The process of exposing aggregate is not new. Since the early 1900s, there has been a trend of pattern stamping, decorative overlays and stencilling. Still, this method of revealing the raw textures of the stones is far from being ready for retirement.
Exposed aggregate concrete is yet another stone like granite which is transformed into something very beautiful just by polishing its surface! In the case of concrete, the beauty lies in both natural and manufactured decorative aggregate. Also, an exposed aggregate finish offers many benefits.
All about Exposed Aggregate!
An exposed-aggregate surface is abstracted by removing the outer layer of concrete, speaking its skin, and then revealing its original, unsolicited texture, which is coarse and durable.
It is skid-resistant as it has a completely non-slippery surface and requires extremely low maintenance. One can use it in pool areas where the anti-skid floor is required, in parking lots and in other places where tough and non-slippery flooring is required.
One can also use it while decorating walls, designing buildings or even as gate barriers as they are rough and tough.
MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE EXPOSED AGGREGATE CONCRETE
Apart from being able to achieve unique designer effects at economic prices, look at some advantages that make it even more compelling to use this raw finish stone:
- It is easy to make and set up exposed aggregate concrete.
- The surface can handle large numbers of vehicles at the same time and can also sustain weather extremes. It is rugged and non-skid in nature.
- Many decorative aggregates help in achieving unlimited colour and unique textures.
- Exposed aggregate makes up for a beautiful combination when it’s paired with plain concrete or other decent, decorative treatments which are subtle.
- It requires a negligible amount of maintenance. Even when it does, it’s just mainly the occasional cleaning of the stone.
DECORATIVE AGGREGATE CAN ALSO BE USED
The colours that come out after exposing the surface of the concrete largely determine the type of decorative stone used in its making. The type of Aggregate we select can directly affect the total cost of making. Expensive aggregates sometimes increase the costs, and they are not even necessary to achieve remarkable results. One should know that the locally produced aggregate can prove out to be more economical.
One should know that richly coloured natural stones are the most popular decorative aggregates.
If you wish to reduce the costs of using natural stones, you can also substitute them with manufactured materials which are more easily available. One can go creative and get objects like shells dowelled into the concrete’s surface.
The colour of natural aggregates depends on a variety of things. You can spot a range of colours from very light to darker tones of blue. It also comes in shades of Red and some neutral tones as well. Colours like brown, black and grey are also available in different varieties of stones in this category.
The fact that these aggregates have so much variety and scope in which architects can play makes it more interesting to work with them.
They come in various shapes, and each shape has its particular benefits. For instance- rounded aggregates have the best coverage and a smoother surface. On the other hand, angular aggregates add more texture, stiffness and dimension.
