How Can You Use Exposed Aggregate Concretes For Beautification?

Exposed aggregate concretes are pieces of marbles and granites and they are transformed by the process of polishing. A mundane, unremarkable surface is stripped away in order to beautify it. As far as aggregate concrete is concerned the beauty is in the form of aggregates that are decorative which are either natural or are manufactured. From early 1990s the process by means of which decorative aggregate concretes are made had started. This process of decoration had started much before the processes like stenciling, decorative overlays and pattern stamping became popular. aggregate concretes do not retire easily. A number of advantages are offered by an exposed aggregate concrete. At present, the use of aggregate concretes is taken to altogether a different and much improved level by different decorative concrete contractors. In an exposed aggregate concrete, the outer layer of cement paste is removed from a placed concrete to attain its decorative coarse aggregate feature. Decorative coarse aggregates are present in two ways, they are either batched into a mix made of concrete or they are seeded on to the surface.

8 flatwork surfaces where exposed aggregate concretes are used commonly

As because the exposed aggregate concretes have the properties like durability and skin resistance, they are used in different flatwork surfaces. Tilt up panels and walls made of concretes can also have aggregate concretes. 8 such surfaces where concretes can be used are:

• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Sound barrier walls
• Driveways
• Plazas
• Pool decks
• Walls that retain decoration
• Facades of architectural buildings

9 advantages of choosing exposed aggregate concretes

• A spectacular finish effect can be achieved by using aggregate concretes. This can be achieved at a much reasonable costing as a handful of additional materials are required for it namely decorative aggregates and advanced finishing tools.
• Experienced finishers can easily master the basic procedures needed for exposed aggregate concretes.
• You just need to seal and occasionally clean the exposed aggregate concretes. Other than that, not much maintenance is required.
• aggregate concretes have versatility. They contrast appropriately with the plain concretes. They also match beautifully with decorative treatments namely integral coloring, stenciling, staining and stamping.
• The surface of aggregate concretes is uneven and rough and is non-skid.
• The aggregate concrete surfaces can withstand extremes of weather conditions.
• There are different types of exposed aggregate concretes available in the market in different sizes. These exposed aggregate concretes have innumerable variations of texture and color.
• aggregate concrete surfaces do not accumulate weed.
• Colors do not chip away from aggregate concretes.

7 factors that you should keep in mind while going for exposed aggregate concretes:

The popular exposed aggregate concretes used for decoration are richly colored stones namely quartz, limestone, basalt, granite etc. You can even seed seashells into aggregate concrete surfaces.

7 common factors to be considered before going for exposed aggregate concretes are:

• Durability of the concrete
• Method of exposure of the aggregate concretes
• Costing and where they are available. aggregate concretes that are available locally are economic to buy.
• Shape and size of the concrete
• Gradation of the aggregate concrete
• Color of the concrete
• How hard the aggregate concretes are

3 methods by means of which aggregates can be added to concrete slabs:

• By seeding the aggregates on the surface
• By putting the aggregate in the form of a thin topping
• Aggregates can be mixed into the concretes

So, to make your flatwork surface aesthetic go for exposed aggregate concretes of your choice.

Daisy Andrew is a knowledgeable and qualified blogger. She adores blogging on many topics, like Home Improvement, Pet, Food, Automotive, Business, Health, Lifestyle etc.