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Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
An exposed aggregate surface is created by using an acid wash to the surface of a concrete slab to eat away the cement film at the surface and expose the faces of decorative pebbles that were used in the concrete batch. The pebbles are usually very dense and are now surrounded by relatively porous concrete. |
There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
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Typical absorption range =
pebbles are low - concrete is high |
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- Pebbles are usually part of the wet concrete batch, then revealed after curing with an acid wash.
- Another method is broadcasting the pepples on top of the newly poured concrete and tamped into place.
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PROTECTION:
The golden rule here is to choose the sealer for the least absorbent of the materials - the pebbles. Using the category of "Dense: Tile - Brick - Slate - Stone" on the  will accomplish the proper sealing, without excess buildup on the denser aggregate surfaces. High sealer buildup on the usually rounded aggregate surfaces may show traffic wear faster.
Some installations of this surfacing can be very absorbent and will tend to soak up a lot of sealer if you just keep pouring it on. Too decrease the amount of sealer required - click
here |
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- One of the most maintenance free floorings available.
- Dense, tough paving
- Colors can be deep and rich depending on sealer
- Many choices for finishing gloss - from none to high gloss
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) can occur. However, it is
easily cleaned.
- Colors can "fade". The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and
can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate Aldon sealer.
- A few pebbles will inevitably come loose. This is normal, however, can be minimized by using one of our sealers classified as "densifying".
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Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
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 Grout Easy
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
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Grouted, But Not Sealed
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Grout Residue
Remover
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Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!
* Note: will add another level of gloss to any sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
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