Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveways the Right Choice for Me?

Although exposed aggregate goes back to the 1920s, it is still widely used today. This material, in particular, has proved to be a popular alternative for improving the beauty and usefulness of driveways. It’s no surprise that it may be seen on sidewalks, patios, pool decks, footpaths, and plazas.

If you wish to incorporate this material into your house or property, keep reading. This article will assist you in determining whether exposed aggregate is suitable for you.

What is the definition of exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate layers are a decorative style in which the bottom layer is concrete and the top layer is exposed to display the underlying aggregate materials. This material is also known as exposed concrete, concrete overlay, or concrete aggregate. Furthermore, the concrete aggregate mixture is made up of water, cement, sand, and the necessary aggregate for your design. Aggregates can also be crushed stone, pebbles, gravel, or granite.

The Advantages of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed Aggregate Concrete has the same strength as concrete and can bear severe loads. Furthermore, homeowners choose the material since it is not only heat resistant but also water resistant. Another noteworthy property is that when properly constructed, the structure may survive for almost forty years without cracking.

Concrete aggregate finishes in public squares, parks, and historical places can persist for more than 10 years with little or no maintenance. This implies you won’t have to paint or varnish the surface. Aside from resealing it every few years, a simple washing will be sufficient to preserve the beautiful material.

High Decorative Potential- With aggregates available in a wide range of colours, shapes, sizes, and textures, the design options for your concrete driveway are virtually limitless. As a consequence, you may simply match the outcome to the style of your home.

Affordability- Because concrete and aggregate are commonly available materials, they are both recognised to be inexpensive. As a result, spending a fortune on your driveway is relatively improbable when compared to alternative possibilities.

Slip-resistant exposed aggregate concrete lowers the danger of slips and injuries. Furthermore, the roughness of the materials chosen protects your safety as you pass through your driveways.

Home Value Increase- Exposed aggregate concrete driveways surely offer beauty and individuality to your home, consequently increasing its value. When you place your house on the market, potential buyers will value it more.

Installation costs

As previously stated, the materials for exposed aggregate concrete driveways are less expensive than other options since they are easily available locally. Furthermore, the true cost is apparent when all of the charges for placing aggregate concrete are added together. However, the total cost of installing exposed aggregate will often include supplies, labour, excavation, residential site clearance and preparation, taxes and permits, and any other fees and concerns unique to your location.

Colours

The major components used to get the colour of your exposed aggregate concrete are naturally occuring and easily accessible. One advantage of having a variety of colour options for your driveway is that it will be much easier for you to match the design of your driveway with the design of your home, making your property more desirable.

Furthermore, the most prevalent colours in various shades include black, grey, charcoal, white, and beige. If you want to learn about other alternatives, contact your contractors, who will gladly show you a colour guide with over 50 distinct aggregate colours. If you still can’t find the colour you’re looking for, manufacturers can create a bespoke hue just for you.

What are the techniques for exposing aggregate?

Brushing and washing- This is a traditional procedure that does not require the use of chemical retarders or specialised instruments to expose the aggregates. It is considered the oldest and easiest method, as it requires only water and a broom. Spray the surface with clean water and scrape it with a broom until the appropriate depth is reached.

Surface retarder application- This is accomplished by instantly spraying a chemical retarder over the slab. After a day, the cement paste may be removed by scrubbing or pressure washing. Contractors may benefit from the delay in hot weather or when they have vast works to do.

Abrasive blasting is often referred to as shot blasting or sandblasting. When the concrete hardens, a sandblaster is used to remove the cement off the surface. One disadvantage of utilising abrasive blasting is that it might provide a somewhat dull look. As a result, if you wish to keep the aggregate’s colour and form, avoid using this approach.

Aggregates that are commonly used

Granite is the most prevalent form of aggregate available on the market. It is available in a range of colours, including pink, white, and various degrees of grey and red.

Meanwhile, gravel or ballast is a newer sort of exposed aggregate that is gaining popularity. Gravels and ballast can be sourced from quarries or mined from natural rocks found in river or sea bottoms.

Can you put your exposed aggregate concrete down?

To properly finish the exposed aggregate concrete installation, special equipment and experience are required. As a result, hiring specialists is the best alternative. They are not only more prepared and capable of executing the task, but they can also assist improve the aesthetic of your concrete. They will also assist you throughout the planning process to ensure that you receive the driveway of your dreams.