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WHAT IS EXPOSED AGGREGATE AND WHERE IS IT USED? 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 better than concrete?
Exposed aggregates are just as durable as any plain concrete surface, and they certainly handle heavy traffic better than natural stone. Most importantly, exposed aggregate surfaces can survive bouts of heavy traffic and harsh weather for many years, and they require little to no maintenance to do so.
Is Exposed aggregate concrete durable?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to put down exposed aggregate without the help of a professional. Additionally, it typically needs to be resealed every few years in order to continue looking good. An exposed aggregate driveway is typically durable, which is not surprising since it is made out of concrete.
Is Exposed aggregate cheaper than stamped concrete?
Regular concrete will provide a lower cost to install, as it will be your traditional grey slab. Adding the element of design through use of exposed aggregate will add a bit to the overall cost, and may save a little bit of money in comparison to a stamped surface.
What is exposed aggregate made of?
Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete. A thin layer of concrete is removed to expose the gravel or sand that is usually part of the mixture but hidden. Different sizes of gravel can usually create the perfect three-dimensional surface, natural appearance, and colors.
Why is exposed aggregate so expensive?
Compared to other standard concrete driveways, exposed aggregate is more expensive because it involves labor and material expense. While plain or standard concrete per square meter in Australia costs between $60 and $85, homeowners will pay between $90 and $100 per square meter for exposed aggregate concrete.
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.
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 Exposed aggregate good for patio?
You can already tell that exposed aggregate is the best choice for your patio. Your driveway and parking area require a type of flooring that is highly durable. While there are numerous other options for driveway flooring, exposed aggregate is certainly one of the best. You do not want the area to be slippery.
How often should you seal exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed Aggregate Sealers. Applying a transparent concrete sealer to an exposed aggregate surface can improve both its performance and appearance. Exposed aggregate should be sealed after curing is complete and again every few years as needed.
Is Exposed aggregate more expensive than pavers?
Make sure you do your research into costs before deciding. Standard brick pavers cost about $29.00 per square metre. Our exposed aggregate driveway pavers start from $49.95 per square metre. Some exposed aggregate poured concrete average around $100 to $150m2 for a decorative stencilled concrete driveway.
Is aggregate 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.
What is the cheapest surface for a driveway?
Generally, gravel is the cheapest material, with resin and concrete being the most expensive.
How does Exposed aggregate get laid?
Using a surface retarderToday, most contractors expose aggregate by spraying a chemical surface retarder onto the slab surface immediately after placing and finishing. This delays the set and gives them the flexibility to remove the cement paste up to a day or so later, either by scrubbing or pressure washing.
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 pour concrete over aggregate?
If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.
Is aggregate concrete more expensive than pavers?
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.
What is the cost of exposed aggregate?
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Costs Item Unit Cost Cost Exposed aggregate finish: medium grade washed colored stones less than 3/8″ diameter. $2.49 $1,309 Upgrade: additional cost to apply decorative acrylic sealant; wet look, non-yellowing, solvent based. $0.28 $144 Material Cost $2.91 $1,453 + Labor Cost (base) $36 $1,152.
What is the difference between aggregate and concrete?
Although the terms cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older.
