Why You Should Use Exposed Aggregate for Landscape Erosion Control

Even the most magnificent house or commercial property will fail to impress if it has a cracked and rugged driveway. Before guests reach the entrance, this is the first thing they see and walk across. Over time, rain, wind, and vehicles erode traditional concrete surfaces, leaving them dull and worn. Exposed aggregate is a decorative tool for both protection and aesthetics. If you are looking to create a weather-resistant concrete surface for your home or business in Perth, WA, exposed aggregate is the solution for you.

Exposed Aggregate for Erosion Control: Definition and Benefits

Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete installation which lets the decorative elements under the surface, such as pebbles, round stones, and colourful minerals remain visible from above. This textured appearance is pleasing to the eye but also boosts the durability of any driveway, patio, or pool area. It is far more resilient to vehicles and footwear than a regular concrete finish, giving you greater value for money in the long term.

For pool areas, one of the biggest advantages of exposed aggregate concrete is its enhanced slip resistance. This makes accidents less likely to occur when climbing in or out of the pool. This slip resistance is useful for wet paths and driveways, reducing the risk of injuries and liability lawsuits.

Maintaining your exposed aggregate surface will be a breeze compared to lower-quality surfaces. The sealed and coated surface resists stubborn dirt, making it easy to sweep clean. Every few years, you should reseal your exposed aggregate surface, but other than this, you will seldom need to spend time maintaining it.

Using Exposed Aggregate for Erosion Control in Landscaping

Installing an elegant and durable exposed aggregate surface has several stages. It is best to hire industry experts to complete this for you. The design is your choice, but once concrete is set, it can be hard to fix any mistakes made in the installation process.

There are three main ways to install exposed aggregate concrete. Monolithic installation uses batched aggregate blended with concrete at the time of mixing. Seeded installation adds the aggregate after the concrete has been poured. Overlay methods add aggregate over older, good-condition concrete to boost aesthetic appeal.

• Planning and Preparation – Once you have decided which style of exposed aggregate suits your location, you need to assess the soil composition and environmental impact of the project. Silt fences and sediment basins help to control runoff and eroded waste. This will help protect nearby nature from construction materials.
• Excavation Stage – Construction engineers will check the ideal depth and then dig a sufficient space for the concrete. They will then compact the soil with a tamper tool to ensure it forms a solid base for the concrete surface above.
• Forming and Reinforcing – You finalised your design at the planning stage, you now need to make sure the finished product matches your vision. Steel mesh or rebars strengthen the timber formwork and ensure a consistent shape. It also makes the concrete mixture less likely to crack when it dries.
• Mixing and Pouring – Typical concrete uses a ratio of 70% aggregate to 30% sand. This has stood the industrial test of time and will give you a tough mixture that lasts a lifetime. Engineers use a screeding tool to flatten the mixture as it fills the excavation space. Pigmented concrete can give a colourful effect, but this depends on your personal preferences.
•  Exposed Aggregate Finish – To expose the aggregate, you need to remove the surface layer of concrete with a chemical retarder. This slows down the drying process and lets engineers brush and remove the top layer of surface mortar. Once you can see the aggregate underneath, you can cure and seal the surface. After seven days, that decorative driveway you always wanted will be yours.

Protect Your Concrete Surface from Erosion

Looking for exposed aggregate installation in Perth, WA? Fluid Concrete is a local concreting company that offers everything you need to renovate your home or commercial space. Our expert team can complete exposed aggregate, liquid limestone, and honed concrete installations. We take care of general landscaping to ensure your property looks its best. Our testimonials tell stories of efficiency and impressed neighbours. Contact us for an estimate today.