Why Choose an Exposed Aggregate Finish For Your Concrete Driveway?
Concrete surfaces like driveways and patio areas are big investments in your home. They need to be strong enough to withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions.
Exposed aggregate concrete is an ideal choice for spaces that see a continuous flow of people. It is attractive, highly durable, and low maintenance.
Curb Appeal
Concrete is typically a utilitarian material, but it can be transformed into something decorative and visually appealing with an exposed aggregate finish. This is achieved by washing away the chemical surface of standard concrete, revealing pebbles, stones and shells that give it a distinctive look. The aggregates used in this type of decorative concrete are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, and they can complement a variety of landscaping styles.
Exposed aggregate is a popular choice for driveways, patios and other outdoor surfaces that receive heavy foot traffic. It is long-lasting, durable and looks great with a wide range of colours. It also blends well with other materials such as stone pavers, brushed concrete and acrylic coatings.
If you are considering resurfacing your walkways, patio or driveway with exposed aggregate, contact a Newcastle paver service and stone mason to find out more about your options. They will be able to help you design the perfect hardscape for your home that will increase its value and curb appeal.
Durability
Concrete that’s broom finished is a big canvas; it looks great the day it gets poured but over time it can get covered in leaf stains, oil spills and surface pits. With exposed aggregate concrete, these blemishes are less noticeable and your new concrete patio or driveway will remain attractive over the long haul.
Contractors can achieve an exposed aggregate finish by either pressing decorative pebbles or stones into the body of freshly poured concrete or using a process called “topping,” which involves pouring regular concrete and then spreading a layer of gravel on top. In the latter case, contractors may use different types and sizes of aggregate to create a unique look.
Once the concrete cures, it’s typically sealed with a film-forming concrete sealer. This protects the concrete against damage and highlights the color of the exposed aggregate. A good contractor will be able to help you select a sealant that will match your style and complement the overall aesthetic of your project.
Skid Resistance
When you build a home, you make many design decisions, like which colour to paint your walls and which furniture to buy. You also want a backyard that’s both functional and beautiful, so you can enjoy spending time outside. Exposed aggregate concrete can give you that look and feel without having to spend a lot of money.
The texture of exposed aggregate creates a slip-resistant surface. It’s ideal for walkways and pathways that are often wet, including around pools. This textured concrete can be coloured to complement the surrounding landscaping and create a cohesive outdoor space.
To get an exposed aggregate driveway or sidewalk, you’ll need to hire a concrete service that specialises in this type of construction. These contractors use a special technique to reveal the aggregate in the concrete. They may either top the concrete with the desired aggregate, or pour it and then spread the aggregate material on top. They can also add oxides to the concrete mix to change the colour of the cement between the aggregate and the exposed surfaces.
Low Maintenance
Exposed aggregate concrete is not only attractive, it also requires less maintenance than other types of decorative concrete. This makes it ideal for walkways and paths that receive a constant influx of foot traffic. The rough surface is slip-resistant and can be coloured to match surrounding landscaping or other features.
It’s important to use a reputed concreting company for exposed aggregate newcastle to ensure your project is done correctly. The contractors will start by pouring regular concrete, before adding the desired aggregate. Then, they’ll wash away the concrete matrix to expose the aggregate.
The aggregates used in this type of concrete can be natural stones, including pebbles and quartz, as well as manufactured materials like recycled colored glass or seashells. It’s also possible to mix different aggregates together to achieve a unique look.
Unlike smooth concrete, which is prone to stains, exposed aggregate does not show marks from dirt or oil. It can be cleaned by sweeping with a regular broom or spraying with a garden hose. Regular cleaning and sealing helps the exposed aggregate surface last longer.
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