Liquid Limestone: The Lowdown On A Wonderful Paving Option

Crushed limestone and cement are combined to form liquid limestone. A plasticiser is added to the mixture prior to pouring so that excess water is not needed.

But let’s take a moment to backtrack. Limestone has been used as a building material for thousands of years. It is primarily made up of calcium carbonate, a mineral found in marine organisms like corals and molluscs. Despite its composition, limestone can be cut and sculpted into a variety of shapes and sizes while remaining highly resilient.

While limestone pavers have their benefits and are still quite popular as a paving material for outdoor areas, by using some modern technology, it is possible to get the best of both worlds by combining limestone and cement together to produce a wonderful outdoor paving product. Let’s dig into the details.

How does Liquid Limestone work?

In fact, liquid limestone is not that much different from concrete you see on sidewalks, despite its name suggesting otherwise. However, liquid limestone still consists of the same general components – cement, aggregates, and additives – although with a slight variation. White rather than gray Portland cement is used in liquid limestone instead of regular concrete. Instead of sand or gravel, limestone is used as the aggregate. The additives are similar to those used in regular concrete but differ based on the end-use characteristics.

One of the main reasons for the switch from grey Portland cement to white cement is that the white cement produces unique, vibrant shades (ranging from sandy yellow to blueish-silver) that would otherwise be obscured by the grey Portland cement. In addition to limestone being an excellent aggregate, it also lends a wide range of handy properties to the final paving product.

What are the benefits of liquid limestone?

This material, although in essence limestone and concrete, combines the best of both worlds to create a truly remarkable paving material.

A few of its most prominent features are as follows:

Solid, durable, and resilient: 

Liquid limestone inherits the strength and weather resistance of concrete as well as the unique properties of limestone (to be discussed in more depth below) without any of the drawbacks of the latter. Pure limestone is known to be easily damaged by acids; the other components in liquid limestone, however, prevent limestone from being damaged in this way, allowing it to support the weight of a large truck without significantly deteriorating.

Maintenance is low: 

Concrete-mixed limestone has the same porous property as limestone. Because of this, if it is not sealed correctly shortly after being initially poured (about a week), it will lead to unsightly stains being formed over time due to dust and debris catching in its tiny crevices. But when it is sealed correctly after drying, it is extremely easy to clean with a quick spray down and will stay beautiful for many years.

Insulation against heat: 

Compared to other options such as exposed aggregate surfaces, liquid limestone paving remains remarkably cool to touch even during those scorching summer afternoons in Australia. This is because heat dissipates rapidly from its surface. As one of the defining characteristics of liquid limestone, this makes it highly desirable as a flooring material for patios, poolside areas, and other paved outdoor areas.

Exceptional versatility: 

We have already seen how liquid limestone is functionally and aesthetically versatile as a paving material. Despite its low cost, concrete’s durability is comparable with that of more expensive stones thanks to the combination of properties of concrete and limestone. Unlike commonly used concrete, liquid limestone has the ability to show the aggregate’s original colours rather than the dull greys of typical concrete. Rather than offering a broad variety of color options like dyed concrete does, liquid limestone provides a ‘Mediterranean’ feel that makes it stand out over other paving options. Additionally, its liquid form of installation offers designers the same etching and stenciling possibilities as standard concrete.

Great Value For Money: 

Considering how many benefits liquid limestone offers, surely there’s a catch? It turns out that liquid limestone’s wide availability and stable supply have allowed it to keep its price lower than those of more difficult to obtain stones such as granite or slate. Adding to the versatility of liquid limestone is the fact that, as a liquid, you can create a “broken” look with some ease and at very little cost through custom moulds and stencils.

Disadvantages Of Liquid Limestone

Though liquid limestone is a remarkable material, it does have some drawbacks. Some of these include:

Not Suitable For Bold Colours

Decorative pavers do not take colour as well as paving made of other materials. If you must have a bold colour for your project, you might consider alternative types of materials.

Manage Mould And Algae

In spite of its thermal properties, liquid limestone can trap mould and algae. This can cause problems for outdoor walkways, pools and alfresco terraces. It tends to occur in areas that are very shaded. The best way to prevent unwanted bits from accumulating is to thoroughly clean frequently.

Higher Cost

Liquid limestone may come at a higher price. Many people feel that the slight price increase is justified by the many useful properties it brings to a paving project.

Liquid Limestone Surface Cleaning

Liquid limestone surfaces require little maintenance when properly sealed. As often as you think is necessary (at least twice a year), use a pressure washer.

Surfaces will be stain-free and beautiful if this is done. You can sprinkle pool chlorine on your new driveway first and scrub with it first before you pressure wash it to combat mould and algae growth. 

To ensure a successful pressure washer use, make sure to:

• Keep your eyes safe by wearing goggles
• Be careful not to overuse your pressure washer. If you use too much direct pressure on the surface, you may notice slight breaks in the sealant over time, which could let the elements damage your limestone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liquid Limestone

Conclusion

There are a ton of different paving choices out there. From asphalt to concrete, cobblestone, artificial stone, tiles, brick, even wood in some cases, there is a lot to choose from. So the question is, why liquid limestone? 

Because of its great properties, liquid limestone paving has emerged as a great option for all types of outdoor areas that require paving.

One of the reasons why property owners love using limestone paving is because this type of material can withstand high foot traffic. At the same time, you can choose between the many varieties of limestone that are currently available and that can help make your property more special.