Concrete Curbing
Fact Sheet
1. The concrete curb does not need to be sprayed with water; however, it can be if you choose, but wait at least (4) hours and then spray with a fine mist. Do not apply nozzle or thumb pressure to your water hose; it may damage the curb. Repeat the mist 2 or 3 times for the next 24 hours.
2. Keep pets, children and objects away from the curb for at least 24 hours. It will be “hard” to the touch at this point, but still needs several days to cure. It takes at least 28 days for concrete to fully cure.
3. Sod laying, sprinkler work and landscape work can be started 24 hours after installation; however, caution must be taken as shovels, picks and wheelbarrows can damage the curb for several more days while fully curing.
4. If you have a landscape contractor working for you, caution them about protecting the curb from damage. If wheelbarrows are used for hauling rock over the curb, put a mound of dirt over it (6” deep) or build a ramp over the curb to keep the weight from cracking it. Never allow a tractor or truck to run over the curbing.
5. If it begins to rain within 6 hours after we leave, try to cover the curb with plastic. Make sure sprinkler systems do not come on for at least 24 hours. Irrigation, backwash from pools, condensate lines or rain can damage the curb during the first 24 hours.
6. Efflorescence (white powdery substance) can appear on occasion. It is generated from water sprinkler systems and can appear after rain. It is from the hardness in the water and volume of water on curbing. Adjust sprinkler heads, if possible, to point away from curb to reduce the amount of water getting on the curbing. Cleaning the curb with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water with a light brushing will remove the efflorescence. It may take a few times, but will eventually go away.
7. Once in a while curbing with colour in it may look “splotchy” for a few days while it is curing. This will go away and is not the same as efflorescence.
8. If the curbing is damaged we will come back to make repairs; however, there is a $400 minimum charge for this service.
9. Cracking – concrete curbing, like any type of concrete can and will crack. We experience very little cracking in our products, this is the reason for placing stress cuts: However, if it should crack, we will replace it at no charge during the warranty period. A warning however, an important note: Repairs can be difficult to make in coloured concrete. It is impossible to get a prefect colour match. Sometimes the “cure” is worse than the “ill”. A hairline crack is much less noticeable than a patch of discolouration in the curbing.
10. There may be a small amount of concrete between the curbing and the grass. Since there is no return trip included in the price, we ask that you wait 24 hours before removing the bit of concrete. This will allow the grass to grow back against the curb. Dirt or soil may also be added along side the curbing to allow the grass to better grow.
11. Damage to sprinkler lines, telephone wires, cable TV, or other buried items by our equipment or personnel is not our responsibility.
12. A 20% down payment is required upon acceptance of project and full payment is due on completion. There is a $50 fee for NSF Cheques.
Here is some fact and care information for your new concrete curbing. Following these helpful tips will ensure that your curbing will last for many, many years.