Angelenos have the privilege of living in one of the best climates in the world.
The beautiful sunny days are interrupted by rain only a few days out of the year. But as any seasoned Angelino knows, those few days of rain can be brutal. We basically get all of our rain for the year in the span of two or three months.
This can be especially brutal for property owners. Your curb and gutters are overwhelmed during the rainy season.
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.
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.
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?
The newest and most-used gutter installed throughout the city is the 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.
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.
When you’re ready to install a curb and gutter system, your best bet is to hire a licensed concrete contractor to complete the job. They have the specialized knowledge to ensure that your project is completed quickly and with little headache.
Call us today for a free estimate.