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Pressure wash the dirt and grime off the surface, use rust remover to remove rust and a cleaner/degreaser to tackle tough oil spills. After cleaning the concrete, allow a day to dry. Once the concrete is dry, begin the sealing process. Using a ½-inch roller and a pump-up sprayer, start applying the sealer.
What happens if you dont seal exposed aggregate?
What happens if I don’t seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.
When should exposed aggregate be sealed?
A concrete sealer or exposed aggregate sealer is essential for protecting surfaces from the elements, stains from dirt, oil and other contaminants, and much more. So, if you’ve just installed new concrete, whatever kind, make sure it gets sealed before it gets unsightly marks or stains that are permanent.
How do you fix patchy exposed aggregate concrete?
This uneven exposed aggregate surface needs to be treated with an acid wash.Here are the steps: Patch and fill cracks and seams. Apply primer. Put down cement-based mortar bed and/or waterproof membrane and/or crack suppression membrane. Apply primer. Apply scratch coat. Apply primer. Finish with the overlay system.
Do you need to seal aggregate concrete?
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.
Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate?
Steps to Clean Exposed Aggregate Step 1 – Saturate the surface with a cleaner leaving it to absorb into the concrete. Step 3 – Use a hose with a nozzle or ideally a high power pressure washer to sequentially move from the high end of the concrete slab to the lower drain area.
How often should I seal my exposed aggregate driveway?
Depending on weather and traffic, when using an acrylic sealer exposed aggregate concrete should be sealed every 12 to 36 months.
Can you stain Pebble concrete?
The finished look is that of pebble sized aggregate throughout the concrete and the coloration is primarily derived from the color of the aggregate chosen. Exposed aggregate can be stained or dyed to shift or change the color upon completion.
How long does it take for aggregate sealer to dry?
It is recommended to allow 24 hours for concrete surface to completely dry after pressure washing (may take longer to dry if humid environmental conditions exist or if the substrate is indoors).
Can I put driveway sealer on concrete?
Driveway sealing can also be considered if you live in an area where winter road salt can eat away at the concrete. Applying a concrete sealer can be an easy project for a DIYer, and it will keep your concrete slabs looking good and potentially lasting longer.
How do you acid wash exposed aggregate concrete?
An acid-wash treatment (1 hydrochloric acid to between 10 and 20 parts water) is usually necessary to brighten up the stones by removing the fine cement film from the surface. The surface should first be thoroughly wetted to prevent acid soaking into the concrete and weakening the bond to the exposed aggregates.
How often should you reseal your concrete driveway?
Sealing the driveway yearly can lead to unsightly hairline cracks and peeling. And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life.
Can you repair exposed aggregate concrete?
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 do I restore exposed aggregate?
Oil & Grease Stains 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.
How long does Exposed aggregate last?
But how long will exposed aggregate last? With the right care, you’re looking at over 10 to 20 years of life. One of the most attractive benefits of using exposed aggregate is its longevity. At Concept Concrete, we offer up to a 78-month warranty on your exposed concrete driveways, patios, and more.
Is sealed exposed aggregate slippery?
Sealed surface may be slippery when wet. For additional slip resistance, use Glaze ‘N Seal Grip ‘N Seal additive. Product coverage will be 100 – 400 square feet per gallon for the first coat depending on surface porosity. Second coat will go up to 50% further.
How do you clean sealed aggregate?
Use a high pressure washer with hot water and a commercial-grade degreaser to eliminate oil stains. The hot water will help lift oil from the surface and the degreaser will emulsify the stain and allow it to wash off easily. Exposed aggregate cleaners can be applied on tire marks before rinsing it off with hot water.
Do you have to acid wash concrete before sealing?
The acid washing of concrete is a requirement after the concrete has cured sufficiently, in order to remove surface efflorescence and to open the pores before sealing. Floors that are acid washed before sealing will have greater colour enhancement and will appear darker than floors that have not been acid washed.
How do you remove moss from exposed aggregate?
Just mix equal parts vinegar with water and load it into the sprayer. Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before you wash it off. The moss should die within a few hours and you can easily remove it with a scrub.
Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?
Slow-evaporating solvents are better for rolling. If the product is sprayed, I like to back-roll on the primer (first) application. This works the material into the surface and improves the adhesion.”“Most decorative contractors, when doing a large area, prefer the spray/back-roll method,” Platt says.
Can you damage concrete by power washing?
People frequently do not realize that you can actually damage your concrete driveway, patio, or other concrete areas by pressure washing. However, using a pressure washer with the incorrect tip or using too much pressure or a combination of the two can etch concrete.
