Quick Answer: How To Pour Exposed Aggregate Concrete?

Do you vibrate exposed aggregate concrete?

It is recommended that BGC’s 7mm exposed aggregate mixes use a maximum 3mm surface retarder. Vibrators will provide better compaction, removing voids. Do not drag vibrators horizontally through the concrete surface, it will leave trails in the concrete, void of aggregate resulting in an inconsistent finish.

Is Exposed aggregate more expensive than concrete?

All in all, exposed aggregate is more cost-effective. It looks as great today as it will in the coming years. Plus, it is less expensive than stamped concrete.

How long does Exposed aggregate take to dry?

After exposure of aggregates, the surface is cured for a minimum period depending on the location and application. A minimum of 7 days curing is recommended for increased concrete strength and improved bonding of the aggregates into the surface.

Is Exposed aggregate concrete durable?

Exposed aggregate concrete is not only used for its aesthetic appeal, but it is also durable and skid-resistant, helping to make walkways, driveways, pool decks, and patios safer.

Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate?

Use a high pressure washer with hot water and a commercial-grade degreaser to eliminate oil stains. Exposed aggregate cleaners can be applied on tire marks before rinsing it off with hot water. Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove extra-stubborn stains prior to rinsing.

How soon can you wash exposed aggregate?

Depending on when you poured it and how wet the concrete was at that time, you generally need to wait roughly 10-24 hours for the core to harden. Do not wait to long to check, because the retarder and plastic cover can only keep the top from hardening for so long.

Can you put exposed aggregate over existing concrete?

Can exposed aggregate be applied over existing concrete? It may require some grinding of the existing concrete so it provides a bumpy surface to which the new layer will adhere, and you may be limited as to the aggregate choices so that they adhere to a top layer of concrete.

How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a popular decorative effect achieved by adding stone to concrete, which is a popular and durable finish for driveways, patios and pathways. You can expect an exposed aggregate finish to cost anywhere from $100 to $150 per square metre.

Is Exposed aggregate worth it?

While still incredibly durable, exposed aggregate is more prone to damage than standard concrete and therefore needs to be sealed more often. However, if you really love the look of exposed aggregate, then you’ll likely find these few extra maintenance tasks to be worth the effort.

How often should you seal exposed aggregate concrete?

Generally speaking, aggregate driveways need to be re-sealed once every two years. For commercial premises which see a lot of traffic, more frequent re-sealing may be required.

Does Exposed aggregate crack?

Will my new Exposed Aggregate product crack? Like all concrete products there is always some risk of cracks occurring. We cannot guarantee it won’t crack due to subsidence and other variables. Although we do everything we can to minimise the chance of cracking by cutting control joins and using expansion foam.

Is it OK if it rains after pouring concrete?

Heavy rain can cause problems to freshly poured concrete as it can wash out some of the cement from the mix. This can weaken the surface of the concrete, making it a softer consistency and decreasing the strength of the concrete.

How do you finish exposed aggregate?

Using a surface retarderToday, most contractors expose aggregate by spraying a chemical surface retarder onto the slab surface immediately after placing and finishing. This delays the set and gives them the flexibility to remove the cement paste up to a day or so later, either by scrubbing or pressure washing.

Can I drive on concrete after 3 days?

Concrete professionals suggest waiting at least seven days after the crew is finished before parking or driving your personal vehicle(s) on your new concrete. The reason for this is because one week is the time period it takes for your new concrete to achieve 90% of its full potential strength.