One Of The Most Durable Methods Of Making Pavements And Walkways

Exposed concrete aggregate is a type of ornamental concrete acquired by chipping off the topmost layer of cement paste to expose the aggregate underneath it. It not only helps in beautifying the area, but it also serves a few functions like making it anti-skid and highly durable.

The Methods Used To Make Exposed Concrete Aggregate

There are three methods of creating exposed concrete aggregate. They are the monolithic method, seeded method, and overlay method.

Monolithic Method

In this method, the aggregates are bunched together into the concrete truck while still in the concrete plant. In this, small-sized aggregates are used. This is one of the easiest and simplest ways of making exposed concrete aggregate. It is one of the commonest methods used to create exposed concrete aggregate.

Seeded Method

This method is a bit different from the previous method. Here the cement is laid on the surface that requires exposed concrete aggregate. After that, the ornamental aggregates are placed on the layer of cement by hand. Then it is floated manually.

Overlay Method

This method is often used for the rectification of the pavement or to restore its look. The aggregates are topped onto the cement overlay to give the old concrete a new look. It is faster and more cost-effective than the other two methods.

How To Expose The Aggregates

The Method That Uses Surface Retarders

There is one secret that most masons will not impart, which is the secret of exposing the aggregates. The secret is to keep the topmost layer of cement soft while at the same time the lower layer of concrete becomes hard. This can be achieved by spraying a surface retardant as soon as the concrete and aggregates are installed.

The cement layer is washed away with water sprayed from a garden hose a few hours later. As soon as the water washes away the soft cement layer, the aggregates are exposed.

The Brushing And Washing Method

There are other methods of exposing the aggregates. Another method is the traditional method of brushing and washing. In this method, the surface mortar is washed away with the water sprayed from the hose, after which the layer is brushed away. But here timing plays an important role, so it is better for smaller jobs. It is not suited for big jobs.

The Method Of Using Abrasive Blasting

It does not matter even if the layer has set and become hard. It is possible to get the exposed concrete aggregate effect by the abrasive blasting method. It can be done either by the sandblasting method or the shot-blasting. It only has one disadvantage. In this method, the only drawback is that the aggregates sometimes get blasted and break off into tiny pieces.

If you want to retain the colour and the shape of the aggregates, this method is not the right one.

The Durability of Exposed Aggregates

Exposed concrete aggregate is a very durable surface that can be laid compared to other surfaces. If the surface is well laid, it can easily last for more than forty years. It will not even develop any cracks or require maintenance in the long run. History is witness to the fact that it can last for centuries even. In addition, these require kisser maintenance, which makes it the best choice for pavement.

Where Is This Suitable

Exposed concrete aggregate is suitable in places where there is heavy footfall, like in driveways, public squares, patios, and parkways.

Bottom Line

Exposed concrete aggregate is more beneficial than in any other way of laying walkways and pavements. At the same, it contributes to the beauty of the place. So it is a better way of investing money while making pavements and pathways.

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