Solid vs. Both solid concrete (with a standard tooled finish) and aggregate driveways are durable, long-lasting options. Exposed aggregate can be as strong and durable as the concrete that holds the aggregate together, but the decorative stones on top are more vulnerable to damage. The main color of the paved area depends upon the color of the aggregates used in exposed aggregate concrete. There is no dearth of choices when it comes to colors, sizes, and shapes of the aggregates. The final price will depend on many factors; including the type of materials you want to use and the size of the floor space. 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). The practice of using exposed aggregate concrete has been in existence since the 20th century. Harsh weather, heavy objects and water damage can loosen or dislodge surface stones, leaving rough pits in the surface. Q. I have a client who wants to place a thin polymer-modified cementitious overlay over a 20-year-old exposed-aggregate pool deck. Size and shape of the aggregates depend upon the type of area for which the exposed aggregate concrete is being used. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); About Us | Contact Us | Write for Us | Privacy Policy | Sitemap. Contractors placing decorative exposed-aggregate concrete, where appearance is a prime concern, should pay special attention to the aggregate shape, texture, color, and overall appearance to yield the best looking final product (Photo 8). Patching a section of exposed aggregate is more complicated than repairing cracks in concrete. The aggregates come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Ivan / Getty Images. Honed aggregate can cost anywhere from $100 to $180 per square metre. Method 1: Mix all of the decorative aggregate in with the concrete; Method 2: “Seeding” or place the aggregate into the empty forms before the concrete is placed. Aggregate concrete doesn’t require as many additional tools and materials as other types of decorative techniques do. Instead of feathering the new concrete over the surrounding area to level it out, only add enough compound to fill the hole. The process can take weeks, and the typical homeowner does not have the knowledge or experience to do it alone. You must work carefully so you don't overexpose the aggregate or loosen the concrete bond. Consider tinting the concrete patch compound to match the older concrete, and then fill the hole as you would with a concrete surface. Then pack stones into the new concrete. See more ideas about exposed aggregate concrete, exposed aggregate, aggregate concrete. Whether the surface is a driveway, walkway or patio, sealing it every two years will dramatically increase its strength and longevity. Exposed aggregate concrete also has high durability. She graduated from New York University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing. Exposed aggregate is created by removing the top layer on concrete from a surface to reveal the texture and colors of small stones underneath. The concrete contractor originally finished the deck by seeding select aggregate into the fresh concrete and then removing the top mortar layer using a broom with a water-spray attachment. Exposed aggregate concrete serves two purposes; it is both decorative and functional. Take the time to find to find aggregate that matches your existing surface as closely as possible. Always go for a trusted professional to do the dirty work for you. One of the fundamental advantages of having an exposed concrete aggregate surface is its excellent solidness as it holds up very well in substantial rush hour gridlock. 1. In some cases, the amount is much lower, starting at $70 or $80. The surface of the exposed aggregate concrete is skid resistant even during the rainy season which prevents tripping and falling. Properties and records of source concrete like strength, durability and composition are looked into for deciding the proper source concrete. Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is produced in three major steps: Evaluation of Source concrete: The first step in production of RAC is to determine the quality of the source concrete. For example, small rocks can be used for pool decks while smooth aggregates are not suitable for sloping sidewalks due to very less friction. It is a term used to describe a concrete surface, such as a floor, path, pavement or parking lot, that has exposed gravel. Gap graded mixes are often specified for exposed aggregate architectural concrete finishes in order to increase the likelihood of obtaining uniform surface appearance. Both methods can be used together, and each has its pros and cons. Exposed Aggregate (also known as Decorative Concrete) is one of Midway’s most popular finishes for concrete. Aggregates are available in different types of materials such as granite, limestone, basalt, gravel, bricks, and asphalt. Harsh weather, heavy objects and water damage can loosen or dislodge surface stones, leaving rough pits in the surface. There are various methods to remove the surface layer in order to expose the aggregates. Exposed aggregate concrete is an ideal choice for homes which receive heavy traffic. Cleaning exposed aggregate concrete requires wire brushing or a strong jet of water to remove the dirt particles lodged between the aggregates. How to Set Up a New Home When You’re on a Tight Budget? Polished concrete floors with exposed aggregate is a whole new ballgame! A downside of an exposed aggregate driveway is that most homeowners need to hire a professional to lay the surface. An Affordable Option: Installing exposed aggregate concrete is one of the cost-efficient options as all the materials required to get the job done can be easily availed from the nearest stores that, too, at a very less price. Better And Longer Sturdiness. There are a wide variety of materials for decorative aggregates available in the market. Cleaning exposed aggregate is not as simple as hosing off a concrete slab. This method is used to create flat surfaces that … But this method exposes your lawn and plants to harsh chemicals. Another common method is using a chemical surface retarder to delay the set time for easy surface removal. Aurora LaJambre is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, N.Y. 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