Most people don’t pay a lot of attention to concrete curbs in parking lots. However, if you’d like to prevent damage, maintain a quality appearance, and keep guests and patrons safe, they’re very important. You can think of a concrete curb as the finishing touch to your parking lot, as it helps create a polished look that your customers are sure to appreciate.
Since there are several different types of curbs, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what they are so you can choose the ideal one for your unique needs. Keep reading to learn more about parking lot curbs, their benefits, and the types available.
What are Curbs?
A curb is a raised object that attaches to the pavement in parking lots and parking garages. Also known as a concrete parking block or concrete parking bumper, it’s designed to stop vehicles from hitting various obstacles. It also serves as a physical barrier between walkways and rights of way to protect pedestrians from traffic.
Not only are concrete curbs an easy, affordable way to add curb appeal, but they can also make your parking lot safer as well. Compared to plastic and rubber parking curbs, concrete curbs are long-lasting and don’t need to be replaced for a while once they’re professionally laid.
Types of Concrete Curbing
There are several types of curbs, including extruded curbs, barrier curbs, mountable curbs, integral curbs, and curb and gutter. Figuring out the right type of curbing for your parking lot depends on many factors, such as your goals, preferences, and property specifications. Here’s an overview of each type of concrete curbing, including the ones we install at NYS Enterprises: Extruded curbs and Curb and Gutter.
Extruded Curbs
An extruded curb is an excellent way to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of your parking lot and its landscaped areas. Extruded curbs serve as protective barriers for the surrounding landscaping, keeping dirt, grass, mud, and debris from running onto the pavement in the event of rainfall. These curbs keep the quality of your asphalt in better shape and make your parking lot cleaner and more attractive. Whether you own an apartment complex or retail store, an extruded curb is an excellent investment for the following reasons:
Curb and Gutter
Curb and gutter curbing is a type of curbing widely used in cities and urban areas. It is a type of curbing that separates the sidewalk or pedestrian area from the main street and channels water, debris, and other materials away from the street to a drainage system such as a catch basin or French drains. When heavy rainfall occurs, the curb and gutter curb diverts water from the road and into the designated drainage system to prevent flooding.
Barrier Curbs
Just like their name suggests, barrier curbs are designed to create a barrier. They typically separate different parking spaces and sidewalks from roads. Also known as straight curbs, barrier curbs are the most common type of curbs and are typically made of concrete or asphalt. With barrier curbs, vehicles won’t travel into places where they shouldn’t be, such as sidewalks, medians, and other areas that are only intended for pedestrians.
Concrete Curbing Installation Methods
At NYS Enterprises, we specialize in installing and removing extruded and curb and gutter curbing. Here is a brief overview of the two different installation methods.
Extruded Curbs
Extruded curbs are made through a unique process known as “extrusion.” This method entails feeding both sand and concrete through a metal extruder, resulting in a continuous, uniform curb that can be shaped into various molds and designs. This type of curb has a much shorter laying time and quicker installation than other curbing methods.
Curb and Gutter
Installing curb and gutter curbs is a bit more time-consuming than other types of curbing. The designated area will need to be cleared and leveled in order to dig a trench for the curb. Then, steel reinforcement bars are placed in the trench to provide added stability. The concrete mix is then poured into the trench, leveled, smoothed, and shaped. One key concern is also the sloping of the curb, as it must be the right degree in order to ensure proper drainage runoff.
Benefits of Curbs for Parking Lot Owners in Seattle
Regardless of your business type, curbs are essential for your parking lot as they can help control foot and vehicle traffic. The main advantages of high-quality parking lot curbs include the following:
Enhanced Safety
As long as parking lot curbs are clearly laid out and installed properly, they can improve the safety of your parking lot. This is because it will be easier to separate traffic and vehicles and reduce the risk of fender benders and other common parking lot accidents. In addition, drivers and pedestrians will have fewer issues navigating your parking area.
Easier Maintenance
Parking lot curbs can help trap and isolate dirt and debris that has moved around due to people and weather conditions like wind and rain. Therefore, they’re easy to keep clean and maintain. With quality curbs installed, you’ll be able to keep your parking lot looking fresh and tidy with minimal hassle.
Contact NYS Enterprises for Professional Parking Lot Curbing
If you’re ready to keep your Seattle parking lot in tip-top shape with new concrete curbs, you need a team of paving professionals by your side. At NYS Enterprises, we can help you add curbs to your lot and ensure it remains in optimal shape for years. So why wait? Invest in new curbing today and see the difference they can make for your property.
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