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.
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.
What is exposed aggregate patio?
What Is An Exposed Aggregate Patio? Exposed aggregate is
a popular type of decorative concrete
which is created by removing the top outer layer of cement paste to expose decorative coarse aggregate in the concrete mix. These aggregates can either be batched into the concrete mix or seeded on to the surface.
Is Exposed aggregate concrete more expensive?
Explanation: Exposed aggregate is
more expensive than standard aggregate
because it requires more material expense and labor expense.
What is exposed aggregate?
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).
Why is exposed aggregate so expensive?
Exposed aggregate concrete costs
as much as double what you’d pay for normal class concrete
. This is because there is an additional material cost for the aggregate used and more labour involved in creating the finish.
How long does Exposed aggregate last?
On average they last from
seven to 10 years
and require little to no maintenance.
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 difficult?
Exposed aggregate can be as strong and long lasting as concrete, it is the decorative stones on the top layer which are more prone to damage. … Difficult to repair –
Repairing cracks in exposed aggregate is more difficult
since blending the patched surface with the rest of the flooring is the toughest part.
Should I seal exposed aggregate?
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 put exposed aggregate over concrete?
Concrete that is exposed aggregate is a decorative finish where the top layer of concrete is removed to reveal colorful aggregate beneath it. So if you have an existing concrete structure that is structurally sound, you can use exposed aggregate concrete to
resurface
it to look just like exposed concrete.
When can you walk on exposed aggregate?
To test, lay a board on the surface and kneel on the board; if the board leaves marks, allow more time. If any aggregate dislodges when you start brushing, stop and let the concrete set some more. Finally slow curing is what gives concrete its strength, so
wait a week or so before walking
on it.
How long does exposed concrete last?
Durability. Exposed aggregate concrete has the structural integrity of concrete, so it is highly durable and can last for
40 years or longer
. It holds up well to heavy traffic and can handle exposure to all the elements, including extreme weather, rain, sun, snow, and ice.
Is Exposed aggregate expensive?
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. Typically, stamped concrete starts at $120 while an
exposed aggregate finish is around $100
.
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. Concrete contractors just add decorative gravel to the wet cement, then remove the upper layer to expose the stones.
Can you repair exposed aggregate?
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.
