Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Perth Exposed Aggregate?
What sets us apart from our competitors? We never subcontract our work out to other trades, so you can be sure that any work completed on your property, will be done only by the team at Perth Exposed Aggregate. All of our work is carried out to meet specific Australian building regulations, we are thorough and make sure the job is completed to a high standard every time.
Why should I choose exposed aggregate concrete over traditional concrete pavers?
You can select your own colour and texture for your exposed aggregate concrete, it is hard wearing, needs little to no maintenance and provides a modern look. Over time, exposed aggregate will not move or sag like traditional pavers do, plus – you will never need to weed the gaps between pavers or sweep away the sand unearthed by ants again! Benefits include:
- Modern and stylish finishes
- Countless options for colours and textures
- Tailored design to suit your given area
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
What are your prices? How much does exposed aggregate cost?
Exposed aggregate is a low maintenance, value-adding product that will enhance your home or business landscaping. Given its longevity and durability, exposed aggregate offers great value for money. Please get in touch with us to discuss pricing for your specific area.
Exposed concrete is not within my budget, can you offer any other options?
At Perth Exposed Aggregate, we understand that exposed concrete may not fit within your budget. Please get in touch with us to discuss our general purpose/budget concrete mix options. We can also discuss payment plans to assist you in achieving the landscaping you always dreamed of.
What is polished concrete?
As the name suggest, polished concrete is just that! concrete that has been ground and polished to create a smooth and glossy finish. Polished concrete is a popular option for its versatility. You choose your colours and patterns and desired level of shine. It’s a hard wearing flooring, resistant to scratches and stains and easy to maintain.
To achieve the sheen, the concrete is chemically treated to make it more dense, removing stains and filling the pores which helps to achieve a better foundation for smoothing and shine. This process also makes the concrete less permeable to liquids which will make the final flooring more durable. The final step includes a fine grinding tool which controls the level of shine.
Do you use reinforcing mesh?
Yes, Perth Exposed Aggregate use reinforcing mesh to limit shrinkage cracking and maintain the structural integrity of your concrete.
Why do you cut my concrete?
Control cuts are made in your concrete at the best locations determined by us to help control cracking.
What is expansion foam for?
A layer of expansion foam is placed next to brickwork or other structures to separate them from the concrete. We do this to minimize the potential for the concrete to crack which can happen due to changes in temperature or general weather conditions.
Will my concrete crack?
It is possible for your concrete to crack which is why Perth Exposed Aggregate take every measure we can to prevent cracking, from the use of expansion foam to controlled cuts. Often there are factors that cause cracking that cannot be controlled by us, such as weather, the subsoil, the particular site and infrastructure conditions. As with any other company in the industry, sadly we cannot guarantee that cracking won’t happen.
Will my concrete be sealed?
Yes, we seal all of our concrete. Once set, the concrete is acid washed and high pressure cleaned to enhance it’s appearance. We then use a solvent-based acrylic sealer which protects and seals the concrete’s natural beauty.
Why are there variations in the finish on my concrete?
Our concrete is made from quarried sand and stone. Because of this, natural variations will show in colour and texture of the product.
How long do I need to wait before I can walk/drive on my newly poured exposed aggregate?
To obtain optimum strength and to allow the aggregate time to dry and cure, we recommend waiting 1 day before walking on it and up to 7 days before driving on your new driveway.