Deciding whether to have your commercial paving contractor create curbs, or not, for your parking lots or roadways might not seem like an important decision to make. In a lot of cases, it’s not, but there are still some things that you should consider before making that decision.

Aesthetically, curbs don’t necessarily add or detract much from a commercial property. So, in that regard, you can have your commercial paving contractor do what you like. Though curbs have never been an important aesthetic component, they are a functioning device with a myriad of uses. For concrete sidewalks, a curb can keep the sidewalk from shifting or sinking from water erosion. They effectively hold the sidewalk in place while actively diverting water away from the soil underneath. A curb is more easily able to have concrete repairs performed at a lower cost than having to repair an entire sidewalk. Talk to your commercial paving contractor and see if they think that you need curbs for your sidewalks and walkways.

A curb is also a safety device when vehicles are nearby. They can stop a slow moving car or redirect it back into the road and away from pedestrians. On the other hand, you may decide against a curb. In large parking lots in the upper Midwest, a wide open lot is more easily cleared of snow if the plows don’t need to worry about hitting a curb.

Consulting with a commercial paving contractor can clear up the pros and cons of curbs and help you make that decision. You may find that you will need them for proper drainage purposes or that you don’t need them for any reason, then it is up to you whether you install concrete curbing or not. Contact your concrete contractor to discuss what is the best option for your particular case.