10 Technical Advantages of Using Granite Curbing for ...
Sep. 30, 2024
10 Technical Advantages of Using Granite Curbing for ...
Functional elements are often the most important factors to consider when selecting curbing for commercial, residential and public properties. While the visual appeal of granite curbing speaks for itself, this versatile option offers a range of technical benefits for property owners to consider when planning their next project.
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Granite curbing can be used for the following projects:
- State highways (Department of Transportation projects)
- Municipalities for roadway/sidewalk improvements
- Colleges/schools/universities
- Residential developments
- Commercial development
From durability and value to function and sustainability, the advantages of granite curbing from Swenson Granite Works exceeds alternative options.
1. LIFELONG DURABILITY
Durability is critical for roadside curbingespecially in harsh climates with varying weather conditions and ice-melting chemicals.
Granite is naturally durable and holds up to the freeze-thaw cycle of New England weather, explains Leslie Shea, Manager of Granite Curbing Sales at Swenson Granite Works.
Concrete curbing is an inferior option that cannot compete with granites durability. According to American Granite Curb Producers, the lifespan of concrete curbing is only 20 years at best, assuming it is regularly maintained. In climates with severe winters, this lifespan will be much shorter.
The lifespan of granite is indefinite, Shea says, making it an excellent choice for specifiers and contractors.
2. Cost Savings
Some contractors choose cast concrete based on the assumption that it is less costly than granite. However, when the long-term costs of concrete maintenance, repairs and disposal are considered, this is far from correct.
According to the LifeCycle Cost Comparison by AGCP, the only advantage of precast concrete curb is its lower upfront cost. When upkeep, disposal fees, and the inevitable replacement costs of concrete curb are taken into consideration, granite is by far a more economical alternative.
As an added bonus, granite is routinely removed and reset during road construction projects.
Granite curb is the cost-effective option for roadside borders and commercial development.
3. Virtually Maintenance-Free
Upkeep is important to consider before installing curbing, as routine maintenance can become costly and time-consuming. Concrete curbing materials can require everything from regular sealant applications to frequent repairs. Granite provides a virtually maintenance-free option.
Choosing granite will eliminate the costs of preventative upkeep, repairs, and replacements. After installation, customers can rest assured knowing that future curb maintenance will require littleif anytime and money.
Vertical granite curbing gives this parking lot a clean, finished look.
4. Sustainability
Granite curbing also provides a sustainable alternative to other curbing options. A product that is green, easy on Mother Nature, and has a positive environmental impact, as compared to concrete and asphalt, says Shea.
The Guardian calls concrete the most destructive material on earth, explaining that the cement industry emits up to 2.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. When concrete reaches the end of its lifecycle, it usually goes to a landfill, which has a further negative impact on the environment.
Granite offers a greener alternative that can be reset or repurposed in the future.
Twenty years from now, (granite curbing) can simply be reused should there be a need to widen a roadway or change the configuration, says Doug Carr, Vice President of Tri State Curb and customer of Swenson Granite Works.
5. Adds Value to Properties
High-quality granite curbing is an investment that can add both value and visual appeal to any applicable use. On the other hand, cracked and damaged curbs (concrete and asphalt) can lower the value of an otherwise desirable property.
Granite curbing creates a premium look and feel that can significantly benefit the resale of commercial property. While other materials will erode over time, granite curbing will remain intact and maintain its value for a lifetime.
Sloped granite curbing creates a seamless transition from asphalt to planter bed in this parking area.
6. Withstands Extreme Conditions
Even more so than other hardscape features, curbing is likely to be exposed to abrasive conditions.
Asphalt milling, the process of removing and reconstructing the surface of a paved road, often leaves curbs susceptible to damage from heavy machinery. Fortunately, due to its resilient structural properties, granite curb can be left safely in place without damage during road milling procedures.
Weather-related maintenance can also pose a risk to concrete curbing. Road salt will erode concrete, causing it to crack and crumble. Over time, the frequent use of plows will break down concrete curb.
Granite has the highest density and strength of any curbing material and will easily withstand erosion in even the harshest conditions.
7. Prolongs the Life of Asphalt
Curbing keeps pavement intact by protecting the edges from cracking due to freezing and thawing, heavy moisture, and impact from motor vehicles and snow plows.
Because the granite is more durable and will last longer than concrete, it holds the asphalt in place, says Shea. When concrete deteriorates, then the same is going to happen to the asphalt, as there is no longer a protective barrier.
Using granite curbing will save the cost and hassle of repairing or replacing damaged pavement.
Durable granite prolongs the life of asphalt by holding it in place, preventing the need for frequent maintenance.
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8. Simplifies Lawn Care
Granite curbing can help property owners protect their well-landscaped areas from the adverse effects of vehicles and snow plows. Over time, grass and weeds can travel from the lawn and spring up through cracks in the asphalt, which can lead to further pavement damage. Granite curbing can act as a root barrier, separating landscaping from the paved area.
During heavy precipitation, granite curbing can also prevent landscape material from washing away.
Sloped granite curbing functions as a root barrier.
9. Creates a Visual and Structural Landscape Barrier
Granite curbing accentuates the elements of commercial, residential and public properties. Not only can it be used to line a parking lot or roadway, but for a cohesive appearance, it can border landscape features, such as garden beds or walkways.
Lining a planter bed with curbing creates a barrier that will protect flowers, shrubs, and other softscape elements from vehicles and can help deter people from walking through flower beds.
Within Swenson Granite Works exists the capabilities and flexibility needed to create cut-to-order planters and other custom curbing.
Vertical light gray granite curbing used as planter
10. Readily Available and Customizable
Swenson manufactures a large inventory of light gray granite curbing and stocks all the common sizes. With 100% natural stone sourced from Swensons own quarries, they are able to provide granite for any project size.
We produce year-round, so we have a high volume of material in stock for the common granite curbing sizes says Shea.
Swenson also custom fabricates granite products to accommodate specialty hardscape and masonry projects. Visit your local Swenson Granite Works retail location to learn more.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Granite?
Granite countertops have had a long mainstay in the world of office and home furniture. It has almost become second nature for home and business owners to default to Granite at this point for all their countertop needs. You see it in homes all the time, in hospitals, offices, and even on TV cooking shows, the advantages of granite make it a versatile and widely appreciated material.
This naturally begs the question, why? You might be thinking to yourself, Well, hold on! I know this granite stuff is popular but come to think of it, I do not know why! This use also urges the question, is it as good as everyone says it is? Or are we just operating on pure hearsay?
Building upon all these questions, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to take a deep dive into the many significant advantages. On the other end, the unknown disadvantages of the granite stone we use to make those fantastic-looking countertops.
You might be amazed at what you did not know about this stone!
Advantages of Granite Countertops
There is a direct correlation between Granites high usage worldwide and its many significant advantages.
Uniqueness
Did you know that every piece of Granite is unique from the other? I might buy a couple of slabs of the same color and texture, sure, but the irregular veins that run through this beautiful stone are unmatched from one another. You could spend hours and hours sitting down working (or pretending to anyway!) and follow every unique pattern. Be it white granite or any other variant, what you get with every piece is different from the other.
Durability
I mean, this is probably the first thing you think of when you think of Granite, right? But did you know the specifics? See, Granite is not unbreakable, of course, but it is pretty scratch resistant. On the Mohs Hardness scale, Granite lands on a strong 7, with Diamond being a 10. So realistically, nothing is ever going to scratch your granite countertop. If you are thinking, Where can I get some right countertops near me? Well, look no further than SK Stones USA!
Stain and Heat Resistance
Heat resistance and Stainless surface are the number one reason it is used in kitchen countertops worldwide. Granite will do much, much better than most other materials when it is put up against heat. You might go through your entire life using a granite surface with heat and never notice a difference. Stains either never form, or they are easily washable if they do!
Granite Countertops Disadvantages
Now let us into the meat and potatoes of the bad points of Granite. Are they that bad? I will let you decide!
Granite Cracks
Granite can sometimes crack under pressure, both figuratively and literally! Even though it is easy to fix, getting a chip or crack anywhere on a granite surface is a huge hassle and not something you think about when buying the stone. It can get cracks from heavy objects falling onto it and chips when something collides from odd angles. The repair process can vary from easy to hard.
Granite Can Be Porous
As with anything, maintenance is the key to a long life. With Granite, this usually takes the form of having your countertops resealed on an annual basis. I recommend confirming that the surface has been appropriately sealed upon purchase, so this does not become that considerable problem later. Considering how much granite countertops cost, you should always keep a note of this.
Not Quite Seamless
Since Granite is extracted from the earth as-is, getting it to a custom fit can be pretty tricky at times. Usually, more than one slab is used for something like office countertops. This means that while it will look amazing, you might have seams in the mix, which might not be to your liking.
Those were some of the advantages and disadvantages of Granite! Want to know more? Have an in-depth look at the difference between Granite and Marble!
Granite Pro:
- Granite slabs are unique
- Very visually appealing
- They add value
- Very durable
- Heat resistant
- Stains resistant
Cons granite countertops:
- They can be porous
- They are easier to crack
- They are cold to lean on
Read More: Porcelain vs. Granite Countertops: Which are the best?
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Granite Supply. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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