Concrete Curbs

Although the basic concept of curbs can be traced back more than two millennia, they fell out of favor in Europe for many centuries. If there were sidewalks at all along city streets, they were at street level. As you can imagine, with horse-drawn carriages and wagons crowding the narrow streets, the lack of curbs posed several hazards. By the early 1800s, however, concrete curbs became ubiquitous in London, England, and the concept soon spread to other countries. Marathon Solutions Group installs curbs in parts of Oklahoma and all of greater Houston, including Kingwood, Cypress, Katy, Baytown, League City, Humble, Pearland, Conroe, and Woodlands.

What Are Concrete Curbs?

When used as a verb, the word curb means to place restrictions on, hold within limits, or lessen the intensity of someone or something. In America, when used as a noun, the word is typically used to describe the edge where a median, sidewalk, or other pavement meets a street, roadway, or unpaved area. The word concrete simply describes the material from which the curbs are constructed. Curbs are usually integrated with concrete gutters.

What Is the Purpose of Concrete Curbs?

Depending on their placement, curbs can serve a variety of purposes, and they may serve multiple purposes simultaneously.

  1. Curbs separate the road and the sidewalk or walking path. This can make pedestrians feel safer, and it can make drivers more aware that they are in an area in which pedestrians are likely to be present.
  2. Curbs lend structural support to the edges of the pavement, which can help prevent damage that could trip a pedestrian.
  3. Curbs help direct rainwater to storm drains or catch basins. This helps keep the pavement drier, but it also helps keep the water away from nearby landscapes.
  4. Curbs add aesthetic appeal, giving the street, parking lot, or driveway a nice finishing touch.
  5. Curbs assist drivers when they are parking parallel to the street, but they also help drivers judge their position within their lane of travel.
  6. Curbs can discourage or prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas or encroaching on a landscaped area.

Why Are Different Types of Concrete Curbs Available?

The height and shape of a curb reflects its purpose. For example, a tall curb with a flat vertical face will decidedly discourage people from driving over it. Conversely, if the goal is to make the curb easier for people to drive over, it will likely be short and rounded.

How Should Concrete Curbs Be Repaired and Maintained?

Curbs should be kept dry for two to three days after installation. Beyond that, there is not much to do as far as maintaining or repairing them.

  1. If the concrete develops relatively minor cracks, it may be possible to repair them.
  2. Painted curbs or stencils will need a fresh coat of paint periodically.
  3. If the roots of a tree or shrub lifts or moves the curb, the affected curb will usually need to be replaced.
  4. Severe damage that has caused a curb to break apart or develop serious cracks will also typically require a replacement.
  5. If there are nearby drains or grates, be sure to keep them unclogged so that water will not back up under the curbs.

Marathon Solutions Group can install concrete curbs in Houston, concrete sidewalks, concrete parking lots, ADA-compliant concrete, and concrete ramps, and we also offer concrete repairs. In addition, we offer parking lot maintenance, bollard installation, asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt resurfacing, parking lot signage, asphalt paving, thermoplastic markings, asphalt milling, parking lot restriping, pavement repair, concrete installation, asphalt crack repair, and marking removal. We are well-respected professionals with an exceptional reputation for quality, service, and integrity. Request a free quote by calling 800-879-1147, filling out the online form, or emailing Sales@Marathon-Solutions.com.

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