Hello, my name is Tony and this is my concrete installation and maintenance blog. I am not a professional concrete contractor but I am very passionate about DIY. My dad was a contractor and when I was growing up he taught me all kinds of neat tips and tricks. Once time, he took me out into the yard and made me inspect the concrete wall. The concrete was crumbling away, exposing the metal bars beneath. My father explained that this was concrete cancer and then demonstrated how to repair the damage. I hope you find my blog useful and entertaining.
When it comes to the paved areas such as driveways, pool decks and concrete patios, you will want to think about the surfacing materials used. Your choice of the outdoor surfacing materials will affect not only the aesthetic appeal of those areas but also their overall functionality. There's quite a range of options when it comes to decorative or surfacing materials for your paved areas. However, exposed aggregate concrete is one of the most sought-after options by many homeowners. It's achieved by removing the top layer to expose the underlying aggregates. Here's what you stand to gain by investing in exposed aggregate concrete.
Longevity
One of the reasons you will find exposed aggregate concrete an ideal option for your home is its durability. Your exposed aggregate concrete surfaces will be exceptionally durable owing to the natural strength of concrete. Exposed aggregate will hold up well in heavy traffic as well as extreme weather conditions.
Traction
Unlike other conventional outdoor surfacing materials such as brushed concrete, the textured surface of exposed aggregate concrete comes with additional traction. That makes the surfaces both skid- and slip-resistant, which will ensure the safety of your driveway as well as areas such as your pool where someone is more likely to slip and fall.
Ease of Maintenance
There's relatively less maintenance required with exposed aggregate surfaces. Occasional cleaning will keep these surfaces looking neat. Also, you'll have to reseal the surfaces to maintain their glossy surface. However, this is usually only necessary after every few years, so you don't have to worry much about it.
Cost Effectiveness
Exposed aggregate concrete is a more affordable option compared to many other decorative types of concrete. Part of the reason exposed aggregate concrete is cheaper is because most of the materials used are readily available in stores at lower prices. In fact, some materials such as stones can even be found on your property. The installation also tends to be easier and faster, which helps keep the costs to a minimum due to shorter project periods.
Versatility
There are endless options when it comes to the aggregates that can be used on your exposed aggregate concrete surfaces. You can choose from a range of materials, including stones and pebbles of different colours, and create a range of patterns on your surfaces. With the innumerable varieties of the aggregates available, you will always find something that works for you.
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