a compacted quarried MOT Type 1 fullest compaction is achieved. It is
sub-base to clause 803. The depth Prior to use it is recommended that imperative that Breedon Gravel is
of which should be of sufficient the moisture content of the Breedon laid to a cross fall or camber in order
strength and stability to carry the Gravel is checked, particularly in to shed surface water - it must NOT
proposed traffic (we suggest a prolonged dry conditions or where be laid flat. To give some indication,
minimum of 150mm if the ground is material has been stocked for a period an adequate fall would be 1 in 55 for
good) and also the area concerned before use. When squeezed by hand a pathway with a width of 1 metre
should be porous enough to ensure the material should have enough approximately and a minimum of
that water is not held directly in moisture within it that it should stick 1 in 40 for much wider walkways,
or immediately below the Breedon together. If the material is dry, we courtyards and car parks etc.
Gravel. If a weed suppressant advise that a hose with a fine mist The same gradient should apply
membrane is required, this must setting is sprayed over the Breedon when installing the Type 1 sub-base.
be installed underneath the Type 1 Gravel and the heap is turned over Please ensure that adequate drainage
sub-base and not in between the sufficiently to replenish lost moisture to is installed in proportion to the
sub-base and Breedon Gravel. achieve the necessary consistency. surface area being laid. If rainfall is
not dispelled rapidly this can lead to
The Type 1 sub-base should be laid The Breedon Golden Amber Gravel an ingress of surface water which will
and rolled using a roller of suitable should be spread onto the prepared prevent the hardening and binding
weight, i.e. minimum 1.5 tonnes for foundation using a flat board or the process of the Breedon Golden
footways and similar works, and back of a rake. Do not use the prongs Amber Gravel. After this initial laying
minimum 2.5 tonnes for car parks etc. of a rake as this will segregate the to cambers and falls it is probable

PAGE 2
that occasional coarse areas will be It is imperative that sufficient water before being opened up to general
evident where segregation of the is added to the material during the use. The length of time to allow is
Breedon Gravel may have occurred. water rolling process. Failure to float dependent on weather conditions,
At this point, fines can be sieved the fines to the Breedon Golden but this can take up to a period of 2
from the main heap of material and Amber Gravel surface will result in the weeks or more. We would also advise
scattered onto these coarse areas re-softening of the material, leading that during the drying process that
before being re-rolled. to an unbound finish. Approximately the area is not used. Please note
five gallons of water for each tonne of that materials should never be laid in
Once a uniform appearance has been laid material is required to adequately frozen conditions.
achieved the second stage can be float the marl fines to the Breedon
undertaken. This is the water rolling Gravel surface, which will allow the Because Breedon Gravel depends
of Breedon Gravel for which the product to bind and harden. As a entirely on its own binding properties
vibratory action of the roller must be visual guide when enough water has for its stability, it is not practical to
switched off. been applied, the area should have lay Breedon Gravel on steep slopes
a similar appearance of freshly laid where the angle of fall is steeper than
By using a water roller, water is concrete, giving a shiny, glassy finish a 1 in 15 gradient. Long continuous
automatically sprayed onto the drum over the whole surface. Once this has fall over sloping ground can be
of the roller. The fundamental aim is to been achieved the binding process minimised by the formation of deep
have a film of water covering the whole can begin. steps. This will reduce the risk of ruts
Breedon Gravel surface but in most occurring caused by the action of
instances the water tank on the roller is flowing storm water.
insufficient for dispelling enough water
onto the drum and additional water On completion, the Breedon Golden
will be required. This is almost always Amber Gravel surface will be very
the case in dry warm weather. If the smooth and uniform. Over time, with
Breedon Gravel is sticking to the roller, weathering and trafficking the surface
this indicates that there is insufficient will scarify, giving a light dressing
water being applied. To rectify this, of chippings over the area, whilst
it is advisable that a hose is directed maintaining a bound, solid base.
onto the drum of the roller as the Should a lasting smooth appearance
material is rolled, saturating the drum. be required, the loose chippings can
There should be a flood of water be swept from the surface using a
pushing forward as the drum rolls the soft broom. However, the surface will
surface. Never direct a hose directly naturally scarify with use, therefore the
onto the Breedon Golden Amber sweeping process would need to be
Gravel itself as this will wash out the repeated when necessary.
necessary fines which are required
for the material to bind. The object of
water rolling this material is to float
enough fines to the top surface of the If there are any lines or grooves in the
gravel to obtain a well-bonded finish. gravel left by the weight of the roller, a
soft wide broom can be used to gently
pass over the surface whilst still wet –
this will remove any lines and leave a
uniform surface finish.

If laying large expanses of Breedon

Golden Amber Gravel, it is important
that the whole laying process is
completed per section. Newly laid
areas can be “butted up” next to
PLAY VIDEO previously laid material provided
that a neat edge is used. When
floating the fines up to the surface
in the adjoining sections simply pull
A step-by-step installation a soft broom across the surface as
previously advised.
video is available to view
on our website It is important that the area should
then be allowed to dry out fully

PAGE 3
BREEDON GOLDEN AMBER GRAVEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you supply to the general written guidelines along with an Can I lay Breedon Gravel in the rain?
public or do I need to hold informative video on our website, Laying Breedon Gravel in the rain can
a Credit Account with you? which allows you or your contractor actually prove beneficial as it helps
We supply Account and Non-account to visualise how the product should the water rolling process, provided
customers alike on a Nationwide look and behave at each stage of the the rain is not so intense that it could
basis. All products are available both installation process. We also have wash away the fines content!
loose tipped and in 800kg bulk bags. a team of experienced technical
Please get in touch to discuss your advisers based at our Special Can I lay Breedon Gravel in frozen
requirements. Aggregates Sales Office who can conditions?
assist you with any queries you may Breedon Golden Amber Gravel as with
have or talk you through the process all aggregates that contain fines should
step-by-step. never be laid in a frozen state. This can
lead to shrinkage and movement of
Can I lay Breedon Gravel on top of materials upon thawing.
existing concrete or asphalt?
No. Breedon Gravel must be laid Can I lay Breedon Gravel on a slope?
directly onto a MOT Type 1 sub-base Breedon self-binding products are not
to clause 803. Any existing concrete recommended to be laid on slopes
or asphalt must be broken up and steeper than a 1 in 15 gradient. This
removed. MOT Type 1 sub-base is because the action of storm water
provides a solid sub-structure for the flowing across the surface can cause
I only require a small amount Breedon Gravel and also has voids, damage to the material and can result
of material; can I get this directly which the Breedon Gravel fills, grips in the occurrence of potholes and
from you? and binds on to. Although Breedon ruts. Where you have a slope steeper
We can supply you with a minimum Gravel is not free draining and must than 1 in 15, the installation of steps at
quantity of 800kg in a bulk bag and be laid to falls in order to shed water, irregular intervals will reduce the risk
can offer delivery nationwide. throughout spells of prolonged of ruts occurring and damage to the
rainfall, some rainwater may ingress finished surface.
Is Breedon Golden Amber Gravel through the product and the MOT
free draining? Type 1 sub-base underneath will
No. Breedon Golden Amber self- allow that water to continue to drain
binding gravel is not free draining away. Concrete or asphalt would not
and therefore requires a cross fall or facilitate this, and water would be
camber to shed water from its surface held in or below the layer of Breedon
into adequate drainage. Gravel causing it to soften and
pothole.
How much does 1 tonne cover?
One tonne will cover approximately
8sqm laid at our recommended
finished compacted thickness of
50mm. This equates to a bulk bag
coverage of 6.4 tonnes approximately
per bag. These calculations build in a
10% wastage factor.

What is the density of Breedon Gravel?

2.2 tonnes per compacted cubic metre.

What depth should I lay Breedon Gravel? What is the minimum/maximum

Breedon Golden Amber Gravel must be gradient to shed surface water?
laid to a finished compacted thickness An adequate gradient for smaller
of 50mm as per our laying instructions. areas (such as footpaths) would be 1
If material is laid any thicker, fullest in 50 to allow water to shed from the
compaction will not be achieved and surface, however, for large surface
the fines will not float to the surface areas such as car parks or driveways,
when water rolled. If laid thinner than then a minimum of 1 in 40 gradient
50mm the wearing course will be would be preferable (25mm drop for
compromised, which will affect the Do I need to use edgings? every metre of width).
durability of the surface. Edgings are optional. Concrete,
timber, metal or stone edgings can What equipment would I need to lay it?
Can I use a membrane directly under be used and will help achieve fullest A flat boarded rake to initially spread
the Breedon Gravel? compaction; however, edgings the material (you can use the back
No. Breedon Golden Amber Gravel should not stand proud of the of a garden rake, but do not use the
must be laid directly onto the quarried Breedon Golden Amber Gravel. prongs as this will segregate the
Type 1 sub-base. A membrane or If this is the case with timber or coarse components). For footpaths
terram may be used underneath the metal edgings, then holes must be a minimum of a 1 tonne sit-on water
MOT Type 1 if required. drilled through the edgings at half roller should be used. For larger areas,
metre intervals at the level of the a 1.5 tonne sit-on water roller will be
Do you have recommended surface, or a ‘v’ can be cut down to required. Access to additional water
contractors to lay Breedon Gravel? the Breedon Golden Amber Gravel via a hosepipe or water bowser is
Unfortunately, it would be level to allow water to flow off the necessary and also a soft broom to
impossible for us to provide a list surfaces. If curbs or sets are used as finish the surface.
of ‘recommended’ contractors as edgings the mortar joint can be left
Breedon Gravel travels to each and out at half metre intervals, again, this
every part of the UK and we simply will allow water to escape from the
could not check the installation surface.
countrywide. We do however provide
all the instructions necessary for
you to carry out the work. We have
Continues on page 5

PAGE 4
BREEDON GOLDEN AMBER
GRAVEL FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Continued from page 4

How much water is required?

Approximately 5 gallons per tonne is
required. In hot, dry spells more water
may be required and in winter slightly
less. Please be aware the water which
is dispelled from a vibrating roller will
be inadequate and additional water will
be necessary via a hosepipe directed
onto the drum.

How long does it take to set?

The time taken for the surface of
the Golden Amber Gravel to set is
dependent on the weather conditions
at the time of laying. This can vary from
between one week in the height of
summer to two weeks plus in the wet
colder winter months. The area should
remain unused in this period. Breedon
Gravel should be treated with respect
in the first three months whilst gaining Can I brush the surface? a driveway or car parking area using
strength. After that, the more the area is After the Breedon Golden Amber Golden Amber Gravel is where the
used the better it will perform. Gravel has been water rolled there may vehicle is driven on to and reversed
be some lines from the roller in the off without the need to turn the
Can heavy vehicles use the area? material. A soft broom should be used power steering. Where these turning
Breedon Golden Amber Gravel has at this point, whilst the material is still points are required then a hard-paved
the strength and durability to allow wet, to gently run across the surface landscape surface would be more
heavy vehicles to drive carefully on to remove any roller marks and leave a suitable in these particular areas.
the surface, however, be aware that if nice smooth finish. Please ensure that adequate drainage
a vehicle is stationary and the wheels is installed in proportion to the
are turned, this could cause scuffing Breedon Golden Amber Gravel will surface area being laid. If rainfall is
and potholes, particularly when the naturally self-scarify with use but if not dispelled rapidly this can lead to
material is wet. It is advisable to you choose to remove the surface an ingress of surface water, which will
apply a speed limit of 5mph. It is not chippings for visual purposes, a prevent the hardening and binding
recommended that Breedon Golden soft broom may be used to do so. process of the Breedon Golden
Amber Gravel is used by HGV or However please note the surface will Amber Gravel.
agricultural vehicles. continually scarify so this process may
need to be repeated if a smoother Is Breedon Golden Amber Gravel
appearance is required. suitable for bridleways?
Yes, but as bridleways are often in
Is Breedon Golden Amber Gravel woodlands or fields, try to get the
suitable for use on car parking areas sub-base above ground level and then
and driveways? lay the Breedon Gravel on the top to
Yes, but please bear in mind that allow water to drain off the surface.
Breedon Golden Amber Gravel is If edgings are not used, then the
a 100% natural limestone product material should be laid to a camber
and will sustain scuff damage to its and feathered off at the edges. If this
finished surface if the steering is used isn’t done and the bridleway is lower
on stationary vehicles or if vehicle than the surrounding area, water will
wheels are spun upon it. This can lead flow down onto the bridleway and will
to the occurrence of potholes and pond causing weakness, potholes and
therefore, the project will require a potentially a breakdown of the whole
higher level of maintenance to keep surface. Please also note that whilst
the Golden Amber Gravel surface in our self-binding products are perfectly
good order. The preferred design for suitable for horses to walk over, they
are not strong enough to withstand
horses cantering or galloping over
their surface.

Is Breedon Gravel suitable for

wheelchair use?
Yes. When Breedon Gravel is
installed in accordance with our laying
instructions, it provides a solid bound
base which does not separate or
segregate with wheelchair use.
The surface does lightly scarify with
use leaving a dressing of grit/chippings
on the surface. Please note that this
may pick up on shoes or wheels so it
would be advisable for a hard-paved
area prior to entering a building to
reduce the migration of dust.

PAGE 5
BREEDON GOLDEN AMBER GRAVEL MAINTENANCE PLAN

Breedon Golden Amber Gravel is a natural limestone. It is important that

occasional maintenance is carried out as required to ensure its performance
and appearance are maintained.

POTHOLES
There are two basic reasons why HEALTH AND SAFETY
potholes may occur - it is either due
to surface damage or where surface Product
water cannot drain away caused by Crushed limestone aggregate.
lack of cambers or cross falls.
Application
(Wacker) Repairs should be carried out Crushed limestone is used as a
as soon as a pothole appears. Cut out basic construction material and as a
a neat square around the pothole and component in other materials such
remove all material within the square as concrete, mortar, asphalt and
down to the Type 1 sub-base. Fill the coated roadstone.
area with new Breedon Golden Amber
Gravel and compact using a wacker Precautions
plate or roller in accordance with our The products are not considered
laying instructions, following the entire hazardous. Inhalation of any dust
water rolling process.
should be avoided. Dust masks to
BS 2091 Type B, or their equivalent,
RE-SURFACING DRAINAGE should be worn in enclosed spaces
In the event of resurfacing at a later Always ensure that drains and gullies where handling or further processing
date, use a rake to scarify the top are kept free of debris to allow surface is taking place and where adequate
surface down to an approximate depth water to drain away easily. ventilation is not provided.
of between 35-45mm, whilst taking
care to protect the integrity of the type Physical and chemical
1 sub-base layer beneath. This may WINTER MAINTENANCE characteristics
need some effort if the material has For best results, ensure that any leaves This limestone consists primarily of
been down for a long period of time. are removed from the surface by using calcium and magnesium carbonates.
Once the surface has been loosened, a blower or a vacuum. Alternatively, a
discard the loose debris. It is advisable very soft broom can be used. Protective clothing
that the existing laid Breedon Gravel is No protective clothing is required.
sprayed with water using a hose with
a fine mist to improve its moisture SURFACE APPEARANCE PH value
content. Then a new layer of Breedon Breedon Golden Amber Gravel The pH value of Breedon limestone
Golden Amber Gravel laid on to it, scarifies with use to leave a dressing is 8.5.
rolled and water rolled in accordance of chippings over its surface, however
with our laying instructions. as a matter of personal choice, they
Transportation, storage and
can be swept away using a very soft
broom to leave a smoother finish. disposal
WEED GROWTH This process would however need The carriage of aggregates is not
Should any weed growth occur, spray to be repeated as the surface will subject to hazardous substance
the area with a water-based weed killer naturally scarify with use. Please also conveyance regulations and vehicle
and allow the vegetation to die back be advised that this will also affect labelling is not required. Aggregates
before lightly sweeping away. Never the wearing course and longevity of are inert but should be disposed
pull the weeds up through the gravel, the product. of in accordance with local legal
this will loosen the bonded surface requirements.
and allow pooling water to soften the
material in these areas.

Areas constantly shaded or only ever

lightly used may be susceptible to
moss growth. For these areas apply
a water-based weed killer or moss
remover and cover the affected area
when dry (and with no rain expected
for a few days). This will take a few
When ordering your self-binding limestone please specifically
days to take effect. Once the moss has ask for “Breedon Golden Amber Gravel” as some of our
died back use a light rake to loosen market competitors use the term “Golden Amber Gravel”
and sweep away. Do take care not to to promote their alternative products which are not produced
put too much pressure on the surface by Breedon Southern Ltd.
and disturb the Breedon Gravel itself.

This brochure is provided for general guidance

TO DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: only and may contain information which could
be inappropriate under particular conditions

TEL: 01332 694001 of application use. In keeping with our policy

of continual product development,
Breedon Southern Limited reserve the right
[email protected] to alter any specification shown. All
information is correct at time of print. Liability
www.breedon-special-aggregates.co.uk in respect of any statement conditions,
warranties and representations made on
Breedon Special Aggregates, Breedon Quarry, behalf of the company are limited to the
Breedon-on-the-Hill, Derby, DE73 8AP. standard conditions of sale which are
available on request.