Understandably, most homeowners in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, are not fully aware of what a rock excavation project entails. It’s not every day that you need rock and cemented materials broken up and carted out of their current locations. If you have a big landscape project coming up that involves rock excavation, such as the installation of a septic system or a brand-new swimming pool, you’ll want to be informed about the equipment that will be visiting your home, the likely timeline, as well as the process. Here are a few things you should know.
Excavation Machinery
Depending on the needs of your excavation project, any existing vegetation and structures, and the size of the rocks that will be excavated, the heavy machinery brought on site can vary. Substantial excavation projects could require an excavator or a Bobcat. An excavator is a large, man-operated machine that has a hydraulically powered arm. Different attachments can be added for more precision, to ensure precision on the job. Bobcats are compact, front-loading machines that are used for quick and easy removal of larger pieces of material. Thanks to their compact size, they can operate in relatively close spaces.
Related: 4 Reasons Why You Need a Skilled Excavation Contractor to Clear Your Land in Briarcliff Manor, NY
Removal of Different Types of Rock
When it comes to actual rock removal, the time it takes and the difficulty of the project can depend greatly upon the type of rock being excavated. Rocks are organized into three types that all have varying attributes. Sedimentary rock is made up of particles or sediments that have been compacted over time. This type of rock is relatively easy to handle as it can be turned back into sediment. Metamorphic rocks are formed through extreme amounts of pressure. For example, marble and slate are part of the metamorphic rock category. These rocks can be more complicated to remove because they tend to shatter. Lastly, you may have igneous rocks, which are the hardest type of rock to excavate but are less common. Even if you do have igneous rock in your landscape, Santucci Construction Corp. has the necessary specialized tools to complete the job.
Chemical Removal
Some rock excavation may require the use of chemicals. Chemical removal involves a specially formulated chemical to expand and cause immense pressure. That pressure causes the rocks to crack. Cracks in the rock are important for excavation since these cracks make it easier to access the area with tools and equipment. Typically, this process is used for very large and difficult rocks. The excavation specialists will drill holes into the rock for the solution to go. It is similar to driving dozens of wedges into a rock to crack it.
Adding Space to Your Property
Sometimes the only thing standing between you and your dream landscape is a cluster of boulders. If there are boulders naturally on the surface of a landscape, then chances are there could be boulders hiding beneath the surface as well. This is why it is important to have the specialists at Santucci Construction Corp. evaluate any potential expansion of your property. Instead of digging aimlessly, Santucci uses a state-of-the-art device to scan the area below the surface and check for buried boulders. This device provides information about the depth, size, and density of the rock. All of this information can help you make smarter decisions when building on different parts of your property.