Why Gravel Is Not a Good Dust Control for Roads

Many believe that adding gravel to dirt roads can help control dust. The logic is that the gravel will create a more solid road surface, reducing the amount of dust particles that become airborne. However, this solution has several flaws that often make it less effective than expected.

In this article, we'll explore why gravel is far from the best option for dust control on roads and show you what alternative dust control solutions we have at Ninja De-Icer that can provide far better results.

Gravel Road Dust Control: The Reality

Dusty roads are more than just a nuisance: they can cause serious health issues, reduce visibility for drivers, and lead to significant wear and tear on vehicles. Using gravel as a dust control measure on unpaved roads may seem like a practical solution initially. However, it often leads to more dust problems in the long run.

Grinding

For gravel to be an effective dust control measure, there needs to be enough fine material to bind the larger gravel pieces together. Without sufficient clay particles or other binding agents, the gravel becomes loose and generates more dust as vehicles travel over it.

Because over time, the larger gravel pieces on unpaved roads grind against each other and the underlying soil, creating fine particles that actually contribute to dust.

And without regular maintenance, the displaced gravel leads to forming ruts and potholes that worsen the dust problem even more.

Maintenance Challenges

Now you might think “Well, in that case I’ll just have to make sure to keep my gravel well-maintained”. One often overlooked aspect of using gravel for dust control is the significant maintenance challenges it presents.

Maintaining a gravel road to keep it effective in controlling dust is both labor-intensive and costly.

Regular grading is necessary to maintain the road surface and reduce dust, but it can also disturb the gravel and contribute to dust generation if not done properly.

Environmental Factors

The effectiveness of gravel in controlling dust is also influenced by environmental factors.

In dry or windy conditions, the gravel can become extremely dusty as the fine particles are easily lifted into the air. On the other hand, in humid areas, the moisture in the air can help to temporarily reduce dust by binding the particles together. However, this is not a reliable long-term solution, as changes in weather conditions can quickly negate any benefits.

You Can Do Better Than Gravel

Get alternative dust control products from Ninja De-Icer now!

Get a Quote

Alternative Dust Control Methods

Given the limitations of gravel, the next logical step would be to explore alternative dust control methods. Here are some options:

Spraying Water

Actually, water isn’t the ideal dust control method either, as it has limitations to how it interacts with dust. While it provides immediate dust suppression, it's not a long-term solution. Water evaporates quickly, especially in hot, dry conditions, and frequent application is needed to maintain dust control.

Soil Adhesives and Binders

Soil adhesives and binders can be used to stabilize the road surface and reduce dust. These products work by binding the soil particles together, preventing them from becoming airborne. Here are two commonly used soil adhesives:

• Magnesium Chloride is a highly effective dust suppressant. It works by absorbing moisture from the air and binding the soil particles together. This creates a damp road surface, reducing the amount of dust kicked up by vehicles. Magnesium chloride is particularly effective in humid areas where it can draw in more moisture to maintain a stable road surface.
• Calcium Chloride is another excellent option for dust control. Like magnesium chloride, it attracts moisture from the environment, helping to keep the road surface damp and minimizing dust. Calcium chloride is effective in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions, making it a versatile choice for dust suppression on unpaved roads. It is also known for its ability to enhance the binding properties of the soil, providing long-lasting dust control.
• Mineral Well Brine Liquid
• DOWFLAKE™ XTRA Calcium Chloride Flakes

dowflake-xtra-calcium-chloride-flakes

DOWFLAKE™ XTRA Calcium Chloride Flakes

Starting at $9.78 (per bag)

mineral-well-brine-liquid

Mineral Well Brine

Starting at $0.23 (per gallon)

Choose the Right Dust Control Solution with Ninja Deicer

Gravel alone often falls short when it comes to effective dust control on unpaved roads. Its limitations, including insufficient fine material, heavy traffic impact, and environmental factors, highlight the need for better alternatives.

The need for ongoing maintenance and the potential for increased dust generation make gravel a less-than-ideal solution for long-term dust control. By implementing more effective dust control solutions like soil adhesives, you can significantly reduce dust and create safer, more durable roads.

Don't settle for less effective methods. For superior dust control solutions, get a quote today from Ninja De-Icer and let us help you achieve the best results for your unpaved roads.