Curbing in your parking lot can play many rolls. Curbing can be used to establish the edge of the pavement so that vehicles stay on the asphalt. It is also used to direct water flow toward catch basins (storm drains). Curbing can also be used to protect islands and landscaping and to keep the landscaping from washing out in to the parking area during rains.
Granite and concrete curbs are ideal for parking lots and roadways. They are much stronger than asphalt berms, but they are also much more expensive. Wherever your budget can afford , we would recommend installing granite or concrete curbing. If the budget does not allow it to be installed in the entire area at least install concrete or granite in areas that will be hit or run over frequently by trucks, cars and snow plows.
In New England there are basically two types of asphalt curbing or berm. The traditional berm is a 6” to 8” high straight up berm which is called the loaf. It looks like a loaf of bread. If a snow plow or vehicle hits this type of berm it can become damaged very easily.It may become cracked, pieces broken off or just pushed right off the parking lot.
The cape cod asphalt berm style is becoming more popular for curbing. It has a sloped front, angling from the front base to the top of approximately 6” high back. It looks similar to a triangle. The theory behind a sloped front is when a snow plow hits the curb it will bounce over it and not just push it off the edge of the pavement.The one drawback to cape cod berm is a vehicle can hit it and drive over it a lot easier than a straight up berm. The cape cod style berm or curbing we can feel will hold up longer in the snowy New England winters. When installing an asphalt berm or curb on a new parking lot it should be installed after the binder course is installed. After the berm is installed the finish course is then paved, locking the berm into the pavement and making it harder for it to be pushed off the parking lot. If the berm is installed after the parking lot is paved it is just sitting on top of the asphalt and is easily just pushed off the pavement by vehicles.
Asphalt curbing is not like concrete or granite curbing, and it does not have a base foundation supporting it. Whether the asphalt berm is being install on a new parking lot or replacing some broken pieces, it needs to have some support behind it to help keep it in place. The area behind the berm should be back filled and compacted with dirt or stone. This will help prevent it from being pushed off the edge of the parking lot. Back filling behind concrete or granite curbing is also a very good idea. When choosing the type of curbing for your parking lot it is important to decide what type fits your budget and conditions best. It is also very important to make sure it is installed and supported properly.
New England Sealcoating can help you with your repairs and installation of all types of curbing.
Call or visit our website today to see if we can help you choose which curbing best suites your needs.
1-800-225-4015 WWW.NewEnglandSealcoating.Com
Asphalt Berm Concrete Curbing Granite Curbing
