Curb And Gutter Repair Los Angeles

There is nothing quite like the Southern California climate. We get beautiful sunshine days 80% of the year. But as any seasoned Angelino knows, those rainy days are brutal. We get all the rain for the entire year in the span of a couple of months. And if you are a business or homeowner, you know what that means for your curbs and gutters.

You see curbs and gutters all the time. They are at the very edge of your sidewalk, providing that barrier from the street to your property. Curbs direct water away from your property and the gutters take that water to the city’s drainage pipes. And when it rains hard, those curbs and gutters take a beating.

Why do I need a properly functioning curb and gutter system in Los Angeles?

The main job of the curb and gutter system is to keep water from pooling up around your property and the streets and to whisk debris out and away from the area. If you are a business or homeowner, the last thing you want is water collecting on any part of your property. Water causes all kinds of damage thanks to erosion, flooding and other types of water damage.

Curbs also reinforce the edge of the asphalt street. The edge of the asphalt is usually the most vulnerable spot. It’s the weakest part of a pavement and the weight of cars and trucks can push the asphalt toward the outlying dirt, creating cracks and crumbling the pavement over time. Once cracks form, water (the nemesis of all construction) can seep in and cause further damage. Concrete curbs reinforce the area at the edge of an asphalt street.

That’s not all they do. If you are a business owner who has people routinely parking next to your curb, you know that over time, all the small impacts cars make on your curb will cause it to crack and break. And what about those pesky trees that are tearing up your sidewalk or driveway? Once you tear out the trees, you may find damage along your curbs.

One of the biggest benefits of curbs – aside from redistributing water – is that they add supporting compression to the concrete slabs they’re connected to. They actually make the slabs stronger.

Curbs and gutters offer aesthetic value, as well. Think about your business. What kind of vibe are you giving off when you don’t have a curb and gutter system? Curbs and gutters give your property a clean, professional look.

They also add to driving safety. I know what you must be thinking, really? A curb is going to make people drive more safely around my property? However, curbs help to direct traffic. They are a visible barrier between your property and the street proper. Curbs provide better night vision of driveway boundaries, especially if you paint them a distinct color.

What kind of curbs can I install in Los Angeles?

Installing curbs and gutters requires the kind of expertise that a licensed contractor has. This is not a DIY job by any means. Before you hire your team, it’s good to know a little bit about the types of curb and gutter systems you may be able to install.

Surmountable Curbs: These sloped or rolled curbs are ideal for areas near driveways and parking lot openings. They are easier for vehicles to drive over. Also, if you are thinking of being more ADA-compliant, these curbs are also easier for pedestrians or those in wheelchairs to cross safely on or off the sidewalk.
Barrier Curbs: These durable curbs are used in most commercial projects. They are the vertical concrete barrier that keeps car and truck tires from meandering onto the curb. These curbs usually require a concrete gutter to make sure water doesn’t pool up along the roadway.
Monolithic Curbs: These curbs are designed to be flush with the road, so vehicles can drive over it. This is typically constructed with the road to offer a smoother transition compared to the other two types of curbs.

What Kind of Gutters Should I Install in Los Angeles?

What kind of gutter you install depends on where you are installing it. If you are installing a channel and trench drain to move water out and away from areas around your property, that may be different than installing a drain in your curb and sidewalk.

Let’s say, you are installing a new sidewalk and the city tells you that you have to have a drainage system in place. Chances are, they are going to insist that you install a Curb-o-let. A curb-o-let system directs water from your property to the storm drain. Their unique rectangular design means that the pipes don’t get knocked out of alignment when you are pouring your new sidewalk. Also, the rectangular design also means that there is less damage to your curb.

If you are installing a channel and trench drain, you have a couple of options. You can install the sturdier concrete trench drain or an HDPE trench drain, which is made of lightweight, but durable plastic. The concrete trench drains offer more flexibility in design, as concrete can pretty much fit any mold you build for it and they offer a more uniform slope.

When you install your gutter, you will likely want to install grates over it to avoid any damaging materials going into the gutter and causing back-ups. There are many options out there including decorative cast iron, stainless steel and plastic polymer.

Whatever type of curb and gutter system you choose to install, your best bet is to hire a licensed concrete contractor to complete the job. General contractors are just that, general in their knowledge. That’s a great thing when you’re remodeling a kitchen. However, when you are working with concrete, there is only one opportunity to get the job done correctly. That’s why you want to hire a licensed concrete contractor to do the job. They have the specialized knowledge to ensure that your project is completed quickly and with little headache.