Concrete has several applications, such as resurfacing driveways, constructing walls and even tiling roofs. For commercial properties, its aesthetic purposes are far more useful than one thinks. We have all heard the phrase “kerb appeal” and associate it with residential properties. This also applies to commercial businesses where the outside appeal is just as important as the business itself. At the end of the day, you want to create a visually appealing business from the entrance right through to the landscape surrounding it, thereby leaving a good impression on customers and passing trade.
What is the Purpose of a Concrete Kerb?
A concrete kerb is an integral component in the urban transport and water management setting. Serving a pivotal delineation role on roads, highways, footpaths, drainage, parking spaces and more, the need for durable concrete kerbing cannot be over-emphasised.
Strong and Durable
Commercial businesses tend to get a lot of vehicle traffic daily. Generally, vehicles should not drive over kerbs, however, mishaps happen. For this reason, the concrete that is used for laying commercial kerbing needs to be incredibly strong to withstand the stress of normal use and occasional impact. Concrete responds exceptionally well to shearing and compression and will not crumble if a vehicle mistakenly drives over the kerb. Besides strength, you need to have a product that will last and, as concrete is not subject to decomposition and rust, it is the ideal material to use for kerbing.
Various Design Options
The choice of concrete kerb can mirror the outside of a commercial property to a certain degree. It is a prominent feature and should, to an extent, be eye-catching. Due to the versatility of the design, the choice of colour, shape and finish, it can easily complement the exterior of the building. Custom design options can allow one to mimic the look of the commercial building.
Cost Efficient
Concrete is one of the cheapest, yet most highly efficient construction materials. Although the capital outlay might seem daunting, the long-term benefits will definitely be worth the cost. Installing kerbs will not only add to visual appeal, but it protects pathways and edges and even extends the life of pavements as they act as an effective barrier.
Properly cured, they only need periodic cleaning. Should the colour fade over time, it can be fixed by simply repainting.
Safe Pathways
Walkway paths need to have separation from the road surfaces and a concrete kerb provides this. They also act as a form of drainage by collecting the overflowing water from the pavement and redirecting it towards an underground drainage system, leaving a safer walkway for pedestrians. For commercial businesses, re-directing the flow of the water keeps the driveway relatively free from flooding.
Providing a Barrier of Protection on Roadways
Oddly enough, they can also be considered a safety measure. They are used to form a protective barrier on roadways preventing vehicles from travelling onto barricaded sections. On many a mountainous road, they serve as protection around sharp curves.
Considering safety, making the concrete kerbs on-site poses a risk to traffic as well as workers. To prevent this, the option of precast concrete kerbs should be considered as they are manufactured specifically for high-performance applications that require durability and structural integrity. They also allow for uniformity in design, lower costs and quick installation.
Creating a Look that Lasts Decades
By using the wet-pressed method in concrete kerb manufacturing, MVA Bricks is able to supply kerbing of superior quality and in large quantities for the commercial and industrial sectors. From entry-level to upmarket projects, we pride ourselves on our exceptional quality standards and all our products carry SABS certification.
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor ready to take on another specialised project, from bricks to sand, MVA Bricks has all you need. Contact us to learn more.
