Advantages of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is an eye-catching material that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s also durable and requires little maintenance. Just be sure to seal it every two to three years.

It’s a great choice for patios, alfresco outdoor living areas and even driveways. Its natural skid resistance offers traction and safety, making it ideal for surfaces that are prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic.

Aesthetics

Exposed aggregate concrete allows you to choose from a variety of colors, designs, and styles for your driveway, patio, pool deck, or other outdoor feature. It offers a more natural look than conventional concrete, while also being durable and low maintenance. It can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions, and its textured surface helps prevent slipping.

The aggregates in exposed aggregate concrete are poured as a thin layer over a base of plain concrete, known as backing concrete. The aggregates are often held firmly by this base, but they can be looser than with surface dressed types.

This method of revealing aggregates is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than other forms of decorative concrete, but it is well worth the effort for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s aesthetics. However, it is important to keep in mind that the aggregates will need to be sealed periodically to protect them from damage and stains. It’s also important to hire a professional with experience in the field.

Durability

Aggregate concrete is highly durable and has an attractive textured finish that is ideal for areas exposed to weather conditions and foot traffic. Its slip-resistant surface is also suitable for pool decks and walkways, making it a safe choice for families. It can also be coloured to match your landscaping and surrounding features.

Polished concrete is more glossy and smooth than exposed aggregate, but it doesn’t offer the same durability or slip resistance. It’s important to select the right type of concrete for your needs and consult with a professional to ensure that your project meets construction standards.

Exposed aggregate concrete can be sprayed with a chemical retarder to keep the cement paste layer soft before it sets and hardens. This prevents the angular stones from being dislodged when the concrete cures, which could damage the overall look of your new surface. This material is also less prone to cracking than standard concrete and can be easier to repair.

Low maintenance

The rough surface of exposed aggregate concrete offers slip resistance, making it a good choice for driveways and other high-traffic areas. This surface also tends to last longer than other decorative concrete finishes, such as stamped or stencilled concrete. It is a great alternative to pavers and can look beautiful when combined with a wood divider strip or patterned concrete.

Exposed aggregate is not as sensitive to weather conditions as other types of hardscaping materials such as pavers and natural stone. In addition, it is less prone to damage from heavy traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. It is also easy to maintain, requiring little upkeep beyond periodic resealing.

Exposed aggregate concrete can be used in any area of the home, but it is particularly well suited to patios and outdoor living spaces. It can be matched with the colour of surrounding plants and trees for a cohesive aesthetic, or it can be combined with other decorative concrete treatments such as pattern stamping and chemical staining to create eye-catching patterns.

Environmentally friendly

Exposed aggregate concrete has several benefits that make it an attractive option for both residential and commercial applications. In addition to offering a distinct aesthetic, it is also cost-effective and can increase the value of your property. It requires professional installation and is a great choice for large areas like driveways and patios.

Unlike regular concrete, which is poured as one homogenous slab, exposed aggregate is usually a mix of sand, gravel and cement. It is designed to withstand the load of vehicles and foot traffic. Moreover, the surface is more slip-resistant than other types of surfaces.

During the pouring process, a retarder is added to the mix to slow down the curing process. Once the concrete has cured, the top layer of slurry is washed away with a mix of hydrochloric acid to expose the aggregates underneath. The cement used to bind the aggregates together can be tinted for additional aesthetic interplay. Many homeowners also choose to integrate polished chunks of glass for an extra dimension of luminosity.



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