Tag Archive for: exposed aggregate

The Problems and The Solutions when Using Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Renovating your Home’s Exterior

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Are you planning to use exposed concrete in your home’s exterior or perhaps your office exterior? If yes, then you have chosen the right material for this. Exposed aggregate concrete is an extended version of concrete in which you get two benefits – one is the durability and the second is the beauty.

You don’t need to think twice because you are on the right track. The use of exposed aggregate concrete is increasing nowadays as it’s a great way to highlight beauty and toughness at the same time, a rare combination. For this, you can get the help of Reocrete, which is one of the best concrete suppliers Brisbane.

Though using exposed aggregate concrete is ideal for the exterior of a home, there are certain difficulties that may occur while using it.

You May Find It Difficult To Clean:

Yes, people think it is hard to maintain exposed concrete but that’s not true. It’s very easy especially because it doesn’t necessarily require much maintenance. This material only needs a very low level of maintenance. Reocrete, as concrete delivery Brisbane, offers the finest quality concrete so that you need not worry about cleaning it frequently. They also offer concrete Brisbane cleaning services.

Getting the Right Exposure:

You need to get the right depth and appearance because if you are revealing stones in a large quantity then it may break. The surface should be smooth and unbreakable. We would advise you to hire a professional for this. Reocrete has got experienced professionals for this.

Removal of Stones:

Sometimes, when heavy vehicles pass over the surface of exposed concrete, it can dislodge stones from their place which then leaves holes. You may need to repair holes or find the exact stone as it was before the damage. Finding the exact texture of stones is a tedious task in using exposed concrete in exteriors.

Application of Exposed Concrete:

Another possible difficulty you may face while installing exposed Concrete is in its application. You should have the knowledge of how much you need to expose the area. The traditional method of exposing the concrete is by using a brush to extract the top layer of mortar. However, there are many other methods of application available nowadays to guide you well. You just need to explore them.

Conclusion:

So, these were some of the problems you may face with Exposed Concrete. But there are solutions too. Also, do check out concrete prices Brisbane for better understanding and knowledge. The price range of exposed concrete is generally on the lower side, so you do not need to think twice. It’s highly cost-effective.

Exposed Aggregate – Three Ways to Expose Aggregate in Concrete

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Depending on the quality and type, the concrete prices in Brisbane range somewhere between $50 and $90 per square metre. In many cases, the design of the concrete determines its price.

To give an eye-catching appearance to concrete, contractors in Australia try out different kinds of exposure methods. On average, these methods correspond to the appearance and size of a project. Regardless of these factors, they tend to embed the majority portion of the concrete exposing only the top portion of the stone.

Here are the three popular methods that contractors use to aggregate concrete:

1. Brushing and Washing:

This is one of the conventional methods which do not involve the use of either special tools or chemical retarders. The rationale behind this method is to expose an aggregate to its anticipated depth. Most experts in the industry call it a simple method as it only necessitates the use of water and broom. By and large, this method depends on the time factor.

This method is suitable for small jobs and should start immediately when the surface motor attains the condition where one can remove it easily. The best way to figure it out is to scrub away a small area on the surface of mortar with a stiff nylon bristle broom. Because this method is neither cost nor labour significant, it is considered ideal for resurfacing mini concrete in Brisbane.

2. Using a Surface Retarder:

The removal of the cement paste is of utmost importance to resurface concrete. That said, most contractors prefer to remove it after at least a day’s time. For this purpose, they often spray a chemical surface retarder immediately on the surface of a slab. Aside from providing a greater degree of flexibility, it also makes the method suitable for larger uses.

More often than not, the use of a chemical retarder comes to the fore at the time of resurfacing premix concrete in Brisbane. A contractor may either use pressure washing or scrubbing while employing this method to coat a concrete surface.

3. Abrasive Blasting (ideal for lowering concrete prices in Brisbane):

There is an additional method for those who look for options that correspond to lower concrete prices in Brisbane. Abrasive blasting, also known as shot-blasting or sandblasting is one such method. The usefulness of this method is a contentious issue among experts, though.

The method is applicable when concrete becomes hard. The reason a majority of contractors do not consider using this option is that it poses the danger of fracturing the aggregate. It also reduces the shine of the surface, thereby making it appear plain and dull. One should avoid using this method if one wants to resurface concrete with the aim of retaining the full colour and shape of an aggregate.

Final Thoughts:

Just as the morning shows the day, the exposure of a piece of concrete plays a key role in the appearance of a concrete structure. And the method which a contractor uses to expose concrete has a bearing on concrete prices in Brisbane. So, it is a good idea to find out the method of exposure before making the final call on buying concrete to raise a concrete structure.

Aggregate or coloured concrete? Choosing a finish

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Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the options you can choose for your renovation needs. Concrete isn’t a “one type fits all” material. Some customers ask for a smooth grey type. Others go slightly outside the box. Here’s a list of finishes that might help you decide what’s best for you.

Exposed aggregate

Concrete is a mix of cement and aggregate. These are larger stones that make up the bulk of the mix. Older concrete pathways and plenty of driveways have this type of finish. The look is accomplished by blasting away part of the surface cement so that the larger stones are revealed underneath.

Coloured

Sometimes grey is, well, grey. Concrete is a part of the home, whether it’s a pathway leading to the front door or a slab that makes up the kitchen floor. You have the option to colour the concrete the same way you’d choose the colour for the walls.

Popular colour schemes include warm tones like reds and oranges on the outside. In comparison, interior coloured concrete is softer. Tones include greys, whites and even light blues. Ask your contractor what colours are available.

Stamped

This type of finish mimics the effect of pavers. The concrete is poured and a pattern stamp is placed on the surface before it fully dries. Common patterns make the concrete look like tiles and there’s even some that give a “wood” appearance.

Polished

This is ideal for interior concrete. Exposed aggregate is a surface that customers choose to polish most often. Nobody wants to cut their feet on small, sharp stones.

Warehouse interiors that were renovated to make living space have existing concrete floors already, but these are rarely polished. Contractors are brought in to clean up the floors, polish them and add a coat of sealant. Concrete is a porous material and stains easily, so this step is necessary to prevent cosmetic messes.