While patching aggregate concrete is not as simple every bit working with manifestly or polished surfaces, it's possible to repair with the right materials and tactics in the hands of the pros.

Outdoor spaces are meant to be used, not just looked at. So it makes sense that you're driving and parking on your driveway and entertaining on your exposed aggregate concrete patio. But accidents and elements tin can sometimes push concrete past its limits, causing harm that leaves a mark.

In these cases, y'all'll want your surfaces to look like new, but achieving this affect with patchwork can be quite challenging. You'll probably desire to call in the professionals for their expertise, especially if the damage is deep or has chipped away a large area.

That'south not to say that y'all tin can't patch exposed amass concrete. Permit'due south take a closer look at what makes this a little trickier than working with other materials and how to get the patchwork in identify as seamlessly every bit possible.

Specialised physical requires specialised repairs

Exposed amass produces a unique speckled effect, mainly because you can mix in any number of unique elements to give information technology grapheme, color, and depth. A special blend of stones, shells, porcelain, rock, and other substrates are mixed into the physical and poured to create custom driveways, pathways, patios, and more.

Which means that when disaster strikes (or something heavy puts a divot in your driveway), it can be hard to patch. To offset with, concrete poured at different times can have different hues merely from weathering. Add to that the unique blend of aggregate in your mix, and it can be hard to match a patch but right.

Going to your local Bunnings for an off-the-shelf mix will certainly fill up in holes or smooth cracks. But what information technology won't practice is blend in. Merely if you call a professional concrete company, or the house that poured your surface in the first identify, you'll stand a amend chance at getting a close match.

Before you lot get!!! Find out how much exposed aggregate concrete costs in Melbourne

Step-by-step guide to patch exposed aggregate concrete

All of this sounds adequately pessimistic, just patching exposed aggregate concrete is certainly possible. Whether you lot endeavor this every bit a DIY projection or call in the pros for a proper fix, here are the steps that have to be taken for a job well done.

Step #one: Match colours

Before anyone pours one drop of concrete, work must be done to make up one's mind the colourways that will exist needed. This comes downwardly to two parts: the concrete base of operations mix tint and the aggregate itself. Yous'll want to make sure that both of these can exist matched every bit close as possible, with supplies readily available, before you outset. A professional service may be able to more chop-chop match this based on their expertise.

Footstep #two: Prep surface

With the materials nearby, it's time to prepare the surface. While information technology may seem counterintuitive to remove even more than material than you have already lost, y'all'll want to clear the crack, hole, or dent of debris and crude edges. This can be done past sweeping as well as by using a blade to remove excess material so that the new concrete has a smooth surface to attach to.

Step #iii: Mix alloy

Now you tin can become your materials ready. The concrete should be mixed along with the right proportion of aggregate according to directions.

Stride #4: Insert epoxy

Before you can add the concrete, you want to give it a surface to stick to, so that information technology doesn't come loose when its washed and dry. This is done by adding a layer of epoxy adhesive to the surface you just prepared. Look just long plenty for the epoxy to be tacky (not too dry and not too wet) to keep to the side by side footstep.

Step #5: Add patch

Time to arrive at that place and fill the holes, cracks, and dings with the new mix. Using tools like a putty pocketknife or a wooden stick applicator will ensure that the entire space is filled with the concrete for a proper seal and adhesion. Yous likewise want to make sure that its level across the surface of the patch, also.

Step #6: Wait (patiently)

This is i of the most of import steps. Yous should expect at least 24-48 hours for the patch to completely dry and cure in place before walking, driving, or working with it more.

Pace #7: Seal coat

The last footstep is to seal the new patch so that it will last. The sealant may too help the patch blend in more with the surrounding amass. Yous'll desire to let this coating cure for at least 48 hours before deciding that the project is complete.

Patched your exposed aggregate? Discover out how to maintain your cute new surface here

What causes damage to concrete (and how to forbid it)

Physical on the whole is a durable material designed to last for decades when properly installed and sealed. So what can go incorrect and how can you foreclose it from happening and requiring you to patch exposed aggregate concrete in the first identify?

  • Bad weather: Excessive rain or hail damage to seal coatings
  • Water damage: Pooling water and high-pressure washing
  • High affect: Dropping heavy objects with maximum force
  • Repeat clothing: Excessive repetitive pressure from traffic

While you lot can't stop Mother Nature, you tin can take steps to treat your surfaces with care while also living your all-time life while using them. Continue your seal blanket up to appointment (well-nigh are refreshed at least every 5 years). Accept intendance when moving heavy items like furniture beyond surfaces to avoid unnecessary impact. Consider using outdoor rugs under seating areas to protect the surface. And patch equally needed.

P.S Here's how long exposed aggregate lasts (hint: a loooooong fourth dimension)

Trust in professional concrete patchwork from Concept Concrete

Concrete patching is doable merely can require a bit of finesse when it comes to getting a patch to match and remain in place for the long term. While yous can endeavor this on your own, calling in concrete professionals to get the patch just right will probably pay for itself in the long run (not to mention save you a hassle and a mess).

At Concept Concrete, we're experts in all things exposed amass concrete, and that includes patch piece of work. We know that with time, your driveway or patio area volition come up under pressure level (literally), and we're set to assist you lot brand information technology look like new with matching patchwork for a smoothen and precise stop.

Homes across the Melbourne metro expanse have trusted Concept Concrete for years, taking advantage of superior customer service and attention to detail. Whether you demand an entire driveway or a single square metre repaired, our team is continuing past to get the job washed right at a cost you lot can afford.

To learn more and become started, asking a complimentary quote on 1300 366 343.