how do you clean exposed aggregate concrete

^{Steps to Clean Exposed Aggregate}

1. Saturate the surface with a cleaner leaving it to absorb into the concrete.
2. While the surface remains wet, scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled broom to agitate and help the cleaner penetrate and loosen the dirt.
3. Use a hose with a nozzle or ideally a high power pressure washer to sequentially move from the high end of the concrete slab to the lower ...
4. Let dry
5. Protect the finish by sealing the Exposed Aggregate Concrete Slab.

What is the best concrete sealer for exposed aggregate?

When selecting an exposed aggregate sealer, look for a product that:

• Is non-yellowing and UV resistant
• Will provide a high-gloss wet look that deepens and enriches the color of the aggregate
• Repels oil, grease, water, and stains
• Is recoatable

How much does it cost to install exposed aggregate concrete?

How Much Does Exposed Aggregate Concrete Cost. As with concrete, exposed aggregate concrete is considered less expensive than interlocking stone. Installing exposed aggregate concrete is typically $2 per square feet more than the cost of installing regular concrete. To get a more detailed quote for installing exposed aggregate concrete, speak to a reputable landscape company like Markstone Lansdcaping who has experience with creating different exposed aggregate concrete landscaping designs.

How to pour exposed aggregate?

Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Pour Download Article

1. Build a wooden box. This box will hold the concrete in place until it is fully cured. ...
2. Place the box in the designated area. This area must be relatively flat.
3. Hammer stakes in along the perimeter. ...
4. Bring the box to the appropriate height and nail it to the stakes. ...
5. Level and compact the surface within the box. ...

More items...

How to seal aggregate concrete?

• For EXTERIOR application ONLY.
• Perform a test to ensure sealer compatibility.
• Brush may be used where roller won’t reach.
• Do not pour directly from container onto concrete.
• 1 ¼” nap roller for exposed aggregate
• 1” nap roller for textured surfaces
• ¾” short nap roller for smooth surfaces.

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What can I use to clean exposed aggregate concrete?

Use a high pressure washer with hot water and a commercial-grade degreaser to eliminate oil stains. The hot water will help lift oil from the surface and the degreaser will emulsify the stain and allow it to wash off easily. Exposed aggregate cleaners can be applied on tire marks before rinsing it off with hot water.Dec 31, 2019

Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate concrete?

Further clean the exposed aggregate with water using a garden hose or, if available, a high-pressure cleaner. Be very careful when choosing to use a high-pressure cleaner on exposed aggregate as if your pressure is too high, you can cause damage to the cement and the loosen the stones from your driveway.Nov 4, 2019

How do you maintain Exposed aggregate concrete?

Clean and apply Before applying either a penetrating or topical sealer, you must clean the exposed aggregate concrete. Pressure wash the dirt and grime off the surface, use rust remover to remove rust and a cleaner/degreaser to tackle tough oil spills. After cleaning the concrete, allow a day to dry.

How do you clean and seal exposed aggregate concrete?

0:254:31EagleSealer - How to Seal Aggregate Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShould be clean and dry use Old South cleaner to remove oil grease. And other hard to remove soils.MoreShould be clean and dry use Old South cleaner to remove oil grease. And other hard to remove soils. Use a stiff bristle brush on stubborn spots. Let's set for 5 minutes and rinse well.

How do you remove moss from exposed aggregate?

If you've got stubborn moss marks, a half and half vinegar/water mixture can be effective for removing troublesome stains and is another cost-effective means of removing moss from concrete surfaces. White vinegar is the best to use and can be mixed in a spray bottle to quickly and easily spread across wide surfaces.Oct 11, 2018

Can you stain Pebble concrete?

The finished look is that of pebble sized aggregate throughout the concrete and the coloration is primarily derived from the color of the aggregate chosen. Exposed aggregate can be stained or dyed to shift or change the color upon completion.

What do you spray on exposed aggregate?

Spray the surface with retarder. Once you have finished the top and it is smooth with no lines or air holes, it is time to spray it with a chemical retarder. The retarder chemical will keep the top layer of concrete wet while it lets the core harden.

How do you remove oil stains from aggregate driveway?

0:004:23How to Remove Oil Stains from a Concrete Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStains from oil dirt. And leaves do not look good on concrete today I'm going to show you how toMoreStains from oil dirt. And leaves do not look good on concrete today I'm going to show you how to remove them and clean your driveway using a pressure washer. So the first thing to do is determine what

Does Exposed aggregate need to be sealed?

Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed? Yes. These sealers—typically film-forming acrylic resins—can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness.Mar 9, 2021

Why cleaning aggregate is different from other concrete surfaces

Consider what exposed aggregate actually is. There is concrete as the base and majority of the material, but mixed into it is a custom aggregate or material that gives it texture and colour. This aggregate can be anything from crushed or polished rocks to seashells and porcelain chips.

6 steps for clean exposed aggregate concrete

The good news is that properly cleaning exposed aggregate is not difficult once you know what to do (and what not to do). So put any water blasting or overly high powered washers away, and check out our step-by-step overview of how to get your concrete looking fresh.

Concrete care tips to avoid cleaning overall

Getting clean exposed aggregate concrete is rather straightforward once you have the right equipment and know the best steps for the job. But most homeowners would agree that preventing the job for as long as possible is preferrable. After all, who wants to clean a driveway often? (hint: no one)

Protect your concrete surfaces with the pros at Concept Concrete

While concrete sealers are on the market, it’s best to leave the application of this added protection to the pros. And at Concept Concrete, we have extensive experience installing, maintaining, and protecting concrete surfaces of all shapes, sizes, and varieties.

What is exposed aggregate driveway?

Exposed aggregate driveways are made up of a mixture of cement and other material, usually stones. This gives exposed aggregate that spectacular speckled look. Unlike cement, exposed aggregate is not a uniform slab and the stones within the cement can be damaged or loosened by strenuous cleaning.

Why does my driveway have oil stains?

Oil and grease stains on exposed aggregate driveways are primarily caused by vehicles parked on the driveway that has an oil leak. If left to sit on your driveway for too long, it can cause permanent damage to the exposed aggregate. The best way to clean oil and grease stains from your exposed aggregate driveway is to apply a driveway cleaning ...

Can mold form on a driveway?

Any moisture that is left to settle on your driveway can start to form mould, especially if there is very little sunlight. Algae and mould are common to find near the edge of the house where the driveway can remain in the shade all day or at low points in your driveway where water can pool.

Can you use high pressure cleaner on exposed aggregate?

Be very careful when choosing to use a high-pressure cleaner on exposed aggregate as if your pressure is too high, you can cause damage to the cement and the loosen the stones from your driveway. View our guide for advice on what pressure to use when cleaning your exposed aggregate driveway.

What is exposed aggregate?

Exposed aggregate is a common theme around many backyard swimming pools, and it’s often a gorgeous accent to poolside appeal. These surfaces are heavily used and begin to lose their luster. We here at Concrete Decor found a couple of great products that help with cleaning and resealing exposed aggregate of hard water/mineral deposits. These products also clean off other chemicals that make the concrete look less than appealing.

Why use profiler on concrete?

Because The Profiler (a muriatic acid in a gel form) lays on the surface of the concrete without absorbing into the cement. It only removes hard mineral deposits from the surface without deteriorating the cement. This helps to keep the exposed aggregate in place.

Does gelled acid penetrate concrete?

Gelled acid will also NOT penetrate the concrete surface and loosen aggregate. It stays on the surface where you need it to do its job. Here is link to that product on our store website: Tek Gel for Profiling.

Seal your exposed aggregate concrete

If you want to extend the life of your concrete surface, consider concrete sealing. Sealing provides a layer of protection against hazards, impact damage, and general wear and tear. The right sealant will also provide protection against UV-related fading and weather damage (and we all know how temperamental Melbourne’s weather can be).

General cleaning tips for exposed aggregate concrete

Maintenance of exposed aggregate concrete comes down to regular cleaning. It’s easier to spend 10 to 15 minutes each weekend performing a quick clean than waiting 6 months and trying to tackle built-in dirt, grime, and muck.

Common stains to watch out for

No matter how careful you are, your concrete driveway, garage, or commercial space is going to take a beating. From accidental spills to unavoidable stains, here are the hazards to keep an eye out for.

Looking for striking & stylish exposed aggregate concrete in Melbourne?

Prevention is always better than a cure. The quality of your concrete installation will go a long way towards your maintenance program. The wrong concrete installation team in Melbourne can leave you with constantly chipping surfaces that end up a nightmare to maintain (and extremely painful to walk on bare feet).

What type of sealer is best for concrete?

There are two types of sealer: solvent and water-based products. And like the article suggests, a penetrating sealer is best for exposed aggregate concrete surfaces. Non-penetrating/topical sealers will coat the surface along with the aggregate, creating a slippery surface.

How long does a concrete sealer last?

They seal the aggregate without leaving behind a visible surface film. On average they last from seven to 10 years and require little to no maintenance.

What is the best sealer for loose stones?

If you need to secure loose stones, an acrylic sealer is a better choice. The second and most common choice is a topical acrylic concrete sealer which preserves the concrete and enhances it with a high-gloss finish often referred to as the “wet look.”. Eight out of 10 of our customers choose a honey brown-tinted high-gloss sealer ...

How many square feet per gallon of sealer?

It’s best to work in smaller 4-by-4-foot sections. You should apply the sealer at the manufacturer’s recommended spread rate. This is typically between 100 and 150 square feet per gallon.

Can you use a cure and sealer on concrete?

A ‘cure and seal’ is acceptable, however. With regard to applying sealer in cold climates it is best to refer to the sealer manufacturers product guidelines in order to protect yourself and your concrete from any breach of a product warranty. Regarding the use of a penetrating sealer first and a topical sealer second.

Can you seal exposed aggregate driveway?

Written by Tyler Stephens on June 13, 2019. Sealing exposed aggregate driveways can extend the life of the concrete as well as improve its looks. Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative concrete look that will enhance the curb appeal of driveways, pool decks, sidewalks and patios. It’s achieved when the top layer of concrete has been removed ...

How do you fix bad Exposed aggregate concrete?

This uneven exposed aggregate surface needs to be treated with an acid wash. This is one of the few times I recommend an acid for a concrete repair. A strong acid wash should help even out the surface. Start with a muriatic acid diluted 1:1 with water.

Can you resurface exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative finish where the top layer of concrete is removed to reveal the small aggregates beneath the surface. This means if you have an existing concrete surface that is structurally sound, we can resurface it to look like exposed concrete.

Is Exposed aggregate concrete smooth?

Exposed aggregate concrete has been popular for decades! The exposed rocks provide a timeless, natural looking pattern and its texture makes sidewalks and driveways a bit slip resistant. The result is a sturdy and beautiful surface that reveals the smooth pebbles in the concrete.

How do you smooth out rough concrete?

A. There are two things you can do fix the rough finish. One is, you could grind or polish the surface which would remove the rough broom finish and smooth the surface of the concrete. Some of the aggregate would be exposed giving you a nice smooth decorative look to your sidewalk and patio.

How do I restore exposed aggregate?

The best way to clean oil and grease stains from your exposed aggregate driveway is to apply a driveway cleaning solution that will break down the oil. Luckily, you can make this mixture using household products like dishwashing liquid or baking soda.

Does Exposed aggregate crack?

Will my new Exposed Aggregate product crack? Like all concrete products there is always some risk of cracks occurring. We cannot guarantee it won’t crack due to subsidence and other variables. Although we do everything we can to minimise the chance of cracking by cutting control joins and using expansion foam.

Is Exposed aggregate concrete more expensive?

Explanation: Exposed aggregate is more expensive than standard aggregate because it requires more material expense and labor expense.