Caring For Your New Curbing

Keep children and pets away from your new borders for at least 24 hours. Although the concrete may feel hard to the touch by then, it is still developing strength. Allow approximately 28 days for strength development, depending on weather conditions. Cooler temperatures can slow this process, and concrete can continue gaining strength beyond 28 days.

If it rains within 4 to 8 hours after completion of your installation, you may want to cover your curbing/borders with plastic, such as a painter’s drop cloth. Make sure sprinkler systems do not come on for 24 hours after installation. Irrigation, backwash from pools, and heavy rain could damage the border during the first 24 hours.

It is not necessary to spray your curbing/borders with water because of the chemical additives we use in our concrete mixes. One of these additives slows evaporation, helping the concrete retain moisture as it develops strength.

You may water your lawn 24 hours after completion of your curbing installation. The first time you turn your sprinklers on, observe the water hitting the curb to ensure it is not damaging the surface.

Careful landscaping work around the curbing may begin after 24 hours. This includes laying sod, sprinkler work, and adding topsoil, mulch, or flowers to your beds.

Use caution, as shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows can damage your new curbing. If you have a landscape contractor working for you, make sure they understand the need to protect it.

If you are using wheelbarrows to move dirt, rock, or mulch over your curbing, build a mound of dirt over it measuring 6 inches deep by 12 inches wide, or build a ramp over the border to keep the weight from damaging it. Never allow a lawn tractor, maintenance tractor, or truck to run over the border.

Your curbing may look splotchy for a few days while it is curing. This is normal and should not be confused with efflorescence. Concrete is darker when first installed and will lighten as it dries. Allow approximately 28 days before evaluating the overall color.

Efflorescence is a white, chalklike substance that can occasionally appear on concrete and is more noticeable on colored curbing. We experience little to none of this because we address it with chemical additives in our mixes.

A solution of equal parts vinegar and water with light brushing can remove efflorescence. More than one application may be needed before it goes away.

If your curbing becomes damaged, we can return to make necessary repairs. Repairs for damage not covered by your warranty have a $450.00 minimum charge. An exact estimate will be prepared after we evaluate the damage. Qualifying warranty repairs are completed at no charge.

Repairs to colored concrete are difficult, and a perfect color match is almost impossible to achieve. If the damaged area is minor, leaving it alone may be preferable because a repair can be more noticeable than the original damage. A hairline crack is often less noticeable than a patch or discoloration.

When curbing is installed alongside existing grass, a small amount of concrete may remain on the ground between the grass and the curb. Wet concrete is difficult to remove. After at least 24 hours, these pieces can be picked up and discarded.

A return trip for this cleanup is not included in the installation price. We ask that you take a few minutes to remove any excess concrete so your grass can grow back against the curb.

Your landscape curbing has a one year warranty against defects in workmanship. It will be replaced at no charge if the defect is caused by the materials used or improper installation by our crew.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by tree roots, ground movement, or soil settlement. Borders installed against walkways or driveways are not covered due to the inherent movement of those surfaces.

Your colored curbing will be sealed with a high gloss sealer to enhance its colors. The sealer also contains UV inhibitors to help protect against fading.

Repeat this process at least every other year. We recommend resealing once a year in the spring to help your curbing maintain its appearance throughout the season and for years to come.