Concrete Driveway: Four Fundamental Precautions for Installing Exposed Aggregate
Posted on: 22 May 2020
If you are looking for a durable and attractive material for constructing your driveway, you should consider installing an exposed aggregate structure. This type of surface is desirable for paving because it uses concrete, which is a very long-lasting material. In addition, it incorporates decorative elements such as beautiful pebbles or crushed glass. This enhances the appearance of concrete. If you would like to build an exposed aggregate driveway in your home, use these fundamental tips to achieve the best results.
Prepare the Site
Incomplete or improper preparation of your construction site could lead to an unstable structure. In simple terms, you should keep in mind that the driveway will be exposed to a lot of pressure and stress. Therefore, if the underlying base is not strong, the exposed aggregate surface will not be durable. When preparing the site, it is important to excavate the driveway installation area. Then, a sub-base material like gravel should be applied and compacted before the concrete is poured.
Choose Your Pebbles
It is essential for you to choose the right pebbles or other crushed material for your exposed aggregate driveway. The selected materials will determine the overall appearance of the completed surface. When purchasing the aggregate, you should look for products designed for this specific purpose. Do not use random pebbles because they could interfere with the quality of the concrete mix. If you are not picky, you can use standard pre-mixed aggregate from your supplier. However, it is also possible to acquire materials and create a custom decorate material.
Regulate the Amount
You should never use too much aggregate in your concrete mix when building your driveway. Incorporating a lot of colourful pebbles or crushed glass might seem like a good idea for a beautiful surface. However, it is detrimental because the aggregate will affect the stability of the concrete. This could make the final structure less stable. In addition, the numerous pebbles will become dislodged over time, leaving holes in the driveway. Therefore, if you are handling the construction work as a DIY project, keep in mind that the aggregate is only a decorative material.
Plan for Exposure
There are two options for exposing the aggregate after pouring the concrete. The best approach will depend on your personal preference, onsite equipment and available time. The most basic approach is washing the concrete before the surface is completely cured. The alternative is using a retarding product, covering and revealing the aggregate later. This allows for more control and minimises the risk of surface damage.
For more information on installing exposed aggregate for a concrete driveway, reach out to local concrete contractors.
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