Recycled Glass Makes Concrete Shine

HEADNOTE

Add color and style to a variety of decorative applications.

Decorative concrete offers endless possibilities in providing unique and personalized installations for homeowners and businesses. This individuality and a wide range of color options

can be achieved through the use of recycled glass aggregate in countertops, floors, concrete furniture and more. In addition to the versatility recycled glass offers on a decorative concrete project, it can also be used to achieve points through green building programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Recycled glass aggregate isn't simply broken pieces of bottles from a recycling center. It's carefully melted down and reshaped into a material that more so resembles crushed rock. This gives the recycled glass aggregate a multitude of random surfaces for increased brilliance and reflectivity. Manufacturers of recycled glass can also apply proprietary coloring techniques, including a silver-coated glass aggregate available only through Heritage Glass.

Recycled glass comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from fine-ground sand to 1-in. size aggregate. Color intensities also vary widely, and crushed mirror pieces are available for a dramatic, reflective surface. Integrally colored concrete and acid staining further add to the color options available to a decorative concrete contractor.

Glass aggregate can be incorporated into concrete through similar methods as those used in exposed aggregate concrete. Many decorative contractors prefer to broadcast the aggregate on top of the concrete surface for a more controlled application. Using a series of diamond pads, contractors can then grind or polish the surface.

Start experimenting today with adding recycled glass aggregates to your decorative projects to achieve color, depth, durability and sustainability.

AUTHOR_AFFILIATION

- Article by Ken Thornley, Heritage Glass