Top 5 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Concrete Curbs and Sidewalks
Are you curious about concrete curbs and sidewalks? We consulted Google and found the most asked concrete curb and sidewalk questions in Edmonton.
Concrete curbs and sidewalks are located extensively throughout Edmonton and the surrounding region. Typically the municipality builds and maintains these curbs and sidewalks using local Concrete Contractors.
Here are the most commonly asked questions about concrete curbs and sidewalks:
- Do concrete curbs need rebar?
- How soon should you remove moulds around concrete?
- What type of concrete is used for sidewalks?
- Why do sidewalks have horizontal lines?
- How to find the best sidewalk concrete contractor?
1. Do concrete curbs need rebar?
Many forms of concrete use reinforcing steel when they are load-bearing. This structural steel gives the concrete added strength that enables it to bear heavy loads. For concrete curbs reinforcing steel is not required or recommended. Curbs don’t have to endure heavy transfers of weight like a driveway. If there is a possibly heavy load transfer rebar is required.
If the curb is load-bearing, rebar reinforces the curb. Concrete contractors use special U-shaped bars to form curbs, driven a few inches into the excavated ground.
The concrete is poured fairly stiff, finished quickly with a wood float, then an edging trowel. In short, curbs do not require rebar unless the curb is load-bearing which is very rare.
2. How soon should you remove moulds around concrete?
The timing of removing the moulds around concrete is a critical step in ensuring your concrete project comes off without any problems. For each type of concrete, the time required before removing the moulds will differ. The environmental conditions will also impact the time required before removing the moulds.
The forms or “moulding” that holds the concrete in place until it dries should be left alone for at least two days to ensure that the concrete is completely dry. If the forms are removed too soon, the concrete can begin to sag, crack, or collapse. If a concrete contractor removes the form too early, the concrete could easily crack as it has not finished curing.
3. What type of concrete is used for sidewalks?
Not all types of concrete are the same. There are thousands of different types, with different uses used throughout the construction industry.
Concrete sidewalks are very common and use the most common type of concrete. Ready-mix is the concrete of choice for concrete driveways, curbs, slabs, and sidewalks.
A depth of 4 inches in thickness is typical. (This thickness is in addition to a 2-3 inch base of gravel, sand, limestone or another aggregate.) A strength of 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch) after a one-month cure is the industry minimum for concrete driveways, curbs, slabs, and sidewalks—however, 4,500 psi is the ideal.
4. Why do Sidewalks Have Horizontal Lines?
Every kid in the country has played the “do not step on a crack, or you’ll break your momma’s back” game! Why are there so many lines on a sidewalk? The answer is straightforward.
The reason for sidewalks having horizontal lines is for stress relief. Some of them are cuts in the concrete, hoping that any cracks that develop will fall within those cut lines, and some are expansion joints and usually have a felt expansion joint inserted when the sidewalk gets poured.
5. How to find the best sidewalk concrete contractor?
Finding the right contractor for your concrete job can be a hassle. These few steps will help you find the right contractor
- Search online for a contractor that does the type of work you need
- Check out their review history online
- Give them a call and set up a time to meet and get a quote
- Ask them for references, examples of their previous work, and insurance
- Get a specific timeline, price and payment schedule
If you follow these easy steps, you can find the right concrete contractor for your job!
If you are looking for more information about any concrete job, give the experts at Garden Concrete a call today!
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