An exposed-aggregate surface is obtained by placing concrete and then removing the outer ‘skin’ of cement paste to uncover decorative coarse aggregate (either batched into the concrete mix or seeded onto the surface).
Is Exposed aggregate worth it?
Exposed aggregate is mostly recommended for families. Because it is slip resistant, you can use it as the surface for your pool deck, patio, and sidewalk. It is also a great choice for those who plan to improve the look of their driveway because of its resilience to heavy items.
Why is exposed aggregate so expensive?
Is exposed aggregate more expensive than concrete? Exposed aggregate concrete costs as much as double what you’d pay for normal class concrete. This is because there is an additional material cost for the aggregate used and more labour involved in creating the finish.
What is exposed aggregate made of?
First, understand that exposed aggregate paving consists of a mixture of cement, sand, water, and desired aggregate such as stone or pebbles. It is also the easiest to prepare and lay as all the materials i.e., sand, cement, water, and the desired aggregate are mixed together and put at the same time.
How is exposed aggregate done?
How to Expose Aggregate in Concrete. You just wash away the thin layer of surface mortar covering the aggregate by spraying with water and scrubbing with a broom until the aggregate is exposed to the desired depth. The timing of the operation is critical, however, so this method is often better suited for small jobs.
Is Exposed aggregate more expensive?
Explanation: Exposed aggregate is more expensive than standard aggregate because it requires more material expense and labor expense. Explanation: A standard poured driveway with no colorings, stains or aggregates can be as low as $4 per square foot in some cases.
Is Exposed aggregate stronger than concrete?
Durability. Tough and long lasting, exposed aggregate is one of the strongest concrete mixes available on the market. The lower water to concrete ratio means that exposed aggregate has a much stronger surface than brushed concrete, which requires more water to achieve a smoother finish.
When can you walk on exposed aggregate?
Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces, just like standard concrete, can become hot to walk on when temperatures soar if in an area that receives full sun.
Is Exposed aggregate more expensive than paving?
Concrete can be up to 15% cheaper per metre than paving depending on the decorative concrete solution you have chosen. Aggregate concrete is extremely customisable and can produce a colour standard feature based on the stones you have chosen.
Is Exposed aggregate cheaper than stamped concrete?
Exposed aggregate finishes cost $10 to $14 per square foot. This style costs less than stamped designs since it does not need as much work. Concrete contractors just add decorative gravel to the wet cement, then remove the upper layer to expose the stones.
Can you repair exposed aggregate?
The cement in a concrete slab usually holds the surface layer of aggregate in an exposed aggregate slab securely in place. To restore the appearance of the slab, you must patch these damaged areas. An epoxy mix, combined with new aggregate, can provide the patch you need.
How long does Exposed aggregate last?
Durability. Exposed aggregate concrete has the structural integrity of concrete, so it is highly durable and can last for 40 years or longer.
Is Exposed aggregate rough?
The surface is left non slippery and is safe to walk on when wet. Once grinded flat the surface can be sealed much easier than when it was rough. UV polyurethanes and concrete sealers available on the market have proven to be tough and durable while also being non slippery.
How soon can you wash exposed aggregate?
Depending on when you poured it and how wet the concrete was at that time, you generally need to wait roughly 10-24 hours for the core to harden.
Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate?
Use a high pressure washer with hot water and a commercial-grade degreaser to eliminate oil stains. Exposed aggregate cleaners can be applied on tire marks before rinsing it off with hot water. Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove extra-stubborn stains prior to rinsing.
How do you clean exposed aggregate?
The best way to clean oil and grease stains from your exposed aggregate driveway is to apply a driveway cleaning solution that will break down the oil. Luckily, you can make this mixture using household products like dishwashing liquid or baking soda.
Does Exposed aggregate crack?
that fills it will be a lot more visible than the neutral epoxy. there is no concretor that will guarantee against cracking, as long as all efforts and correct installation practices are done, concrete can and does crack.
Can you put exposed aggregate over existing concrete?
Concrete that is exposed aggregate is a decorative finish where the top layer of concrete is removed to reveal colorful aggregate beneath it. So if you have an existing concrete structure that is structurally sound, you can use exposed aggregate concrete to resurface it to look just like exposed concrete.
Is sealed exposed aggregate slippery?
Non-penetrating/topical sealers will coat the surface along with the aggregate, creating a slippery surface.
Is exposed concrete slippery?
Many homeowners like the nice, clean look of a standard concrete driveway as well as the fact that it can be tinted and stained in many different colours and is not slippery. While still incredibly durable, exposed aggregate is more prone to damage than standard concrete and therefore needs to be sealed more often.
How much does it cost to pour exposed aggregate concrete?
The national average materials cost to install an exposed aggregate driveway is $2.04 per square foot, with a range between $1.90 to $2.18. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $9.04, coming in between $8.22 to $9.86.
Is Exposed aggregate concrete smooth?
Exposed aggregate concrete has been popular for decades! The result is a sturdy and beautiful surface that reveals the smooth pebbles in the concrete.
Should I seal exposed aggregate?
Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed? Yes. These sealers—typically film-forming acrylic resins—can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness.