Please tell me how to build a concrete curb ON my driveway, please.?

Question

Our ongoing battle to keep water out of the basement. Well, I had some people come out and take a look while it was raining. They said the dip in our driveway that causes water to run off the sides is a BIG culprit, that fixing that would probably alleviate our basement issues. That and adding some soil where it got eroded from the runoff. They agreed with me that a curb on the driveway would help channel the water and encourage it to move down the driveway like it's supposed to.

So now that I know a curb will help, how do I build a curb on my driveway? I've searched the internet for instruction, but can't find any. I only need it to be about 4 feet long, then I'll curve it a bit and continue the curb 2 feet up the sidewalk to our house. I will finish the rest of the curbing later.

What are the steps involved in building this curb? Do I need to level out the dip first? Can I just use pavers and cement them to the driveway? Is there a special kind of concrete I need to use to ensure a good solid stick with the new concrete and the old? I suppose I'm looking for a step 1, step 2, step 3 kind of thing.

Naturally, I will be doing this alone, as my husband works and isn't really interested in do it yourself projects. I admit I don't like it either, but it has to be done, so I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and do it. I just need some guidance. :) I would really appreciate guidance in this area. My neighbors were laughing at my sandbag curb earlier. And no, the sandbags didn't work...

Answer 1

Take time to browse the links in this search -

http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&...

Those are all 'extruded curb' businesses, and you may find one near you.  At the very least, they can give you a good idea of what is possible.

If you want to build it yourself, and you want any kind of shape to the top of the curb, you may find it easier to build it in forms, and then install them on the driveway.

By the way, you didnt say if the driveway is concrete or asphalt.  An asphalt curb is an option too, especially if the driveway is asphalt.

I would at least call some contractors, and get some estimates, and talk over the project with them.  Even if you decide to do it yourself, they may give you some good ideas to work with.

Oh, one more idea.... not knowing what the situation looks like... you might consider building up the lawn, with more dirt, and add a plastic lawn edge along the driveway.  I would at least add enough soil along the foundation so that the ground slopes away from the house, that will help quite a bit.

Good Luck

Answer 2

For my drive I merely used mortar to make a ^, about 40mm high using a waterproof additive.

If that is high enough, I would lay a single layer of bricks. You will need to think carefully about the size as clipped by a tyre you could knock high narrow ones over.  

Answer 3

Well, if you truly want to do DIY, then may I suggest NOT using concrete?

I had a flooding problem and did the same thing that you want to do.  It cracked in multiple places.  

ALSO, all the companies that I talked to warned me that theirs might crack as well unless I wanted it really thick.

So, next time I had a flooding issue, I did the following (AND IT WORKED)

I got some concrete bricks, and some mortar, and some stucco, and a sponge float--and built a short wall (think of it like a curb)  then I stuccoed the outside and used the sponge float to give it a smooth texture.

it worked like a charm, and I got 36 feet completed in a weekend.

Answer 4

If you want it to look decent, hire a contractor, this is one of those projects that could turn into a nightmare really fast.  The correct way to do this would be to drill into the old concrete, and place reinforcement or anchors in the holes, and fill the curb above.  but seriously, this probably isn't something you you would want to do on your own.

Answer 5

First - layout the shape of the curb on the driveway. Drill holes in the driveway at 24" o.c. and epoxy in 3/8" dia rebar (#3's) in each hole - 2" in and 5" to 6" out.

Second - Build forms out of plywood (1/2" thick) make your curb 8" high by 6" wide - strap the two sides of the form together with 1" metal straps at each piece of rebar (every 24"). coat the inside of the plywood forms with form oil so the concrete doesn't stick.

Third - just before you are ready to pour your concrete - you need to lay down to 1/2" strings of epoxy sealant the full length of your curb form - 1" or so inside the form on both edges.

Fourth - prepare and pour your concrete in the forms - trowel the top off smooth - leave the forms in place for at least 2 days.

Fifth - put another bead of sealant on the inside and outside joint between the curb and the driveway after removing the forms.

another option would be to see if you have a concrete curb company that does "extruded curbs" in your town. The could extrude a "Type A" curb on your driveway in just a few hours - they would install it in an epoxy bed - it would be worth it to at least get a price

Best of luck

Answer 6

Try this site; www.pavingexpert.com