Sealing Tips for Your Exposed Aggregate Concrete Walkways
Posted on: 20 January 2019
Expose aggregate concrete is one of the best ways of finishing your walkways and patios. It makes the surface look great and feel unique. It has a durable texture that makes it suitable for various improvement projects, especially areas that require 'tough' finishes. When pouring the exposed aggregate finish, your builders lay at least six inches of concrete form. The base layer acts as a foundation for the aggregate. After that, the builders spread the gravel evenly using shovels and rakes. This will you an even surface devoid of drainage issues. Once the finish is ready, you can use seal it well by adhering to the following tips.
Select the Right Sealer
A successful sealing project begins with choosing the right sealer from a store near you. You need to consider a few things before buying the sealer. First, the sealer should always dry and form a thick film over the exposed aggregate surface. Second, the sealer should be resistant to yellowing and discolouration after applying it to the exposed aggregate finish. It should stand up to anticipated stains that might fall on it in the future. They include pool chemicals, food, oil and motor oils. Most importantly, the seal should allow you to use other coatings in the future.
Clean the Exposed Aggregate
Cleaning is important when you want to seal an exposed aggregate concrete surface. If the aggregate. However, cleaning depends on the nature of the exposed concrete surface that you have. If the surface has just cured, you can proceed with the application of the seal right away.
On the other hand, you must clean the exposed aggregate surface if it has stayed unsealed for any period. A simple water and detergent solution will work well when cleaning exposed aggregate surface. You can use mineral spirits and denatured alcohol to remove any tough stains on the surface before sealing it.
Go for Thick Coats
Generally, there is no standard width required when applying a sealant on your exposed aggregate. The width depends on the specific conditions of your finish. For instance, a porous exposed aggregate finish requires more sealant compared to one with fewer air spaces. The porosity allows the sealant to seep into the surface of the finish, forcing you to apply more and more of it. Luckily, subsequent applications will not take up as much sealant as the first one.
Applying your sealant every two years is enough to keep it in good shape at all times. You will protect it from wear and tear resulting from regular use.
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