No matter if you own a home or business, concrete curbs are probably not one of those things that cross your mind often. Curbs are just..that bump on the side of the road, right?
Well, not exactly.
It’s easy to take them for granted, but you might just want to give curbs a second thought. That’s because – believe it or not – they actually serve a pretty important purpose. They protect your property from erosion and water damage by effectively guiding rainwater and runoff to the proper areas, namely, towards the drain. And they can also serve to protect you and your property from unruly drivers, keeping motorists where they belong. Finally, curbs can be a design element that add value to your home. Have you ever heard the term “curb appeal”?
Many people don’t know that there are actually a few different types of curbs out there. When considering which type of curb you should install, you’ll first want to think about what you want your curb to achieve.
Mountable Curbs
Mountable curbs are designed with vehicles and people with disabilities in mind. With a mountable curb you can have the best of both worlds, giving you a gutter formed by the curb, while also allowing vehicles to pass. They are also great for neighborhoods which are still being developed. In this case, the street and sidewalk can be completed even though the location of future driveways is unknown.
Barrier Curbs
This type of curb is probably the most commonly seen. They form a right angle with the street, lot, or path. Just like the name implies, this type of curb forms a barrier that protects pedestrians and property from rouge drivers. They prevent drivers from accidentally driving up onto the sidewalk, or into landscaping features. Barrier curbs for a clear boundary for drivers and pedestrians alike!
Decorative Curbs
While curbs have their purposes like directing traffic or the flow of water, they can also be decorative, adding form to your space. Decorative curbs marry the worlds of form and function. They can come in many different colors or shapes. They might be used to partition off a garden or lawn.
Decorative curbs are much superior to other types of edging used in landscaping projects. They look more professional and they are so much more durable. Railroad ties rot and disintegrate, metal can rust and become dislodged, and plastic just looks cheap.
Don’t underestimate the value that decorative curbs can add to your landscaping project!
Gutters
For basically any curb installation, gutters are going to be necessary. The curb is going to help to increase the longevity of your concrete or asphalt surface by redirecting water away from your property into a drain. As we’ve mentioned before, standing water is the enemy of concrete and asphalt as it promotes damage and decay.
Curbing Professionals in Marysville Washington
As you can see, there are some considerations to be made when it comes to installing concrete curbs! If you are looking to direct traffic and pedestrians on your property, or spruce up your landscaping and increase curb appeal, or looking for drainage solutions, call a professional at Pacific Concrete Patio and Driveway to discuss how a curb can bring additional function and form to your property.