RIP RAP

Rip Rap

Rip rap is one of our most popular products here at Pima Stone. Also known as riprap, shot rock, and rock armor, this material is landscape rocks that are placed at strategic locations for functional purposes. Specifically, they guard against erosion control. The placement of these rocks is an effective and aesthetically pleasing way to protect manmade structures and natural slopes alike.

Why Rip Rap Is Important in Desert Climates

Primarily, rip rap stones are used along shorelines,pilings, bridge abutments, and similar areas. In other words, these rocks are typically placed where land meets water. Because of this, you might be wondering why rip rap is so important for desert landscapes like those in Arizona. However, one only needs to live through a monsoon season in Tucson to understand why erosion control is crucial in the desert.

Each monsoon season, sudden downpours give rise to flash floods, which easily wash away large volumes of soil. The end result is a bare landscape with plants that struggle to grow in nutrient-poor soil. In fact, the long-term consequences of desert soil erosion are significant, including the following:

Loss and devaluing of real property
Depletion of ground water
Loss of trees and other plant life
Sediment deposition in less than ideal areas
Loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity

Fortunately, rip rap provides a way to prevent these damaging consequences thanks to effective erosion control.

Where to Use Rocks for Erosion Control

Typically, property owners place these rocks at strategic locations in a landscape to guard against erosion. In particular, property owners like to install rip rap on slopes for better structural support. You can also use this landscape rock along streambanks, storm drains, culvert inlets and outlets, and near bridges. In desert landscapes in particular, it’s helpful to build storm drain channels, or arroyos, using these rocks.

How Much Rip Rap Do I Need?

Each load of rip rap you purchase will feature rocks within a certain size range. For example, our rocks are available in these size ranges:

Gray: 4-8 inches
River rock: 2-4 inches and 4-8 inches
Coronado brown: 2-5 inches, 4-8 inches, and 6-13 inches

The coverage area you’ll get per ton of rock depends on the size range. Here are some examples of coverage areas per ton:

1-3 inch rocks: 90 square feet
2-4 inch rocks: 70 square feet
4-10 inch rocks: 30 square feet

Our staff members are experts at estimating the amount of material you’ll need to complete the job at hand. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for guidance on your particular landscaping needs.

How to Install Erosion Control Rocks

It’s best to install rip rap rocks of varying sizes. As a result, this will create a more effective interlocking system. Before laying down the rocks, apply a geotextile membrane to the soil. This will prevent soil from traveling up between the rocks. Then, apply the rocks. The depth of the rocks should be twice as deep as the largest diameter of the rocks. On a slope or streambank, the rocks should extend all the way to the top of the bank for maximum erosion control. In addition, if the slope is steep, it’s best to apply galvanized wire mesh or chain link fencing material to the top of the rocks to secure them in place. Note that the steepest slope that can safely accept rip rap is a 2:1 ratio. In other words, the slope travels two feet horizontally for every one foot of incline.

Pima Stone Is Your Source for Affordable Rip Rap

Quality and affordability are the two most important considerations when it comes to purchasing rocks for erosion control. Consequently, that’s why so many people in the Marana and Tucson area turn to Pima Stone for bulk materials. We’re a leading supplier thanks to our focus on exceptional products available at competitive prices. Our friendly staff members will be happy to answer all of your questions about our products. Plus, we offer delivery services on bulk purchases of landscape rock. Give us a call today at (520) 616-0922 if you have any questions.