Is Exposed aggregate worth it?
Is Exposed aggregate worth it?
While still incredibly durable, exposed aggregate is more prone to damage than standard concrete and therefore needs to be sealed more often. However, if you really love the look of exposed aggregate, then you’ll likely find these few extra maintenance tasks to be worth the effort.
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.
Is aggregate cheaper than concrete?
Concreting generally costs anywhere from $50 to $60 square metres. Comparing the two, aggregate is more affordable as it is usually at the lower end of the pricing range. Stamping is not expensive, but using aggregate concrete is more economical, especially if you have a larger project.
Can you put aggregate over existing concrete?
Can exposed aggregate be applied over existing concrete? If you don’t need an entirely new driveway or patio installed, you can usually have a new layer of concrete applied and then aggregate added to this top layer.
How long does Exposed aggregate last?
thirty years
Is Exposed aggregate concrete durable?
Exposed aggregate concrete is not only used for its aesthetic appeal, but it is also durable and skid-resistant, helping to make walkways, driveways, pool decks, and patios safer.
Is Exposed aggregate expensive?
Yes, exposed aggregate concrete is more expensive – as much as double the cost of normal class concrete – simply because there is more labour involved in creating the finish – specifically brushing the concrete surface.
Does Exposed aggregate crack?
Will my new Exposed Aggregate product crack? Like all concrete products there is always some risk of cracks occurring. We cannot guarantee it won’t crack due to subsidence and other variables. Although we do everything we can to minimise the chance of cracking by cutting control joins and using expansion foam.
Should you seal exposed 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.
What happens if you dont seal exposed aggregate?
Improperly sealed, exposed aggregate concrete driveways often take on a blotchy, dull look after even just one winter. If you just reseal over this, without stripping first, it won’t go away.
What is the best exposed aggregate sealer?
As of 2021, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, and the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealers are the most popular concrete sealers for Exposed Aggregate surfaces.
How soon can you seal exposed aggregate?
Other reactive penetrating sealers (silanes and siloxanes) and most high-performance coatings, such as epoxies and urethanes, should only be applied after the concrete is fully cured (generally 28 days). Almost all sealers can be applied after the concrete is 28 days old.
How often should I seal my exposed aggregate driveway?
every 12 to 36 months
How do you clean exposed aggregate concrete?
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.
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete where a thin top layer of concrete is removed to expose the gravel or sand that’s always part of the mixture but usually hidden. Nowadays there are many types of decorative concrete, but exposed aggregate could be called the original. It’s been in use for over a hundred years.
How much does Exposed aggregate concrete cost?
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Costs
| Item | Unit Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | $2.91 | per sq.ft. |
| + Labor Cost (base) | $36 | per hour |
| + Labor Cost (upgrade) | $36 | per hour |
| Total Cost | $6.29 | per sq.ft. |
How do you pour exposed aggregate?
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 hurt your feet?
We went with exposed aggregate recently (driveway and paths, not entertaining area). We have found it surprisingly comfortable on the foot compared to some others we have walked on in the past. As many have said it depends on the stones/pebbles used and how exposed it is.
Does Exposed aggregate get hot?
Just like concrete surfaces, honed aggregate floors can get hot. However, it is not as hot as other types of flooring, which is why it is the preferred option for pool decks, pathways, and alfresco.
Can you cover exposed aggregate?
A. Jeff Potvin, director of engineering for Increte Systems Inc., says if the cementitious matrix of the exposed-aggregate substrate is in good shape, you can overlay it. To check the condition of the matrix, pressure wash a small portion of the deck at about 3500 psi.
How do you fix bad Exposed aggregate concrete?
This uneven exposed aggregate surface needs to be treated with an acid wash. This is one of the few times I recommend an acid for a concrete repair. A strong acid wash should help even out the surface. Start with a muriatic acid diluted 1:1 with water.
Can you color Exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate can be stained or dyed to shift or change the color upon completion. Exposed aggregate is done by using a chemical retarder on the surface of the concrete during its placement.
How do you choose Exposed aggregate color?
When it comes to choosing exposed aggregate colours, you will find that your options are plentiful. The colour really depends on the geological origins of the natural aggregate. It is possible to achieve pastels, such as rose quartz and even pink. Or, you can try rich hues like red granite and dark blue.
How do you mix Exposed aggregate concrete?
Slabs should be cast monolithically with a mix as follows: portland cement, 1 part by weight, three-eighths inch and smaller pea gravel, 3.2 parts by weight, and concrete sand, 2.3 parts by weight. Water should be carefully controlled to hold the slump as low as practicable for workability.
What is exposed aggregate pool finish?
Exposed aggregate pool finishes incorporate stones, pebbles, and/or glass beads into the pool plaster to add resilience and aesthetic qualities. Because of this, aggregate finishes are more resistant to pool chemical imbalances than other finishes and last much longer.
Is Pebble Tec more expensive than plaster?
Pebble Tec® While it is more expensive than plaster, it is the highest quality pool resurfacing material available due to its longevity and ability to hide chemical residue. A Pebble Tec® surface should last 20+ years with the proper care and maintenance.
How much does Pebble Sheen cost?
pebble finish – $10 per square foot.