Concrete kerbs are perfect for outlining and defining your commercial landscape. This material has a natural appearance which will complement your gardens and lawns as well as driveways and parking lots. In addition, concrete is a good choice for commercial kerbs because it is quite tough and long-lasting. However, you should know that concrete kerbs are not invulnerable to damage. Some poor practices can cause this structure to deteriorate. It is important to know how to manage the damage. Here are simple tips to help you get started.

Cure the Material Correctly

Concrete kerbs can become weak due to poor curing of the formed material mixture. If your freshly moulded structures are not allowed to dry correctly, they will be more prone to cracking. Therefore, you should make sure that there is someone to monitor the kerbing during this period. You will need to keep the material moist. This will prevent structural damage due to rapid water loss. Alternatively, you can choose precast concrete blocks which are produced in factories. These do not require a lot of care after placement.

Barricade after Installation

You should protect your concrete kerbing after installation on your commercial property. Good concrete pouring and curing practices will not do much if external factors interfere with the structure. For instance, if the kerbs are not protected, some vehicles might accidentally come into contact with the material. Also, people and animals might step on the fresh material. Therefore, you should consider placing a barricade or at least, a warning tape around the kerbing until it becomes stable.

Apply a Protective Sealer

Concrete is durable, but its porosity makes it vulnerable. The material will sustain damage over time due to the absorption of excess water. Simply speaking, the constant drawing in of water into the concrete coupled with the freeze and thaw cycle can cause the formation of cracks in your kerb. Also, the material might sustain damage due to exposure to salts during snowy weather. Therefore, you should think about using a protective sealing coating. Acrylic and water-resistant sealers will minimise the penetration of moisture and damage by de-icing chemicals.

Repair Cracks in Concrete

Finally, you should commission the repair of your commercial concrete kerbs if there is significant damage. For instance, cracks can form on the kerbing over time due to impact by vehicles or poor installation. If this happens, it is advisable to clean out the cracks and patch up the cracks before their expansion. Additionally, consider hiring concrete contractors to detect underlying problems or improve your commercial kerbing. 

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