If you own or manage commercial property in LA, you already know that parking lots are NOT simple open slabs of concrete. Properly designed curbs and islands in parking lots are key to safety, traffic management, drainage and longevity. Selecting the right construction contractor for your parking lot curbs and islands will not only save a great deal of cash, but it can also help prevent liability issues and ensure that your property remains up to code.
In a city as car-centric as Los Angeles, parking lots can take quite a pounding. Concrete surfaces take much of the abuse from high traffic volumes, delivery trucks, heat, and occasional heavy rains. When you’re thinking about your parking lot, both curbs and islands are more than mere decoration; they are functional infrastructure.
Concrete parking lot curbs and islands:
Assist with motor vehicle flow and decrease traffic accidents
Protect landscaping, signage, and pedestrians
Control stormwater runoff and drainage
Define ADA-compliant parking areas
Enhance the aesthetic of your property
For retail centers, apartments, medical offices, and industrial sites, these are key to keeping traffic managed and safe.
Professional parking lot curbs and islands construction companies will suggest different styles of curb based on how your lot will be used.
Barrier curbs clearly distinguish between travel lanes, sidewalks, buildings and landscaped islands in commercial parking lots. Barrier curbs are often used in storefront and pedestrian areas to enhance safety, particularly in cities like Los Angeles.
The face of these curbs has a slope on it which better enables vehicles to pull up onto and over the curb, if required. They can be used in delivery areas, fire lanes and anywhere where intermittent access is necessary.
Parking lot islands are small raised sections of concrete with things like trees, shrubs and lighting or signs. Aesthetics aside, islands help slow traffic and direct drivers through busy lots. This is an especially important consideration for those near schools, grocery stores and health care facilities.
Curb and gutter systems aid in controlling runoff rain water, by guiding water to a storm drain, rather than letting it pool up. Even in Southern California’s arid climate, drainage is essential when rainfall from a heavy winter storm arrives.
Hiring a licensed concrete/asphalt contractor will save you time and money when constructing your parking lot curbs and islands. Any reputable contractor will assess your needs and your lot before making any suggestions.
Contractors begin by studying site plans, traffic flow and city regulations. In Los Angeles, these curbs must meet zoning rules, fire access regulations and A.D.A. requirements.
The subbase is excavated and compacted to develop a solid foundation. You must have a solid base to keep the concrete work from cracking and moving. This is crucial with the soil conditions in Los Angeles, where erosion can be a problem.
They can be hand-formed for tighter areas or slip-formed by machines for longer, straight runs. Parking lot islands typically need custom forming to set up for landscaping and signage.
Steel rebar or dowels are placed in to reinforce the concrete. The mix of concrete is designed according to load and weather conditions in Los Angeles.
The concrete is poured and finished for strength and looks. Correct curing also is necessary to enable the concrete to reach its potential long-term strength. Correct curing can keep concrete from developing large cracks.
ADA compliance accessibility issues plague Los Angeles property owners. Curbs and islands in parking lots must be provided with:
Accessible curb ramps
Proper slopes and landings
Clearly marked accessible routes
Flat, compliant curbs between parking bays and sidewalks
A skilled parking lot curbs and islands construction contractor will be familiar with federal ADA laws and the applicable standards of enforcement used by inspectors in Los Angeles.
Concrete is still the number one choice for Los Angeles commercial parking lot curbs and islands. It provides:
Long life expectancy (usually 30+ years)
Extreme heat and UV Resistant
Lower maintenance compared to asphalt
Clean, professional appearance
Strong load-bearing capacity
Although asphalt curbs have a lower upfront cost, concrete tends to provide better value over time, particularly for commercial properties with heavy traffic.
Not all contractors are created equally. When hunting for a licensed concrete contractor, you want to find one with:
Experience with commercial parking lots
Familiarity with Los Angeles permitting and inspections
Knowledge of ADA and local code specs
Clear project timelines and communication
Ability to work with landscapers, striping crews and inspectors
A reputable contractor also will assist you in planning construction phases to avoid excessive inconvenience for tenants, customers or residents.
Simple maintenance can add years to the lifespan of your parking lot curbs and islands:
Repair cracks before water intrudes and causes further damage.
Keep drainage paths clear
Avoid repeated heavy vehicle impacts
Reseal any neighboring concrete surfaces, as necessary
Routine inspections are especially important after heavy rain or seismic activity common in Southern California.
No longer are parking lot curbing and islands just boundaries. They are critical components of safe, useable and code-compliant commercial properties in Los Angeles.
Hiring a licensed concrete contractor who specializes in parking lot curbs and islands is key. They understand the ins and outs of local regulations, soil conditions, drainage options and more for long-lasting functionality that raises property value.