FAQ

Curbing holds up rather well in Idaho. To help prevent cracking we use an engineered concrete mix along with certain additives mixed with the concrete to help increase the strength. Those additives help with the strength and the workability of the product. We have found the best way to prevent cracks in the curbing is with experience. Knowing how to operate the curbing machinery and properly finishing the work is the most important when it comes to a strong product. We also add expansion joints close enough together to relieve the stress of concrete as it cures. You will find that some companies don’t put enough joints in the curbing or put them too far apart, and that will cause cracking.

Curbing can come in several styles and shapes. The most common are called “angle or slant” curbs. These curbs can usually be colored to match or contrast your house colors or landscape. Browns, golds, tans and greys are our most popular. We use “integral” colors which are mixed directly into the concrete. Curbing can also be stamped and textured to add a custom look. This process uses an integral color, and a darker color called an “antique release”. The curb is then sealed with a high gloss concrete sealer that brings out the color and gives the curbing a wet look. We offer several different stamps that can complete your project.

We have minimal impact on your existing landscape and there are no cement trucks brought in. We make everything onsite with our custom curbing equipment. The curbing machine is small and will not damage your landscape. The concrete is wheeled to the machine using a wheelbarrow with three wide tires to minimize any impact.

Absolutely. We use bed edger’s and high-powered trimmers to create a path for your new curb. Old edging can be removed or covered with rock, depending on how deep it is. We usually go on the outside of pre-existing sprinklers to prevent any damage and they will generally spray over the curb. The machine is also used to go on the outside of your rocks and plants that are already in place.

In most situations straight lines do not look as good as long flowing curves. If you have an area that you want to have a squared look with angles or corners, we can make it happen. Straight lines require perfectly level ground in order to look aesthetically pleasing. Between using string lines and additional prep we generally must charge a little more to compensate our time.

There is a one-year craftsmanship warranty. If the concrete is crumbling and falling apart due to craftsmanship, we will take care of it. This will require an onsite assessment to determine if that is the issue. If cracking occurs, and can happen from time to time, it will happen in the first two days of the concrete being installed. Most of the time this will happen in the control joints. If cracking does happen later, it is usually due to other issues like ground settlement, roots, water, and vehicles. Some situations like extreme angles or tight curves can sometimes be troublesome. In these situations, we will put the joints closer together. The most important factor to a good product is experience.

Depending on the heat & cold, types of sand, salts, calcium and other factors, curb can darken or lighten over time. Most of the time problems with the coloring don’t arise but it’s good to know ahead of time this may occur. Over time, all colors will fade due to its exposure to UV rays. This process can be slowed by using a sealer to protect the concrete, which we do on all colored curb. The whitish chalky color sometimes can occur from a few different things, minerals in hard water & salts that are found in sands, or from the soil that the curb is put on. This is called “efflorescence” and is nothing to panic about it will wash off with a good rainstorm or a garden hose most of the time. In the event it doesn’t we will create a 50/50 vinegar water solution and take care of it at no cost.

If your yard has existing grass, all the sprinklers need to be marked with flags or paint. Ground prep machines are not very friendly to your sprinkler heads, and we don’t want to cover any sprinklers with the curbing. Make sure that the sprinklers are turned off. If you have new property, the dirt work needs to be as smooth as possible.

It is best to have the curb installed after the sprinklers. Most sprinkler guys like it this way as well. That way they do not have to tunnel under curbing and risk damaging the curbing. They can then put the sprinkler heads next to the curbing in the areas they are needed. If the curbing is installed first, please ask your sprinkler company to be careful working around the curbing after it has been installed. We would also recommend your landscaper have all the topsoil in before we arrive. Skids, shovels, and rakes do not do well around curbing.