What is exposed aggregate concrete in Calgary?
A new driveway installation usually means you can choose between a variety of materials and weigh out their advantages and disadvantages. A popular concrete material raising the ranks amongst homeowners is exposed aggregate concrete. Exposed aggregate concrete in Calgary can require little maintenance and can be customized to emulate the homeowner’s aesthetic, propping the material up as a favourable option in relation to driveway installation. But if you’re not privy to information concerning concrete materials, you might be wondering what aggregate concrete is and how it differs from other driveway materials and why it has burgeoned as such a popular fixture among homeowners.
Find out all the answers you’re looking for about aggregate concrete and how it can benefit your driveway!
What is aggregate concrete?
Aggregate concrete is acquired by removing the top layer of a cement paste to unearth a more textured surface underneath, consisting of a more coarse aggregate made from sand or stones. The layer underneath that exposes the aggregate is often much more decorative than the mundane grey hue of regular concrete. Because of its durability and sleek appearance, aggregate has attained inevitable marketability with homeowners and commercial property owners.

Where aggregate concrete is used
Exposed aggregate is used in various places on both commercial and residential properties. Aggregate is skid resistance and can withstand large amounts of foot and vehicle traffic without enduring significant damage, making it perfect for sidewalks, patios, plazas, playgrounds, and driveways. More so, aggregate concrete can be used vertically as retaining walls and sound barriers on any property, with such installations that can be purchased at a reasonable cost.
Customization
Customizing and selecting decorative options when acquiring aggregate concrete has made it a compelling draw. With various concrete design options available at any property owner’s disposal when it comes to the use of aggregate, such as colour, shape, method of exposure, and so much more, customization is a given upon acquiring aggregate. Some popular design options with aggregate can include coloured stone, limestone, quartz, and basalts. Many materials can be easily seeded into the surface of the concrete, such as seashells and beach glass, which can further modify its appearance.
Benefits and drawbacks
The are many benefits that are associated with aggregate concrete that contribute to its frequent usage on a variety of properties and its enduring prevalence. Aggregate concrete requires little maintenance once installed, other than regular sealing and cleaning, and can last up to 30 years, even when exposed to the natural elements and constant heavy foot traffic. This type of concrete can also be easily installed without exhaustive efforts if you have prior experience in concrete installation.
And while these benefits of exposed aggregate concrete in Calgary are surely transfixing, aggregate concrete has some drawbacks, such as requiring a sealing installation that will cost you money. You’ll have to go out of your way to clean your concrete from time to time. Of course, all of this is worth the effort to maintain your aggregate concrete for years to come.
Resolution Concrete wants to help solve all of your concrete-related problems. We proudly serve the community of Calgary with our prompt services that include concrete installation, concrete repair, and complete concrete replacement. We want to make concrete installation a transparent and easy process for you as we offer free consultation and emergency services when you most need them. Let Resolution Concrete provide you with the best concrete solutions today! For more information, visit our website at https://www.resolutionconcrete.ca/, or call us for a free quote at 587-224-0476!