Builders have long coveted concrete due to its exceptional resilience and lengthy lifespan. However, residents looking to spruce up their houses find less attraction in the uniformly grey aspect of conventional concrete.
An extensive range of decorative concrete designs is available, allowing residents an unrivalled degree of creative choice.
Exposed concrete is one kind of ornamental concrete that is becoming more and more popular. However, many homeowners are still unaware of the benefits that have led exposed aggregate concrete to become so well-liked.
In this article, you can look more closely at some of the most persuasive advantages of this finish.
Enhanced Traction
The process for installing exposed concrete is essentially the same as for installing standard concrete. Contractors, however, utilise nylon-bristle brushes and water to eliminate some of the concrete from the surface after the coating has had time to set partially.
Because of this, the slab’s top aggregate protrudes outward. Due to its inherently stubby roughness, exposed concrete offers better traction than conventional concrete, even when wet.
Contractors could improve traction by changing the aggregate particles’ employed diameter, structure, and surface roughness. For example, unpolished stones typically provide more traction than polished ones.
Increasing Home Value
In addition to looking better and performing better, surfaces constructed of exposed concrete increase the long-term value of your house.
Driveways with exposed concrete, in particular, increase the curb appeal of a property and may draw potential purchasers. An Australian study found that houses featuring exposed concrete pathways were vastly more appealing and modern to prospective purchasers.
Consequently, 75% of respondents to the poll said that exposed concrete increased the overall property valuation by 5%.
42% of participants went even further, asserting that perhaps the exposed concrete increased the home’s market price by an astounding 10%. Concrete surfaces made of exposed concrete can readily recoup your initial investment should you ever decide to sell your house.
Reduced Propensity for Spalling
Spalling is among the most prevalent issues with standard concrete. Due to the porous concrete’s capacity to soak up water and dissolve anti-icing compounds, spalling frequently occurs throughout the winter.
This salty fluid expands when temperatures drop, putting a lot of internal stress on the body. Because this tension weakens the concrete’s top layer, even typical stresses can cause the cement paste to fracture, crumble, or shear away.
The concrete surface looks rough and scarred after such spalling. In addition to lessening the concrete’s aesthetic attractiveness, it also speeds up additional wear.
Since installers removed the top layer of cementitious material during installation, exposed concrete does have a built-in level of resistance to spalling. Owners must finish exposed concrete surfaces about every two years for the longest possible lifespan.
Greater Robustness and Low Upkeep
In contrast, because brushed concrete has a higher water ratio, its surface is brittle and more prone to damage. Conversely, the water-to-cement ratio is smaller in exposed aggregate concrete. As a result, it is more durable and tough than brushed concrete.
One of its greatest benefits is that exposed concrete requires little to no maintenance. The existence of moss, weeds, and other vegetation on the surface is not a concern for owners other than routine cleaning.
More Economical
Because of its endurance, this concrete can help you avoid spending money on maintenance. Additionally, this kind of concrete is easier to install, giving it a more cost-effective surfacing choice for expansive areas.
Final Words
So, contact the best provider and installer if you require anyone to build exposed aggregate concrete pavements in Australia. Make sure their capable aggregate pavers will quickly and expertly complete the concrete finishes.