Deactivated concrete: what is it?
It is a concrete leaving appear gravel on the surfacewithout suffering the disadvantages of a gravel floor.
Deactivated concrete is obtained with a classic mixture composed of aggregate, water and a binder, generally cement. What differentiates it from other concretes is the laying and pouring technique used to make the gravel visible. The top layer of mortar is removed by spraying while still fresh with a deactivator.
This product prevents the surface layer of concrete from setting too quickly. After waiting 24 hours for the concrete to dry and harden, we spray a high-pressure water jet to remove the layer of mortar that remains on the surface and covers the gravel. Thus, we see the gravel appear.
What are the main characteristics of deactivated concrete?
Aesthetic appearance
Deactivated concrete can be customized thanks to the choice of gravel which changes shape and color. There wide range of aggregates opens up the field of possibilities. Furthermore, pigments or other materials can be integrated (red porphyry, white quartz, black basalt) in order to change color. It is also possible to choose between different cement colors.
The level of gravel present in this type of concrete is higher in order to encourage their appearance during the pouring and drying process.
Resistance
Like other types of concrete, washed concrete is very resistant to heavy loads but also to bad weather.
Non-slip surface
It also has anti-slip properties while remaining visually pleasing. Like all concrete, deactivated concrete is composed of a mixture of cement, water, possible admixtures, sand and gravel.
What advantages does this type of concrete offer?
Decorative
Its most obvious asset is its appearance very aesthetic compared to other types of concrete. It is therefore perfect for personalizing a driveway and playing on contrasts or, on the contrary, matching it with its environment.
No maintenance
Just like other types of bituminous coating, it is easy to maintain. A simple stroke of a high-pressure cleaner once in a while is enough to restore it to its original appearance.
Durability and resistant
The other advantage of this type of coating is its longevity. Despite the numerous passages of pedestrians or vehicles, it will resist for decades. If you plan to pass heavy vehicles, you must adapt the mixture and the installation technique to strengthen the coating. A greater thickness will often be necessary.
Anti-slip
Deactivated concrete aggregates avoid the risk of slipping because the floor is non-slip.
Savings over time
Finally, although it is still a little more expensive than other types of concrete, it remains a very economical coating solution. You will not have no maintenance expensesand his durability saves you from having to rest a layer of coating in the future.
Where to use deactivated concrete?
This material is suitable for many types of surfaces and adapts to multiple uses. In public spaces or among professionals, it is used to cover squares, courtyards, sidewalks, urban passages, cycle paths, pedestrian streets or even parking lots.
In private homes, we find deactivated concrete in garden paths, garage entrances, terraces or even swimming pool edges. However, for this last use, we would prefer a concrete with a less rough texture so as not to risk injury or quite simply for comfort.
What factors cause the price to vary?
The price of installing deactivated concrete pavement depends on several factors. Requiring a certain technique, you must call on a landscaping company which has the necessary equipment and the corresponding knowledge to be able to carry out this work.
The cost varies depending on:
- the type of aggregate used, some are more expensive than others;
- the location, that is to say the geographical area where the installation is carried out;
- the price applied by the company or craftsman for installation;
- of the size of the surface area of the land to be covered.
Price range per m² including ground preparation, concrete and installation:
- Surface less than 50 m² : between 110 and 130 euros per m²
- Surface greater than 50 m² : between 70 and 110 euros per m²