Incredible Value in Exposed Aggregate from your favorite Aspen Concrete Contractor
During the height of the Empire, the citizens of Rome lusted after materials and processes to beautify their homes inexpensively. Throughout the Italian peninsula, workers used exposed aggregate concrete to copy the appearance of the immaculate marble and granite floors of the empire’s wealthiest citizens. Today, considering the difficult financial times, homeowners in increasing numbers are taking advantage of the flexibility of exposed aggregate concrete to add real value and immense beauty to their home back yards and patios without spending a fortune.
Exposed Aggregate Surface
The Romans mastered the art of concrete but did not only use it to construct immense monuments and temples. Craftsmen created a process in which they would lay a cement surface and then spread random specks of granite or marble chips over the floor to make the area look like exotic stone.
Today, workers utilize much the same techniques – with modern materials and procedures – giving them the ability to create ritzy surfaces at bargain prices.
Exposed aggregate concrete has a great deal of limitless potential to be used virtually anywhere on a residential property. Garden pathways and patios are definitely the most popular uses outside, but the diversity of finishes, colors, and textures available have expanded the demand for garage floors, borders and driveways produced from this innovative process. Indoors, skilled craftsmen can create spectacular floors, stairways and even bathrooms from exposed aggregate concrete.
The work looks fairly easy, but the work will be best left to qualified craftsmen. Concrete is often hard to work with and fixing mistakes can be an extremely costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Workers begin by pouring a traditional driveway or concrete slab or form mold in the desired shape. Then, surface retarders that prevent the topmost layer of concrete from completely drying can be sprayed on. Unlike flatwork and decorative concrete, as soon as the lower part dries, the top layer is washed away to expose the little bits of sand and aggregate. Most of the time though, the concrete is allowed to become almost dry and then – as the Italian craftsmen did – little pieces of rock are sprinkled around the surface and then smashed into the cement uniformly. The resultant appearance and texture is sure to be very unique due to the particular characteristics of each piece of concrete and the boundless possibilities of economical and easily accessible aggregate material.
A costlier but more dramatic option is to augment the exposed aggregate concrete by grinding the exposed stone level with the surface, and then refining the entire surface to a brilliant shine. The result has the appearance of exotic cut marble or granite slab.
More links: http://www.avalancheconcrete.com/exposed-aggregate-concrete or Call Avalanche Concrete Services at: 970-963-0732
