What is Deactivated Concrete?
Deactivated Concrete is created by applying a deactivator. This deactivator prevents the surface layer of the concrete from setting, and the Deactivated Concrete slab is then washed with a high-pressure cleaner to expose the thin layer of aggregate within the concrete mix.
Why Choose Deactivated Concrete?
For your patios, pathways, or slabs, Deactivated Concrete is the ideal and high-quality component. It is often chosen for its key benefits:
- Anti-slip properties
- Ease of maintenance: little to no visible joints
- Aesthetic flexibility: the visual appeal largely depends on the type of gravel and sand used in the concrete mix
- Durability: as a solid-mass concrete, Deactivated Concrete is highly resistant to impact
What is a Concrete Deactivator?
The success of Deactivated Concrete lies in selecting the appropriate deactivating product, known as a "concrete deactivator." The technical aspect of the concrete deactivator is in its specific formula. Once the drying process is complete, the concrete rinses perfectly clean, leaving no residue on the exposed surface aggregate.
Tools Needed for Creating Deactivated Concrete
To construct a Deactivated Concrete patio, you will need the complete set of tools for framing, such as wood planks or patterning materials (stones, bricks, pavers, etc.).
Using patterning material (such as bricks or pavers) to create decorative bands is simple and decorative. These bands can serve as support points during the concrete application process. Patterning can also eliminate the need for expansion joints if placed strategically, forming blocks of no more than 25 square meters.
Necessary tools include:
- Concrete rake, shovel, trowel, float, straight edge, border tool, and string
- A sprayer with a nozzle that disperses the product into fine droplets
- High-pressure washer (minimum 100 bars)
How to Create Deactivated Concrete
First, protect the work site with caution tape to prevent any vehicles or pedestrians from entering. The patterning materials should be coated with wallpaper paste to protect them from concrete stains.
- Thoroughly saturate the surface with water before laying the concrete, ensuring that the moisture in the concrete isn't absorbed by the ground below.
- Spread the Deactivated Concrete with a concrete rake, leveling it out with a straight edge.
- Smooth the surface with a metal float until the gravel is no longer visible.
- Ensure the surface is flat and smooth, free from any visible dips or waves.
- Immediately after smoothing, apply the concrete deactivator uniformly across the entire surface to be treated. If water appears on the surface, wait briefly before proceeding.
- Rinse the Deactivated Concrete with a high-pressure washer (minimum 100 bars) after allowing the deactivator to set for several hours.
