Exposed aggregate concrete is commonly used on patios, driveways, and walkways and is a type of finish wherein the topmost layer is removed which exposes the stones and sand. It has a very unusual appearance to it as it has a lot of stones, pebbles, and sand. The finishing is done by sharpening the surface to further accentuate the designs. Looks and sturdiness are some of the most important choices when it comes to flooring options. The surface should be long-lasting as well as appealing which exposed aggregate supplies allow us to experience. It makes flooring durable and has a beautiful finish. Additionally, this can also withstand harsh conditions and will look good for several years to come. Exposed aggregate is attained by using chemical retarders on the surface.

How To Make Exposed Aggregate Work For You?

Exposed aggregate can be installed in driveways, pathways, and more. The patio floors are important as they help the outdoors of the house look pretty, at the same time, they should be functional, efficient, and hardy. Therefore, exposed aggregate is the best choice for your patio. Driveways and parking areas require a type of flooring that can take a load of at least one vehicle on a daily basis. Whilst there are a lot of options for flooring the driveway, exposed aggregate is one of the best options out there. Similar things can be said about the sides of the pools which are susceptible to wearing via water. Exposed aggregate supplies can also be used for landscaping purposes.

Advantages Of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

1. Durable - The exposed aggregate supplies are very tough and can be compared to that of any plain hard floor. The exposed aggregate can easily withstand harsh weather over the years with little to no maintenance. If the surface is cleaned and sealed, it will last for much longer. It also has the capacity to tolerate a lot of weight. It doesn’t get damaged easily. For its durability, it is preferred use largely by many constructors.

2. Low Maintenance - exposed aggregate supplies used with concrete do not need a lot of upkeep. It is not necessary to polish this sort of concrete. It must be sealed after five or so years to maintain its attractiveness. Even if it gets dirty after a long time a simple wash can make it look like before. An effortless cleaning is enough to get its new-like finish back.

3. Appealing appearance - Exposed concrete gives an appealing appearance to any home. The surface of these aggregates looks rather “natural” than concrete or brick. The installation is easy and it looks usually smooth and specifications are made according to the likes of the customer. Therefore, using these exposed aggregate supplies will definitely make your property look attractive to the viewers.

4. Have better resale value – To buy a property the buyers first see for the building’s strength and look. When you use exposed aggregate supplies with the concrete work you are meeting these two factors and therefore you are likely to get a higher value for your property if you ever want to sell it.

What Is Decorative Concrete?

Decorative concrete allows us to add color and texture to a certain space. The following are alternatives to exposed aggregate:

1. Stamped concrete
2. Polished aggregate
3. Burnished concrete
4. Polished concrete

One of the methods demands the addition of special components into the concrete mix prior to it being poured onto the surface.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a robust and durable finishing material, consider exposed concrete. Exposed aggregate surfaces have good traction and can be particularly helpful during the winter months. The increased roughness of the surface gives vehicles a better grip, and if a proper draining system is in place, there will be fewer issues with exposed aggregate in the future. Plus, exposed aggregate supplies are often made from recycled materials like organic waste and other industrial wastes. Aggregate concrete is also used to fill up cracks and gaps in asphalt roadways and other concrete structures. There are quite a lot of varieties when it comes to aggregate concretes that are available on the market. Any combination of stones and gravel will look distinctive. A combination of aggregates can be used to achieve different patterns or to resemble particular materials.