At Hardaker Concrete, we know that choosing the right driveway material is a big decision. Your driveway is more than just a place to park; it’s an essential part of your home’s first impression. While exposed aggregate concrete offers undeniable aesthetic appeal, it comes with some trade-offs compared to other popular options like asphalt and traditional concrete.
In this post, we’ll cover the pros and cons of exposed aggregate concrete driveways, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your home.
1. Striking Aesthetic Appeal
The unique, textured finish of exposed aggregate concrete is one of its biggest selling points. Unlike the smooth surface of traditional concrete or the dark uniformity of asphalt, exposed aggregate allows the underlying stones to shine through, giving it a distinctive, natural look.
Customizable Design: Exposed aggregate offers a wide variety of stone colours and sizes to create a surface that complements your home’s style. Whether you’re aiming for subtle sophistication or bold contrast, exposed aggregate gives you the ability to tailor the look to your personal taste.
Curb Appeal: While asphalt and plain concrete are functional, exposed aggregate elevates the visual appeal of your driveway, adding depth and interest. If aesthetics are a top priority, this option might be worth the extra investment.
2. Durability: Exposed Aggregate vs. Standard Concrete
When it comes to durability, exposed aggregate concrete, while attractive, does have limitations. It tends to be less robust than traditional smooth concrete, especially in high-traffic areas.
More Susceptible to Wear: The process of exposing the aggregate involves removing the top layer of concrete, which can leave the surface more vulnerable to wear and tear. Over time, the surface stones can loosen, and the driveway may need more frequent maintenance compared to standard concrete, which offers a more solid and durable surface.
Cracking Potential: Like all concrete, exposed aggregate is prone to cracking. However, the decorative nature of the surface can make these imperfections more noticeable. Repairs are possible but can be more challenging due to the need to match the pattern of the aggregate.
3. Increased Labour and Installation Costs
The process of installing exposed aggregate concrete is more complex than standard concrete, making it a more expensive option upfront. From placing the concrete to carefully exposing the aggregate stones, the labour involved is both time-consuming and skilled.
Higher Initial Costs: In comparison to both asphalt and traditional concrete, exposed aggregate typically has a higher initial cost due to the specialized materials and labour required for installation. While the end result is visually appealing, homeowners should be aware of the increased upfront investment.
Labour-Intensive Repairs: If your exposed aggregate driveway develops cracks or other issues over time, repairs can be more complex and costly than those for standard concrete, as the exposed stones need to be carefully matched and blended with the existing surface.
4. Traction and Safety
While exposed aggregate is known for its aesthetic appeal, its traction can actually be lower than that of traditional concrete, especially once the surface has been exposed.
Decreased Traction: Exposed aggregate concrete can become smooth and slippery, particularly when wet. During the process of exposing the aggregate, the top layer of concrete is removed, which can leave the surface less textured than it initially appears. This may require sealing with a special sand-like additive to simulate traction and improve grip.
Safety Considerations: Although the pebbled appearance may seem like it would offer good traction, exposed aggregate can become slick, especially in wet or icy conditions. Sealing the surface with an additive is necessary to enhance grip, but even then, it may not offer the same level of safety as rougher surfaces like standard concrete.
5. Maintenance Requirements
While exposed aggregate driveways are relatively low maintenance, they do require regular care to maintain their appearance and performance over time.
Periodic Sealing: Unlike asphalt, which needs frequent resealing, exposed aggregate typically requires sealing every few years to protect the surface from wear and weathering. Without proper sealing, the exposed stones can become loose or lose their shine, and the surface can become slick without the added texture from a sealing additive.
More Maintenance Than Standard Concrete: While exposed aggregate can resist cracking better than asphalt, it does not hold up as well as traditional concrete in terms of long-term durability. Regular sealing and occasional repairs are necessary to preserve its integrity, especially in extreme climates like Kamloops.
6. Weather Resistance and Longevity
Kamloops’ seasonal extremes—from hot summers to freezing winters—can take a toll on driveway materials. While exposed aggregate handles temperature changes better than asphalt, it does not outperform standard concrete in terms of durability.
Cold Weather Considerations: Exposed aggregate is less prone to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles than smooth concrete, but it can still suffer from surface wear over time. Frost heave and erosion may also become issues if the driveway isn’t properly maintained.
Longevity: With proper care, an exposed aggregate driveway can last for decades. However, its lifespan is typically shorter than that of standard concrete, which is known for its resilience and lower maintenance demands over time.
Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete the Right Choice for Your Driveway?
At Hardaker Concrete, we believe that exposed aggregate can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. While it offers unmatched aesthetic appeal, it comes with a higher upfront cost, lower traction, and more maintenance requirements than traditional concrete. If you value design and curb appeal and are prepared for regular upkeep, exposed aggregate could be the perfect choice for your driveway.
If you’re interested in exploring exposed aggregate or other driveway options, we’d be happy to discuss your project. Contact Hardaker Concrete for a free estimate and expert advice on how to achieve the driveway of your dreams.