Driveways are one of the most prominent features for your property and the first thing people see when they approach your home. Whether it’s your relatives, your neighbor or the local ice cream truck, people are going to take note of what your home and its features look like. This is why you should do your best to make it look inviting and maintained. Understandably, it can be hard to determine what is ideal and inviting, but having a well kept, beautiful driveway is one of the things that make the best first impression possible.
Concrete can be hard to clean, though, since it’s constantly being bombarded with environmental hazards. Thankfully, there are methods you can incorporate to clean it up and keep it looking like new and our team of professionals know them all. D & L Concrete is happy to provide people with a wealth of options to choose from that are sure to beautify and add value to your home. Contact us if you have any questions about what can be done or if you want to update your driveway. Let’s talk a bit about exposed aggregate.
What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete may seem like a superficial upgrade to incorporate into your life but there are many benefits (beyond just aesthetics) to this style. While exposed aggregate can improve the look and functionality of everything from your patio and plaza to your sidewalk and pool deck, most people choose this route for their driveway. This type of concrete is a popular alternative to the basic white concrete, which is how most houses look.
You can identify this style based on the rocks embedded or combined within the concrete. Our experts will peel off the outer layer of composite to reveal a beautiful under layer with various minerals. This under layer of material can be limestone, granite, rose quartz or black basalt but visiting the best concrete specialist will allow you to choose from dozens.
Aside from its upscale look, exposed aggregate is resistant to weeds, even more so than your basic concrete. You’ll even be able to choose from a wide range of additions, but only if you seek the advice of the top professionals in this industry. These experts are going to offer customizable options, giving you the chance to pick out the type and size of the stone, and its hardness and color. Some of your choices will include quartz, basalts, granite, or limestone. Exposed aggregate concrete also has a rough texture, which means you are less likely to slip since there is a rough texture keeping your feet tethered to the ground. This low maintenance compound is also resistant to a variety of weather conditions; rain, snow and hail.
It will be a truly unique and high-end look you’ll be excited to show off to all your friends. However, you wouldn’t want to plan impressive parties only to have it look weathered and old because of constant use or the harsh Australian weather. This is why you should implement one of the following methods of cleaning on your exposed aggregate concrete driveway.
Best Driveway Cleaning Methods
Concrete is naturally full of pores where bacteria and water enter and cause damage and deterioration. It can be as miniscule as a leaf getting moldy inside the holes or as complex as consistent traffic but it still means you should regularly clean it. We add a high quality gloss sealant to every exposed aggregate concrete project we do, making cleaning simple and easy. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to wash your driveway without using too much of your energy.
Although, if you go with the standard motion of using soap and water then you will probably need to get deep into the ground to see it become tidy again. This is usually for major stains appearing and not for regular cleaning since this can take some time to complete. Power washers are something you may want to invest in that can simplify this process. This tool pushes water out at a high velocity so it cleanses the driveway in a fast and effective fashion. If you don’t want that added expense, there are places you can rent a pressure washer without the investment into a new machine.
D&L Concrete understands the need to keep your property clean and in good repair, which is why we strongly recommend reaching out to us if you have any added questions. We have years of knowledge under our belts and want to share what we know with you. Most especially, we have experience with the Western Australia weather and how it can impact the overall quality and life of your concrete projects.
When to Update Your Driveway?
If you don’t know whether or not you should update your driveway with exposed aggregate concrete then you’ve come to the right place, we’re going to talk about some of the signs you may need a new driveway. Most people will recognize when it’s time for a new driveway when cracks begin to appear; cracks larger than an inch long and wide. If you have more than four of them, then it’s likely time for an update before you have a major failure.
Potholes or pitting are other signs of a failing driveway. These can be especially troublesome as they can cause damage to your vehicle along with the risk of falls. These gaps have the power to collect moisture, which will, in turn, do more harm to your driveway and speed up the necessity of remodeling. These cavities can also cause water drainage issues, causing water to pool and run toward your home, rather than away. This can cause significant damage to your home and property, if left untreated.
If you have an older home, your driveway may just be too old to be as efficient as it once was. There’s nothing wrong with having an older estate but you need to make sure it can be sustainable, which is why older driveways and walking zones need to be upgraded after a decade or two. However, don’t leave this decision-making process to yourself; consider reaching out to professionals with advanced knowledge about these situations.
Contact D&L Concrete Today!
Cleaning exposed aggregate concrete may seem like a trivial chore but it can be a great time to ensure your property is protected against all kinds of problems and looks great in the process. There may even be ways to update your existing driveway without replacing the entire thing. D&L Concrete is happy to provide advice on maintaining your home and concrete and will even service your concrete, if this is something you are interested in. Contact us today if you have any additional questions or if you want to upgrade your driveway or other concrete outdoor areas.
