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 exceed alternative options.

1. LIFELONG DURABILITY

Durability is critical for roadside curbing, especially 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 simply cannot match granite's durability. According to the 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 is often much shorter.

“The lifespan of granite is indefinite,” Shea adds, making it an excellent choice for specifiers and contractors.

2. Cost Savings

Some contractors lean towards cast concrete, assuming it is more cost-effective than granite. However, when we analyze the long-term costs of concrete maintenance, repairs, and disposal, this assumption proves false.

The LifeCycle Cost Comparison by AGCP suggests that although precast concrete has a lower upfront cost, when we account for upkeep, disposal fees, and inevitable replacement costs, granite emerges as the more economical choice.

Additionally, granite can be routinely removed and reset during road construction, adding to its cost effectiveness.

3. Virtually Maintenance-Free

Before choosing curbing, it is essential to think about upkeep, as routine maintenance can become both costly and time-consuming. Concrete curbing may require everything from regular sealant applications to frequent repairs. In contrast, granite provides a virtually maintenance-free solution.

By opting for granite, property owners can eliminate the costs associated with preventative upkeep, repairs, and replacements. After installation, customers can relax, knowing that future curb maintenance will require little, if any, time and money.

4. Sustainability

Granite curbing provides an excellent 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 has described concrete as “the most destructive material on earth,” noting that the cement industry emits up to 2.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. When concrete reaches the end of its lifecycle, it typically heads to a landfill, which further harms the environment.

Granite serves as 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,” states 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 enhances both value and visual appeal to any applicable use. On the flip side, cracked and damaged curbs, whether concrete or asphalt, can decrease the value of an otherwise desirable property.

Granite curbing creates a premium look and feel that significantly benefits the resale of commercial properties. Unlike other materials that erode over time, granite curbing remains intact and maintains its value for a lifetime.

6. Withstands Extreme Conditions

Roadside curbing, more than other hardscape features, is exposed to abrasive conditions.

The process of asphalt milling, where the surface of a road is removed and reconstructed, often leaves curbing vulnerable to damage from heavy machinery. Fortunately, thanks to its resilient structural properties, granite curb can remain safely in place during road milling without sustaining damage.

Weather-related wear can also threaten concrete curbing. Road salt erodes concrete, causing it to crack and crumble. Over time, frequent plowing will deteriorate concrete curb.

Granite, with its superior density and strength, can easily withstand erosion, even under the harshest conditions.

7. Prolongs the Life of Asphalt

Curbing plays a vital role in keeping pavement intact by protecting edges from cracking caused by various factors like freezing, thawing, heavy moisture, and impacts from vehicles and snowplows.

“Because granite is more durable and will last longer than concrete, it holds the asphalt in place,” says Shea. “When concrete deteriorates, the asphalt will follow suit, as there is no longer a protective barrier.”

Using granite curbing can save property owners the cost and hassle of repairing or replacing damaged pavement.

Durable granite prolongs the life of asphalt by holding it in place, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

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8. Simplifies Lawn Care

Granite curbing can help property owners safeguard well-landscaped areas from the adverse effects of vehicles and snowplows. Over time, grass and weeds can emerge from the lawn and penetrate through asphalt cracks, potentially leading to further pavement damage. Granite curbing acts as a root barrier, effectively separating landscaping from the paved area.

During heavy rainfall, granite curbing can also prevent landscape material from being washed away.

9. Creates a Visual and Structural Landscape Barrier

Granite curbing enhances the aesthetic elements of commercial, residential, and public properties. It can be utilized to outline parking lots or roadways, while also creating a cohesive appearance around landscape features, such as garden beds or walkways.

By lining planter beds with curbing, a barrier is established that protects flowers, shrubs, and other softscape elements from vehicles, while also discouraging foot traffic through flower beds.

Swenson Granite Works offers the capabilities and flexibility needed to create custom-cut planters and other types of curbing.

10. Readily Available and Customizable

Swenson boasts a substantial inventory of light gray granite curbing, maintaining stock of all common sizes. With 100% natural stone sourced directly from Swenson's own quarries, they provide granite suitable for any project size.

“We produce year-round, so we have a high volume of material in stock for common granite curbing sizes,” Shea emphasizes.

Furthermore, Swenson custom fabricates granite products to accommodate specialized hardscape and masonry projects. Visit your local Swenson Granite Works retail location to learn more.