Concrete Curbs and Gutters in Smithville and the North KC Metro

Curb profile selection

Barrier curbs are vertical-face and do not allow vehicles to easily mount them — used where vehicle containment is important. Mountable curbs have a sloped face for vehicle access across them. Roll curbs are low-profile and used at low-traffic areas and drives.

Gutter cross-section and flow capacity

The gutter section needs to be sized for the drainage area it serves. An undersized gutter cross-section overtops in significant rain events and the water finds another path.

Expansion joints in long runs

Curb runs need expansion joints every 20-30 feet to allow thermal movement without cracking. Missing expansion joints in long curb runs result in regular cracking at the weakest points.

Integration with inlet and drain locations

Curb and gutter drainage systems need to slope consistently toward inlets and catch basins. The curb layout and gutter slopes are planned to move water to the intended drainage points.

Concrete mix for freeze-thaw and deicer exposure

Curbs at commercial properties face heavy deicer exposure in KC winters. Properly air-entrained concrete at 4,000-4,500 PSI handles this substantially better than under-spec concrete.