What is Kerbing Meant to Do? 6 Things Your Contractor Does

Kerbing is an essential element of residential paving and refers to the process of installing concrete or other edging materials along the borders of driveways, gardens, and other paved areas. While its primary purpose is to create a clean, structured boundary that supports and protects paved surfaces, kerbing also adds a polished and organised look to the overall landscape.

The materials used for kerbing can vary depending on the aesthetic you wish to achieve and the functionality you require. Concrete kerbing is among the most commonly used because of its durability, ease of installation, and flexibility. It’s also relatively cost-effective and can be moulded to fit various shapes and designs. Asphalt kerbing, on the other hand, is often used for more utilitarian purposes, providing a flexible and smooth edge.

Despite the functionality of kerbing, many homeowners tend to overlook its true value, often seeing it as a mere finishing touch in outdoor spaces. To better appreciate its role, here’s some insight on what kerbing is meant to achieve and the important work a contractor like Asphalt Services Ltd. undertakes during the installation process:

What Kerbing is Meant to Do

Define Property Boundaries

As mentioned above, kerbing is used to define clear boundaries between different areas of your property. Whether you’re separating your driveway from your lawn, outlining garden beds, or demarcating pathways, kerbing helps establish visual order.

It Provides Protection

Kerbing is also instrumental in protecting the surrounding areas. For instance, when vehicles move along your driveway or foot traffic walks along a path, the edges can become easily worn down. Without kerbing, your garden beds or lawns might suffer from constant wear, leading to unsightly patches of soil or eroded grass. In addition, kerbing acts as a safeguard against soil erosion, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or frequent traffic.

It Helps Manage Drainage

Proper drainage is a major concern in New Zealand, where rain is frequent and often unpredictable. Without effective drainage solutions, water can accumulate in your driveway, pathways, or garden, causing flooding or erosion. Kerbing plays a key role in managing water flow by directing rainwater away from paved surfaces and ensuring it drains properly.

It Adds Aesthetic Appeal to an Outdoor Space

While kerbing serves several practical functions, it also greatly enhances the visual appeal of a property. It will definitely help create sharp, defined edges that highlight the beauty of your driveway, pathways, and garden beds. You can also choose kerbing and have it customised to fit your desired aesthetic in terms of colour, texture, and shape.

Things Your Contractor Does During the Kerbing Process

1. Perform Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in the kerbing process is a thorough consultation and assessment of the site. Your contractor will visit your property to assess the layout and terrain, considering factors such as the shape of your driveway, the placement of garden beds, and any potential drainage issues.

This is an important step because the contractor will need to determine the type of kerbing that will work best for your space, taking into account both your aesthetic preferences and functional needs. The consultation also allows the contractor to identify any challenges, such as uneven ground or areas with poor drainage, that may need to be addressed before installation begins.

2. Prepare the Site for Kerbing

Once the consultation is complete and the project details are finalised, the next step is to prepare the site. This involves clearing the area of debris, vegetation, and any existing structures that may interfere with the kerbing installation. The contractor will also excavate the ground to ensure it is level and stable. Proper preparation is essential because any unevenness or obstruction could result in poorly aligned or unstable kerbs.

3. Install Kerbs

With the site prepared, the contractor will proceed with the installation of the kerbs. Depending on the material you’ve chosen, they will either pour or lay down the kerbing, ensuring it follows the planned layout and is securely fixed in place. The contractor will also ensure that the kerbs are aligned properly, paying attention to any curves or angles, so that the finished product looks neat and cohesive.

4. Set Up Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is vital to prevent water from collecting and causing damage to your paved areas. The contractor will incorporate drainage solutions during the kerbing installation, such as creating slight slopes or leaving small gaps between the kerbs. These measures allow water to flow freely and be directed away from your driveway or garden. In areas with significant rainfall, the contractor may even install additional drainage systems to further manage water flow.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Once the kerbs are installed, the contractor will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the kerbs are perfectly aligned and level. They will smooth the edges, refine the joints, and fill any gaps to ensure the installation is seamless.

6. Inspect and Perform Quality Control

Finally, once the kerbing installation is complete, the contractor will perform a thorough inspection to check for any imperfections or issues. They will verify that the kerbs are securely in place, level, and properly aligned. The contractor will also ensure that the drainage is functioning as intended and that the finished product looks aesthetically pleasing. If any adjustments are needed, they will make them before signing off on the project.

Kerbing is an important aspect of residential paving, offering a range of practical and aesthetic benefits. The installation process can be complex, which is why professional contractors like the people at Asphalt Services are essential to ensure that the kerbing is durable and aligned with your design vision.

Thanks to the expertise of our contractors, you can be confident that the work will be completed to a high standard, enhancing the longevity and appearance of your paved areas for years to come. Contact Asphalt Services Ltd. today for a free site assessment.