The Process :
Step 1 - The ground is marked with spray paint or a string line. A small sod cutter is used to remove the grass around the existing beds. This will not disturb existing beds.
Step 2 - All concrete is mixed onsite, using a small mixer and trailer. There is no heavy equipment or concrete trucks on your property.
Step 3 - The concrete is fed from a wheel barrow into the small extruding machine. This creates a continuous piece of concrete curb.
Step 4 - The curb is smooth finished with a hand trowel, or textured using our special stamping tools.
Step 5 - Control/expansion joints are cut every three feet, while the concrete is still wet. The cuts are approximately 40% into the curb.
FAQ :
Q: How long are those pieces and where do I buy them?
A; "They" are not pieces or sections. The breaks you see approximately every three (3) feet are expansion/control joints. The curbing is installed on each job site.
Q: How deep do you dig and how deep is the footing?
A; We dig about 2.5" deep by 10" wide. This can be done without disturbing your existing planters. There is no footer as the curb is concrete and is its own footing.
Q; What about frost and ground movement?
A: The benefit of our concrete curbing is that it is a continuous piece of concrete. Individual blocks or bricks will shift over time and in the winter. Our curb is fiber-mesh reinforced which is designed to take the place of rebar or steel and adds strength to the curb. We place control/expansion joints every three (3) feet and are cut about 40% into the curb. This is designed to control the cracking of the curb during shifting periods and colder months. If the curb should crack, it should crack in the expansion joint and not be noticeable.
Q: Is the color painted or stained on the curb?
A: All of the colors are iron ixide pigments that are mixed into the concrete during the mixing process. The color will not flake off or disappear over time. You may experience a little fading, but this is normal in any outdoor color application. A sealer can aid in the lifetime of the color. We recommend sealing every year.
Q: What kind of base is placed under the curb?
A: We make sure the base under the curb is compacted and level. Sometimes we will put a small layer of sand under the curb to ensure the level of the curb. If the curb should settle a little the expansion joints should control the cracking.
Q: Will the curbing crack?
A: We experience very little cracking; however, concrete can crack. We take every precaution to limit the cracking and try to control it with expansion joints. If a crack occurs outside of the joint, we will repair your curbing.
