How to avoid problems with exposed aggregate installations

How to avoid problems with exposed aggregate installations

Concrete aggregate is used in many household projects for its great-looking finish and the many practical benefits. Whether it’s for a path or driveway, a designer look for an external feature wall or the safest outside staircase, this is a popular material that is widely used for home renovations. If completed properly, concrete aggregate can be a long-lasting and stylish addition to any home and by avoiding common mistakes in the installation phase, you can be sure that this composite is something that will have a long lifespan. 

Potential problems with exposed aggregate

As with any material used, there is always room for errors to occur when dealing with exposed aggregate. Small issues in the installation phase have the potential to become much bigger issues later down the line, so it is important to ensure that the initial installation is done correctly. Working with professional concreters who are familiar with using exposed concrete aggregates is the easiest way to avoid future problems, but there are also key things to look out for in each phase of the laying process that will help to ensure that the finished product is everything you want it to be and more. 

Preparing your mixture

The first phase of correctly laying your exposed concrete aggregate relies heavily on ensuring the product is thoroughly combined and mixed well using the right machinery. Though mixing by hand is possible, using a proper concrete mixer will always produce better and more thorough results. When your concrete aggregate is properly mixed, you are ensuring the right kind of bonds can be formed between the concrete itself and the aggregate product, meaning a stronger and more attractive finish. 

Of course, the quality of the products you choose to use will always have a significant impact on the final result. At Fluid Concrete, we believe that quality materials make for the best quality finishes. Discover our range of exposed aggregate options online today to choose the look that will complement your existing home or office design. 

Installing your aggregate

The installation of exposed concrete aggregate is just as important as ensuring the preparation is done correctly. Being an exposed aggregate product, how the job is finished is important to the final look. With correctly mixed concrete aggregate, you need to ensure that you have a solid foundation on which to lay it, to avoid potential cracking and future deterioration, especially in driveways. 

Once you have established a proper foundation and begin laying the concrete, the next step is to make sure that the mixture is properly smoothed and compacted to avoid the formation of air bubbles in the mixture. Air bubbles can create weakness in the concrete and cause a range of problems in the future. Using the correct machinery to compact and smooth your surface is important to ensure the longevity of your exposed aggregate finish. 

The importance of maintaining exposed concrete aggregate

Once the job is finished and you have stylish-looking exposed concrete aggregate in your home, it is important to maintain it. Regular cleaning goes a long way in ensuring that nothing discolours or spoils your finished product. Over time, oil stains can detract from the look of a driveway and moisture build-up on stairs and walls can look less than appealing in your home. Moisture and oil build-up can also cause damage to your exposed concrete aggregate that can be timely and expensive to fix. 

Choose the professionals for your next concrete aggregate job and speak with the experienced team at Fluid Concrete today. With years of expertise, we can ensure that your concrete job looks just how you imagined, with every step completed cleanly and professionally.