There are three main types of composting: Vermicomposting, Aerobic Composting and Anaerobic Composting. 

Vermicomposting - This type of composting works best in a shallow heap and is suitable for food wastes. It requires medium effort. 

A combination of worms (redworm), bacteria, fungi, insects and bugs break down the waste. Each worm will eat their body weight in waste daily. This type of heap requires oxygen and water and rarely requires turning as the worms enable oxygen to filter through. Vermicomposting shouldn't smell but if it does it means there is too much moisture and requires further turning. 

Aerobic Composting - Aerobic Composting includes air in the process and is suitable for grass clippings and similar. This type of heap requires much more work as it needs turning every few days to ensure a constant supply of oxygen. The moisture content of the pile also needs to be carefully monitored. If the pile becomes too dry, or forms dry patches, the composting process will be greatly reduced. Watering the pile ensures it remains moist. This type of heap is the most suitable for creating large amounts of compost. 

Anaerobic Composting - This type of composting means 'without air' and relies on bacteria to break the waste down. The heap does require some passive air movement so the optimum size would be 2m high x 4m wide. The bedding material also needs to be porous for the process to work correctly. This is by far the easiest type of composting as you simply pile the waste up and it breaks down by itself. Because of this the heap can take a few years to fully breakdown and it can smell in comparison to the other types of composting.

 

The most commonly used types of blasting media are split into the following categories: Aluminium Oxide, Metals, Glass, Plastics, Ceramics and Natural. Let's take a closer look at what each product can do...

Aluminium Oxide - This is a very hard material used for cleaning, etching and surface preparations. The angular grains have a fast cutting action and can be recycled many times. Because the cutting action is so fast Aluminium Oxide causes less damage to thinner materials than the heavier, larger grained alternatives. The finish is usually matte and can be used prior to respraying.

Metals - There are several types of metal media than can come in both a granular and ball form. Metal balls give a clean, smooth and polished finish. Both types of metal media are aggressive and can be used for cleaning, derusting and descaling.

Glass - This type of media can be used for delicate items and general cleaning of metallic components. Glass media can be supplied in either a crushed or bead format with the beads giving a smoother finish than the angular crushed glass. Glass media can also be recycled. 

Plastics - Plastic media is effective at paint stripping, mould cleaning and deflashing. As the media is harder than the coating but softer than the material being blasted the item surface doesn't become damaged.

Ceramics - This type of media can be used for finishing applications and steel tool cleaning. Ceramics provide a smooth surface with a satin finish. 

Natural Products e.g. walnut shell - Natural products can be used for sensitive cleaning applications. They do not damage the item surface but remain durable so are perfect to use on airline engines and steam turbines. Natural products are also health friendly. 

Depending on the finish you require, the coating the item has and the nature of the item itself will depend on the type of media used. 

If you need an item blasting there's no need for you to worry about which type of media to use as High Pole can offer expert advice on the process to get the finish you require. We also have a specialised blasting booth to carry out all our blasting work. Contact us to discuss your requirements. 

Concrete is a versatile, weatherproof and inexpensive material to use but have you considered reducing the costs and environmental impacts further using quarry waste in the mix?

Using quarry waste in concrete is both cheaper than sand and reuses a product that is usually wasted. Tests have also proven concrete which uses quarry waste provides better compressive strength and flexibility than concrete without.

Contact us to find out more!  

But first here's a bit of background...Concrete blocks are primarily used for foundations and walls. They can come as Solids, Hollows or Lightweight blocks, depending on the usage. The cavities in Hollows are used for reinforcing bars when strong foundations are required. 

Concrete blocks are usually light grey with a fine surface texture, if they are going to be on display you can get a special 'paint-grade' block which has a finer surface. They are fire resistant, durable and energy efficient.

Concrete blocks are precast meaning they are formed and hardened before they reach site. The blocks are made from cement, water, sand and gravel with some chemicals added to aid the curing process and increase the strength of the finished block. In Lightweight blocks the sand and gravel is replaced with expanded clay, shale or slate.

The dry ingredients are blended together then the chemicals and water are added to bind the mixture. The mix is then moved through a set of hoppers and forced into moulds. Once all of the moulds are full they are compacted using a combination of vibrations and weight from the mould head. 

The compacted blocks are then pushed out of the moulds and stacked in packs. They then move onto the curing kilns where they are hardened with heat. Once fully cured the blocks are stacked in packs ready for distribution to merchants and builders.

High Pole supply and deliver a range of blocks. Click here to find out more or contact us for further details.

Both types of insulation can be used between floors, above ceilings and on unfinished walls. Due to the standard sizings both products are easy to use between studs, joists and beams.

- a strong product which can also easily be cut to fit around obstructions  Sheet insulation is denser than blanket so takes up much less room and can fit much more easily into smaller spaces. 

- resists water and air leaks

High Pole stock a range of sized foil backed sheet insulation (discounts available on large amounts) and can also supply blanket insulation on request. Contact us to find out more. 

Yorkshire Stone is a tight grained natural sandstone from Yorkshire. The colour is generally a buff with some grey. 

Yorkshire Stone is renowned for its hard wearing durability.It can last hundreds of years (hence why so much reclamation is possible) and has traditionally paved the streets of London! Whilst sustaining the durability, newer stone can weather in quickly to fit in with older surroundings. This feature can be a particularly useful when renovating properties/older landscapes.

Yorkshire Stone can be used for a variety of applications including patios, paths and driveways. You will probably see it most commonly used in the form of paving slabs or setts (cobbles) but walling stones are available too. The Stone can also be used both indoors and outdoors. 

High Pole offer a range of flags from man made to New Riven Yorkshire Stone. Please click here for our range or contact us to discuss your requirements. 

Our first products in the spotlight are going to be Building Sand and Washed Sand.....Both sands are general purpose but hands up if you know the difference?! 

First things first are the names of the products as it's important you know what you're asking for...Building Sand is also referred to as Soft Sand  and Washed Sand can also be called Sharp or River Sand.

Building Sand and Washed Sand look quite different. Building Sand has an even, smaller grit size whilst Washed Sand includes a larger aggregate in the mix. There is also a difference in colour. Building Sand can come in a variety of colours from yellow and orange, through to yellow and brown. Washed Sand, on the other hand, is a silver to brown colour. 

Building Sand is primarily used in mortar for brick laying purposes and pointing. It can also be used under paving slabs and in paving joints. Building Sand is used in rendering plaster too as it provides a flexible, smooth application. Building Sand has much more workability with allowances for adjustments (such as when used in mortar where bricks may require repositioning when laying).

Washed Sand has much more strength than Building Sand but is also less flexible. Washed Sand can be used dry under block paving for bedding in driveways or under paving. It can also be used for screeding floors, external fine concreting or rendering. When used in concrete it is mixed with gravel and cement. 

High Pole stock and supply both Building and Washed Sand and can order other types on request. To find out more or place an order please contact us. 

Why not have a look at our other aggregates in stock...click here for more information.

Lettering your trailer with your business details helps to promote your company to potential customers and provides a professional finish to your equipment. 

By sign writing your machinery and equipment you can also reduce to risk of having them stolen....after all would a thief rather steal a plain trailer they can just drive off or one covered in your logos and contact details?

If you are interested in lettering your trailer or other farm/building equipment contact us to discuss your requirements.