Curbs and sidewalks are some of the most used surfaces in any town. Cars bump them, plows scrape them, water runs along them and people walk on them every day. When they are built well nobody notices. When they are not, the cracks, trip edges and puddles show up quickly.
Curbing and walkways are part of the regular work of our masonry division. Here is what goes into doing them properly.
The base comes first
Most concrete problems start below the concrete. A curb or sidewalk needs a firm, well-compacted base set at the right grade. That base work overlaps with excavation: removing the old material, cutting to depth and preparing the subgrade so the new concrete is supported evenly.
Drainage is part of the design
Curbs do more than edge a road. They guide stormwater to inlets. Sidewalks are pitched so water runs off instead of sitting on the surface and freezing. Setting those slopes correctly is one of the most important parts of the job, and one of the hardest to fix later.
Placing and finishing
Concrete placement is a timed job. The crew has to place, consolidate and finish the concrete while it is workable, then cut or form joints so the inevitable shrinkage cracks happen in controlled places. Finishing also gives a walking surface the texture it needs to be safe when wet.
Keeping the street usable
On municipal streets, curb and sidewalk work happens around residents, businesses and traffic. Good sequencing keeps driveways and entrances usable for as much of the job as possible. Where downtime is a concern, specialty concrete mixes can help, which we explain in how specialty concrete mixes cut downtime.
Repair or replace
Not every damaged curb or sidewalk has to be torn out. For help weighing that choice, see repair or replace: deciding what to do with damaged concrete.
To talk through a curb or walkway project, request a free estimate or call (908) 276-1347.
