Browse Forums Paving & Concreting 1 May 10, 2011 8:36 pm Howdy all, Just got a question about my exposed aggregate drive way that I will be laying in a few weeks. I’ve got all the frame and reo mesh etc all sorted out but I was just wonder what the best way to expose the aggregate is? I’ve heard of people just hosing off the top layer with a common garden hose and also heard of people using a pressure washer or gurnie (I’ve got a decent 3000psi Honda) to take the top layer off. In your opinion is the best option? Just another question, is it necessary to spread sugar soap on top of the concrete before washing off the slurry? Thanks any info is appreciated. Ant Re: exposing exposed aggregate 2May 10, 2011 11:51 pm Concrete is one of those things thats hard to fix once it's down. I hope you've got some bods to help out with the pour as it's very labour intensive. You'll need guys on barrows, guy on a screed, guy pulling back the concrete, a few guys to float, finish, edge before it all goes off. Exposed is a practised art and takes some practise. I'de consider getting a good concretor to at least help you out with it, he can do the screeding, final float and exposing while you and mates help, as it's a lot of money to spend if it doesnt go right. Some guys do their exposing differently but we apply a chemical (not the sugar mix) to the surface after the final float with a weed sprayer, wait until set underneath and use a good hose and fitting to hose off the top layer roughly 1-2hrs afterwards, depending on weather times vary. We've found it's more consistant that way and comes off evenly. Using a reputable concrete supplier helps too, with a consistent pebble mix which makes the end product look that much better. Planned Landscape Constructions http://www.plannedlandscape.com.au Find us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= ... 9907611509 Re: exposing exposed aggregate 3May 12, 2011 8:03 pm Planned LScape Concrete is one of those things thats hard to fix once it's down. I hope you've got some bods to help out with the pour as it's very labour intensive. You'll need guys on barrows, guy on a screed, guy pulling back the concrete, a few guys to float, finish, edge before it all goes off. Exposed is a practised art and takes some practise. I'de consider getting a good concretor to at least help you out with it, he can do the screeding, final float and exposing while you and mates help, as it's a lot of money to spend if it doesnt go right. Some guys do their exposing differently but we apply a chemical (not the sugar mix) to the surface after the final float with a weed sprayer, wait until set underneath and use a good hose and fitting to hose off the top layer roughly 1-2hrs afterwards, depending on weather times vary. We've found it's more consistant that way and comes off evenly. Using a reputable concrete supplier helps too, with a consistent pebble mix which makes the end product look that much better. Thanks very much for your info. Yeah i've got some blokes helping me when the truck comes. The guys helping me both are experienced with concreting driveways and paths etc but it always helps to get the opinion of others especially when they are pro concreters. Could i ask what chemical you put on the concrete? Cheers Ant Re: exposing exposed aggregate 4May 12, 2011 11:48 pm I cant recall the exact name of the product, it's a concrete retardant by I think CWS. We have the container emptied into a stainless pump sprayer which lasts a fair while. Timing is the most crucial thing, and that the concrete is floated well and evenly before spraying and exposing Planned Landscape Constructions http://www.plannedlandscape.com.au Find us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= ... 9907611509 Re: exposing exposed aggregate 5May 13, 2011 8:04 am most popular retardent is MBT for 24 hr retardent (next day wash off basic steps for finish- screed hand trowel edges abbutting walls etc as you screed and wash with paint brush and bucket of water (can you mag float to hand trowel, comes out flatter than using a finish trowel) bullfloat fressno trowel edge ( i use 32mm radius) stipple edge lines indents (line left from edge tool) hand trowel stipple section stick trowel appliction of MBT let it partially soak in cover with black plastic exposse next day with high pressure cleaner (not into drains) cut control joints within 24hr of pour acid clean day after expossure let completly dry and apply xylene based concrete sealer Drink beer (may need expansion foam, site dependant) Da Vinci Outdoor Living Architectural landscaping http://www.davincioutdoor.com Last year I had a gas leak at my house. 3 days later, I have about 1 sqm of my exposed aggregate paving broken up. I am not sure how to go about getting it repaired… 0 10408 After some ideas on making our patio kid friendly . Currently we have exposed aggregate. The patio faces west and is always in sun even though it has a shade directly… 0 3587 2 800 |