Crushed stone is also called aggregate and is used in construction projects. It’s available in various sizes and colors. It’s a recycled material that is cheaper than having new concrete poured.
It also keeps demolished concrete out of landfills and uses it well. It’s a durable, versatile, and cost-effective decorative plaster. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Stonecrete.
Natural stone is a beautiful, authentic material that lends a rich, earthy texture to any space. It is also a durable and long-lasting paving solution, resisting moisture and heat. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic and safe for children and pets. Adding this beautiful element to your outdoor design will elevate your curb appeal and add value to your home.
The beauty of natural stone comes in various colors, tones, and textures that are not available with other paving materials such as concrete or asphalt. It is also extremely durable, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. It is also resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. Additionally, it is highly fire-resistant, which makes it a great option for indoor spaces.
Additionally, stone can be used for interior and exterior wall cladding and flooring, giving your space an elegant, luxurious look. It also offers a variety of color options and patterns to choose from, making it a versatile and timeless building material. It can add a touch of elegance to any space, whether it is your kitchen, bathroom, or living room.
Backsplashes are another excellent place to incorporate stone. Depending on the color, texture, and veining of the stone, it can create a dramatic and stunning contrast to your backsplash tile.
Natural stone is a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that has been used for thousands of years. It is abundantly available and can be extracted with a minimal impact on the environment. It is also durable, lasting for centuries with only minor maintenance. In addition, it can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle to reduce its environmental impact.
Durability
Stonecrete is one of the most durable materials available, offering a lifetime that is unmatched by any other material. This is not only determined by its hardness as measured on the Mohs scale, but also by other physical properties such as abrasion resistance and flexural strength. Additionally, it is less susceptible to moisture penetration than other masonry products such as brick and concrete. These factors make it ideal for areas that require high foot traffic or exterior wall cladding on buildings.
The durability of Stonecrete can be enhanced further by exposing the aggregate, which allows for decorative finishes that are both rough and tough. This process, known as exposed aggregate plaster, is applied in a similar way to standard concrete but has the ability to be tailored to the project with the use of specific colored cements, crushed marble powder and other supplementary ingredients.
By combining these elements, it is possible to achieve an aesthetic finish that matches the design and functionality of the space. For example, a stonecrete that is poured with white cement and then finished with crushed color glass will create a more modern look than traditional exposed aggregate.
A textured surface is also easy to clean and hygienic, making it perfect for areas such as restrooms and kitchen floors. This is particularly important in facilities where food is prepared and served. Seamless Stoncrete EFX, seen here in a clean slate with stone aggregate, is ideal for this type of environment.
Choosing the right material for your project is crucial. Work closely with your fabricator and supplier throughout the design process to gain a better understanding of the properties of the different types of natural stone available. This will allow you to narrow down your options and select the most appropriate stone for your needs.
Eco-Friendliness
In this era of increased environmental awareness, there is a renewed focus on sustainability in all aspects of design and construction. Many designers choose stone to assist with these goals, as it is an eco friendly alternative to many other materials.
Natural stone is a sustainable product that comes directly from the Earth, making it the original green building material. It contains no harmful chemicals and is available locally for reduced environmental impact. It is also long-lasting, reducing the need for replacement.
Traditional concrete, on the other hand, has a significant ecological footprint. The cement-making process is energy intensive and emits large amounts of CO2 — nearly a ton per ton of concrete produced. However, innovative solutions are surfacing that reduce this carbon footprint. For example, using fly ash and slag, industrial byproducts that would otherwise be sent to landfills, as substitutes for part of the cement in concrete reduces CO2 emissions significantly.
Reusing crushed aggregates in place of new materials also cuts back on CO2 emissions. For example, reclaimed crushed concrete and stone are reused as an alternative to traditional aggregates in a process called “GreenCrete.” This helps save on the cost of transporting new materials and also reduces waste disposal charges.
Additionally, post-consumer glass is an excellent alternative to traditional aggregate. It has the strength to replace up to 20% of traditional aggregate and is a great way to divert waste from landfills. It is an ideal alternative to traditional concrete because it has a lower environmental impact and can provide a stronger, more durable product.
Stack-A-Stone is dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment. We are always striving to make improvements, and are committed to reducing waste and reusing materials whenever possible. To achieve this, we make it a priority to accurately measure jobs prior to shipment in order to decrease our material waste. In addition, we use a special form of concrete that is less energy consuming than traditional concrete and is less prone to delamination and cracking.
Low Maintenance
When homeowners look for a hardscape material that balances beauty with functionality, they want something that is durable and easy to maintain. While natural stone like granite is very popular, it requires a lot of upkeep to keep it looking new. It is highly porous, prone to acid damage and staining and can be susceptible to bacteria growth.
Concrete is a more affordable option that can still provide the durability of stone without the upkeep costs. Stonecrete can be installed quickly and offers the same beauty as natural stone but with a lower price tag.
Stonecrete is made from a mix of cement, coarse aggregate (usually crushed stone), fine marble powder and hardener. It can be finished in a washed or exposed finish and has many possibilities for customization. For example, it can be tinted to achieve a specific color or a more natural texture. It can also be used to make existing concrete surfaces such as walkways, patios or driveways look better.
Another benefit of Stonecrete is that it doesn’t require any special coatings to protect it from the elements. A regular coat of paint will provide the same protection as it would if it were made from natural stone.
If you want to keep your countertops looking their best, polishing them regularly is a great way to do so. We recommend a non-toxic, biodegradable, neutral, food safe cleaner that can be sprayed on the surface before polishing. This will help create the proper chemical balance and ensure a smooth, even polish.
Hypoallergenic
Concrete is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a perfect option for spaces where people gather. It also helps protect the surface from moisture and harsh chemicals.
Stonecrete can be used for a variety of walls, both interior and exterior. It is easy to clean and durable. It can be stained or antiqued to create a custom look.
Unlike veneers, Stonecrete architectural-wall systems are cast-in-place and provide the beauty of natural stone with the strength of concrete. The result is a cost-effective solution for projects such as foundations, retaining walls and highway sound barriers. The system is also quick to install, so it can save you time and money on the job site.