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Types of Commercial Concrete Curbs

There are three main types of commercial concrete curbs: barrier curbs, decorative curbs, and mountable curbs. These curbs all serve very different purposes, so it is important to know the differences if you need curbs for your business. Creating beautiful and properly shaped curbs isn’t easy, so it’s best to go with a concrete company that has plenty of experience with making curbs. Read on to learn more about the different types of commercial concrete curbs.

Barrier Curbs

Barrier curbs are intended to keep people and vehicles out of a certain area. They are intended to be entirely functional, not decorative. Barrier curbs are often found at the edges of streets, where they keep vehicles from straying onto the sidewalk. They are also used to surround parking lots for the same purpose. In addition to providing a barrier to people and vehicles, these curbs also keep water from flowing out of a street. Instead, the water is directed into a drain.

Sometimes barrier curbs are placed between parking spaces in a lot. This can make it easier for drivers to park their vehicles. It also prevents one vehicle from parking across two spaces, which is important if your lot is often very full.

Decorative Curbs

Decorative curbs are intended to be beautiful, though they do serve a purpose. This type of curb is also known as a mower curb. This is because these curbs are often used to prevent lawnmowers from cutting down fragile plants like flowers and ornamentals. Not only will decorative curbs prevent lawnmowers from damaging fragile plants, but these curbs will also keep pedestrians from wandering into flower beds and the like. If you have a sidewalk that cuts through your business’s landscaping, you should have decorative curbs installed along both sides.

Decorative curbs are often colored and stamped with a design. These curbs can also have unique shapes. Decorative curbs are a great way to increase the beauty of your business’s grounds while also protecting the landscaping. If you are planning to get decorative curbs for your business, make sure to look at pictures of decorative curbs so that you can get a good idea of what is possible.

Mountable Curbs

Mountable curbs are designed to let people or vehicles pass over them. These curbs can be found at the edges of sidewalks where they cross a street. In this situation, mountable curbs are intended to let people pushing strollers or walkers easily transition from the sidewalk to the asphalt when crossing a street. Mountable curbs also give people in wheelchairs easy access to the street. In fact, mountable curbs are required by many jurisdictions to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

Mountable curbs can also be found at the entrances of parking lots. They divide the parking lot from the street while still letting vehicles pass over them without a jolt. This is why mountable curbs slope downwards instead of upwards like other types of curbs.

Finding the Right Concrete Company

It can be tricky to create concrete curbs that not only look good but also work properly. If you need curbs for your business, find a concrete company that has extensive experience creating curbs. Make sure to take a look at examples of their past work so you can ensure that they are capable of creating high-quality commercial concrete curbs. It’s also a good idea to get an estimate so you have a good idea of how much the work will cost.

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Advantages of a Concrete Driveway

There are many types of driveways, from gravel to cobblestone and even asphalt. However, concrete driveways are the most popular, and for good reason. Concrete driveways offer numerous benefits that other types of driveways can’t match. They are low maintenance, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to customize. As long as you have a reputable concrete company do your driveway, you will be happy with the results. Read on to learn more about the advantages of concrete driveways.

Concrete Driveways are Low Maintenance

One of the biggest benefits of concrete driveways is that they require little maintenance. A driveway that has been properly poured and sealed will last for years with almost no maintenance. The only concrete maintenance that you will have to do is to wash it off on occasion.

In contrast, other types of driveways require far more maintenance. Gravel driveways, for example, require maintenance much more frequently than concrete driveways. While gravel driveways may be cheaper than concrete driveways initially, you should keep in mind that the long-term costs of a gravel driveway may be higher because of the higher maintenance costs.

Concrete Driveways are Durable

Concrete driveways are also very durable. While driveways made from other materials, such as cobblestones or pavers, may look good they are not durable. This means you will end up spending a lot of time and money having them repaired.

Concrete, on the other hand, can stand up to years of heavy use. It can also handle the elements, even if you live in an area with frequent inclement weather.

Driveways Made From Concrete Look Great

In addition to being durable and requiring little maintenance, concrete driveways also look great. Asphalt and gravel driveways may have their advantages, but they will be an eyesore on your property. A driveway made of concrete will enhance the look of your home, especially if you have it colored or stamped with a design.

Concrete driveways offer beauty at a much more affordable price than other aesthetically pleasing materials like cobblestones or pavers. Not only is concrete more affordable up-front, it is more affordable in the long term because it required less maintenance.

It’s Easy to Customize a Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways are also easy to customize. As previously mentioned, concrete can be colored in almost any hue you can imagine. It can also be stamped with various designs. Also, concrete can be poured into almost any shape. You can make your concrete driveway as long and wide as you want. It is also easy to create a winding concrete driveway that leads to the other side of your property.

Finding the Right Concrete Company

If you are planning on having a concrete driveway poured, you should take your time to find the right company among the concrete companies in your area. It may be tempting to simply go with the cheapest company, but this is not a good idea. Such companies often use low-quality materials and inexperienced workers. You may have to have your driveway re-done, which would be expensive.

Instead, you should find a concrete company that has many years of experience. Make sure that the company you are experiencing has successfully poured many residential driveways. Take a look at the pictures of concrete driveways that the company has posted on their website. This will give you a good idea of what they are capable of. Also, make sure to find a company that is willing to give you an estimate before starting work.

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3 Reasons Most DIY Concrete Patios Fail

Tips from a Concrete Company to Set Your Patio Up for Success!

Concrete patios are becoming more of a trend and it’s not difficult to see why – they’re sturdy, they’re long-lasting, and they look amazing! But to have a concrete patio that’s sure to be the talk of the neighborhood, you’ll have to keep three important factors in mind.

If a concrete patio isn’t set correctly, it could cause dilapidations over time, which could potentially be dangerous. Make sure your patio is safe – don’t take shortcuts and refer to our additional concrete tips and tricks for more assistance.

From our concrete company to your home, follow along to create a concrete patio that avoids these common mistakes!

“Make sure your patio is safe”

Reason #1: No Concrete Form Is Built

In order to make sure your patio is stable and won’t crack/crumble over time, it is integral to have a concrete form. A concrete form works to keep your concrete mixture in place while it dries. When you originally mix your concrete, it will be more of a liquid (similar to a peanut butter texture) that can ooze and spill easily.

That’s why a form is so important, in order to keep your concrete in place while it hardens. Once it is set, it will become stiff, and you will be able to remove the concrete form as you wish. Be sure to allow 24-48 hours for your concrete to dry, depending on the type of mixture you used. You should be able to find this information in the directions located on the container.

“A concrete form works to keep your concrete mixture in place while it dries.”

Reason #2: Concrete Form or Template Isn’t Level

Because you’re going through the process of creating your gorgeous new patio, of course you want it to look its best! That’s why it’s so important to make sure before pouring your concrete that the form or template you’re using is level. If not, it could lead to bubbles, cracks, and splits within your new patio – which, surely, isn’t the look you’re going for.

This can sometimes be tricky to determine when working on uneven terrain, so it may be helpful for you to purchase a leveler, just to be completely sure that your form or template is level. This will ensure that your new concrete patio is smooth and seamless!

“Make sure before pouring your concrete that the form or template you’re using is level.”

Reason #3: Measurements are Rushed

As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to take your time when pouring concrete. As a concrete company ourselves, we wholeheartedly understand the intricacies that come with this process. Measurements are one of the very first things you should do before even thinking about leveling, mixing, or pouring your concrete.

If your measurements are rushed, there’s a higher chance they won’t be exact – which could lead to uneven forms, crooked templates, and an overall unideal outcome of your concrete patio. One of the biggest pieces of advice we can give you is to take your time to make sure the measurements are exact – from there, everything else should go smoothly!

“It is extremely important to take your time when pouring concrete.”

Contact us for more assistance

As your trusted concrete company, we are here to help you with whatever project you may be working on. For more tips, tricks, and advice, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team members!

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What is Pervious Concrete?

Pervious concrete is just as the name implies – it’s a pavement application that allows stormwater through it so that it can seep into the ground. It’s made in a similar fashion to standard concrete, but without sand or water. Excluding sand and water in the mixture creates voids in the material that allows water to pass through. These voids typically account for 15-25% of the area once it’s hardened.

Although pervious concrete has been around for centuries, it’s only gained popularity in the United States in the last 50 years. It actually gained popularity in Europe after World War II due to a shortage of cement.

 

What are the benefits of pervious concrete?

There are a lot of benefits to using pervious concrete, namely reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that makes its way into the sewers. While this may sound harmless, runoff water picks up a good deal of surface pollutants along the way before it reaches the sewer.

Because pervious concrete reduces the amount of pollution in the water, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) named it a Best Management Practice for Stormwater.

While the chief benefit is its pollution reduction, there’s plenty more upside to using pervious concrete. Reducing surface water means fewer puddles and – in colder climates – fewer icy spots in the cold winter months. Conversely, its light color reduces the amount of heat stored, thus maintaining a lower surface temperature than standard concrete. That means safer walkways and driveways all year.

Pervious concrete is also better for surrounding landscaping, like grass and trees. When the water seeps back into the ground, it supplies the surrounding root systems with valuable water that it would not otherwise get.

 

Where can pervious concrete be used?

Pervious concrete has been most widely used as a pavement material, so concrete contractors are increasingly using it for driveways and walkways. However, it’s worth noting that because of its porous construction, pervious concrete will potentially degrade faster in high-traffic areas.

Don’t let that be a deterrent for you, though. The benefits of using pervious concrete far outweigh the drawbacks. In fact, many cities and towns throughout the United States have begun utilizing pervious concrete for their municipally-owned areas like parks, parking lots, and public walkways.

That it reduces the amount of water and ice that can form at the surface has made pervious concrete an appealing option for roadways as well. Reducing the number of accidents caused by hydroplaning through water or losing control on ice is an immediate benefit to any public roadway.

Keep in mind that there is a bit of maintenance that comes with using pervious concrete. Regular cleaning of the area helps the concrete maintain those voids that allow water to pass through. Again, the long-term benefits of going with pervious concrete for your driveway or walkway should outweigh any drawbacks.

If you’re interested in further exploring pervious concrete, talk to your concrete contractor or concrete company about it. They can help you decide if it’s viable for your specific use case and help you weigh the benefits of pervious concrete versus other options that are available.

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How To Solve Commercial Sidewalk Violations in Colorado

Commercial sidewalks are identified by their colossal pedestrian volumes, active ground floors, street-facing entrances, spillovers of commercial activity, and loading-related activities. They are mostly found on commercial streets, which vary in size from significant streets to small alleys.

In Colorado, many regulations are governing residential sidewalks, commercial sidewalks, and main street sidewalks. It is essential to notice rules and sidewalk violations in Colorado controlling commercial sidewalks to avoid fines and penalties.

Six common sidewalk violations in Colorado

Commercial sidewalks in Denver are vital as they promote pedestrian safety and increase people and goods’ ease of mobility. Sidewalks also encourage business development and recreational activities.

A sidewalk violation is an official notice from the Department of Transport (DOT) stating that the sidewalk is defective and a fine or penalty made, and repairs done to meet the set guidelines. Once you are issued with a violation notice, you will be allotted 75 days to fix the sidewalk or pay the DOT to do it for you.

Below are some of the commercial sidewalk violations in Colorado:

1. Chipped Sides

Chipped sides are sides that have loose chips or serrated sides. They can hurt the feet of those walking on them by causing the user to fall or, in extreme cases, scrub the skin of pedestrians.

2. Cracked Slabs

With time, slabs are subjected to harsh weather, fluctuating temperatures, over-usage, or misuse. Due to inferior quality construction materials such as poorly mixed concrete, they develop lines of cracks or break down unevenly in extreme cases.

The cracked slabs threaten pedestrians as they could strike their feet and cause them to stumble or hurt their feet. In some cases, they could cause certain shoe types to stick in them and damage the shoes, which could evoke resentment from the shoe owners.

3. UNeven Tile Placement

During tile placement, some tiles could be placed at varying levels causing their edges to remain exposed. Such tile placements decrease the aesthetic value of the sidewalk. Those using such sidewalks could trip and get injured. Unevenly leveled slabs also cause poor drainage, which shortens the lifespan of sidewalks.

4. Metal Inlets and Sewer Covers Exposed

Many utility holes, underground maintenance lines, and sewer drainage lines are built into the sidewalk. Exposed covers and inlets of these lines can cause people to stumble as they walk on the sidewalk, especially when they rise. If they’re loose, their exposed side also poses a risk to sidewalk users.

5. Plant and Tree Growth

As trees mature, they develop more prominent and more complex roots, sometimes exposed to sidewalks. The roots can cause people to trip and fall. Furthermore, roots can crack slabs, cause the sidewalk to have chipped sides, or dislodge manhole covers. If the tree is growing close to tiles, it may dislodge the tiles from its base. Trees thus create additional three violations when they expose their roots.

6. Snow and Ice

Sidewalks can turn into dangerous places during winter. Snow and ice cause inaccessibility and discourage movement. Ice could cause pedestrians to slip and get hurt.

How to Bring the Sidewalk Back to Standards

With the correct knowledge and strategy, dealing with sidewalk violations in Colorado can be a piece of cake.

Follow these tips to deal with your sidewalk:

Dealing With Trees That Cause Violations

To deal with the tree roots causing problems, it may be advisable to remove the tree. Cutting down the tree is the first step and has to be followed by removing the stump connected to the roots damaging your sidewalk. To do this, you also have to get a permit from the city.

After removing the tree stump, you could replace the sidewalk or contact asphalt companies to quote the full replacement quotes. Also, remember to replace the tree as they too are essential for the environment.

Do a Complete Overhaul and Replace With Asphalt

Asphalt is a sturdy and uniform substance that is used to make roads and sidewalks. Replacing broken slabs, uneven or broken tiles, and chipped sides with asphalt has the following advantages:

  • Asphalt is continuous; hence any unevenness does not pose any risk to pedestrians
  • Asphalt is rugged and durable in all weathers, which means it rarely cracks, and even when cracks occur, they are minute and cannot harm pedestrians.
  • Asphalt is relatively cheap to purchase, use and also maintain.
  • Using asphalt is faster than using slabs and tiles.
  • Asphalt makes it easier to clear ice and snow during winter.

If you seek to use asphalt, it is recommended to seek certified asphalt companies in Denver. The company should handle the whole replacement process, from acquiring permits to restoring the environment after the overhaul.

Remove Ice and Snow from Sidewalks

The municipal authority of Colorado stipulates that the responsible party of a commercial property should remove ice and snow after 24 hours of snowfall and where snow is greater than 4 inches. Use salt or brine to eliminate the snow, or hire a snow removal company to do the job.