Brief
Concrete contractors working on curbs and gutters should be mindful of slump requirements, speed consistency and jobsite specs before picking equipment, says Seth Ulmer from Curb Roller Manufacturing. Ulmer notes that there has been a shift toward battery-powered tools for this kind of work, but that “there is still a place for other power sources” if a project calls for it.
Insight
Traditionally, curb and gutter work has been performed with large machines or through a back-breaking manual process that requires a high degree of skill that can be difficult to find.
But what jobs are best suited for this equipment? What factors affect how it is used? And how should equipment options be considered when estimating curb and gutter work? We connected with Seth Ulmer of Curb Roller Manufacturing, to help explore some of the most common questions facing contractors when considering curb and gutter jobs.
What’s the key to a successful curb and gutter project?
Whether pouring new curb and gutter or repairing existing concrete, the key is to plan ahead. It’s important to partner with a concrete supplier who understands the scope of the project to provide the correct concrete mix at the right time.
Additionally, contractors should carefully select the proper equipment and ensure they have a crew that has the skill to operate the machinery and successfully shape and finish the concrete.
While some contractors can rely on crews with years of experience and a high skill level, less experienced operators can also perform quality work if they have equipment that is easy to learn and designed to produce consistent results that meet the requirements of the job.
Is there a water/cement ratio to aim for in curb and gutter work?
How does slump fit into the process?
Slump is a critical aspect of shaping concrete, and curb and gutter work is no exception. If the slump is not correct, the concrete won’t hold the correct shape, leading to delays and additional costs.
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