Ballard Concrete Construction Inc

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Curb Appeal Starts at Your Driveway Selecting the right driveway and sidewalk materials can have a dramatic effect on the first impression, value and resale potential for a home. A quality driveway makes a statement about the overall quality of the home. Attention to detail is essential to the exterior design of a home, regardless of price range, and the driveway is a major element in the curb appeal of a home. Exposed Meramec Aggregate is a favored concrete finish due to its durability and beauty. The standard concrete surface is washed away to expose the durable Meramec rock and Meramec sand. When sealed, a die in the sealer refreshes the surface making the concrete look like new every time it is sealed for years to come. Exposed aggregate concrete can almost be compared to a piece of granite or marble transformed by polishing: A plain surface has been stripped away to reveal the exceptional beauty lying beneath. The decorative process of exposing aggregate has been around since the early 1900's. An Exposed Aggregate finish can achieve spectacular effects at a reasonable cost since few additional materials (other then decorative rock) and basic tools are required. Meramec Rock and Meramec Sand is used on our exposed Meramec finishes so the colors are the same and match. Some other contractors use Keysport Sand which has a large variety of colors and clash with Meramec Rock. On standard concrete finishes we use two different applications. Mag float swirl finish with four inch edges bordered around each block. The other is a trowel and broom finish. By trowling the surface of the concrete you work cement to the surface closing the pores then a fine light broom finish. This helps prevent elements from absorbing into the surface of the concrete. A rough broom finish opens the surface exposing it to the elements.