We install the best materials and use the best tools, but even the highest grades of cement require some attention to get the best results.
Our warranty is dependent on a few factors, It is important you understand the steps to be taken after we leave and how to deal with any issues that come up in the future.
Please read all of this page and be sure you understand completely or feel free to call us to explain our directions at any point.
- Maintenance Advisory: It is crucial to ensure proper hydration of your newly installed borders to mitigate the risk of cracking. Please water your borders within 6 hours post-installation and continue to moisten the surrounding ground for several days thereafter. Excessive dryness in the soil can draw moisture from the concrete, potentially leading to minor cracking. We cannot be held responsible for excessive cracking if adequate watering is not maintained in the days following installation.
- Curing Period: For optimal results, refrain from lawn mowing, and keep children and pets away from the border for a period of 28 days. While the concrete may feel hardened to the touch after 24 hours, a full 28-day curing period is necessary to ensure complete solidity.
- Post-Installation Activities: You may commence sod laying, sprinkler work, and other landscaping activities 36 hours post-installation. However, exercise caution to prevent damage to the border. It is imperative to inform any landscape contractors to handle the border with care. If wheelbarrows are to be used for transporting dirt or rocks, create a protective mound (6 inches deep) over the border or construct a ramp to distribute weight evenly and prevent damage. Under no circumstances should lawn or maintenance tractors or trucks be allowed to traverse over the border.
- Weather Precautions: In the event of rain within 8 hours of completion, cover the border with plastic to shield it from potential damage. Additionally, refrain from activating sprinkler systems for 24 hours post-installation to prevent irrigation, pool backwash, or heavy rainfall from compromising the integrity of the border during the initial curing phase.
- Efflorescence Management: Efflorescence, characterized by a white powdery substance, may occasionally appear on the border surface due to water sprinkler systems or rainfall. To mitigate this issue, inspect and adjust sprinkler heads to minimize direct water contact with the border. If efflorescence persists, a solution of 50/50 vinegar and water applied with a gentle brushing can effectively remove it. While efflorescence may be more prevalent during initial sod watering, patience and regular cleaning will gradually diminish its presence. Rest assured, our concrete border mix includes chemicals that help to minimize efflorescence and preserve vibrant colors.
- Curing Process: Occasionally, you may notice the border appearing “splotchy” during the curing phase, which is a normal occurrence as the concrete settles. This phenomenon should not be mistaken for efflorescence. Initially, concrete appears darker upon installation and gradually lightens as it dries over the course of 28 days, achieving full curing.
- Repair Policy: In the event of border damage, we offer repair services; however, please be advised that a minimum charge of $350.00 applies for this service. Repairing colored concrete poses challenges, as achieving perfect color matches is exceedingly difficult.
- Cracking Considerations: Like any concrete structure, concrete borders are susceptible to cracking due to many issues, including climate changes, physical abuse and gradual landscape changes To mitigate this we strategically place control cuts approximately every 2-4 feet to manage cracking. While minor hairline cracks may occasionally develop, particularly within control joints, they are typically inconspicuous and can be disregarded. If cracking extends beyond control joints, corrective measures such as saw cutting or repairs within the warranty period can be arranged. However, it’s important to note that repairs in colored concrete may not yield perfect color matches, potentially resulting in more noticeable imperfections than the original crack.
- Retrofit Installation: In retrofit installations where grass is already in place, residual concrete may be present between the grass and the border upon completion. While every effort is made to remove this during installation, it may be challenging to do so while the concrete is still wet. After a 24-hour curing period, any excess concrete can be easily removed and disposed of. As return trips are not included in our pricing, we kindly request that you take a few moments to clear any remaining concrete, facilitating grass regrowth against the border. Additionally, you may consider adding sand or dirt to aid in the re-growth process.
- Warranty Coverage: Your landscape border is covered by a comprehensive sixty-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty period is twice the duration of the concrete curing period to ensure full curing during the warranty term. Defects attributable to materials will be rectified at no cost. However, please note that our warranty does not extend to damages resulting from tree roots, ground movement, or soil settlement. Borders attached to walkways or driveways are exempt from warranty coverage due to the inherent movement of these surfaces.
- Liability Disclaimer: We cannot assume responsibility for damages to sprinkler lines, telephone lines, cable TV, or other buried items caused by our equipment or staff during installation.
Please remember that all repairs are $350 Minimum charge.
All coverage given at the time of purchase is null and void if aftercare isn’t observed.
Caring goes a long way
Take proper care of your curbs and they will last a lifetime.
Keep watering
keeping the outside wet allows for the cure to work perfectly without cracking
Keep pets off curbs
Our curbs are pet safe, but pets are not curb safe. Keep them away while cement dries unless you want to let them leave paw marks for fun.
Leave your tools inside while drying
While you don’t have to mow before we come, we suggest you do because you will have to avoid mowing for a month afterwards.
Did we say water?
The more you keep them damp over the first few weeks the better the cure and the stronger they will be, don’t be shy with the H2O.
If your curbs get damaged, We are always happy to come back to make the necessary repairs.
- The concrete will be “hard” to the touch after 24 hours however, it requires a full 28 days for concrete to completely cure. This is especially true if we are experiencing a period or damp or humid weather.
- You will want to water your lawn within 24 hours after the install. We strongly suggest that you test your sprinklers by stopping to observe the water hitting the curb. Water being shot at rock too frequently, from too close, or with too much pressure will result in damage to the surface textures and finish of your new curbing/borders.
- Concrete is darker in color when first installed as it still contains a lot of moisture. The mixture will lighten as it dries. Before you see the final colour it will take approximately 28 days to fully cure and lighten to it’s final tone.
REPAIRS ARE NOT FREE.
Discounts are always applied to our past customers for repeat business but repairs due to wear and tear are not free. Small fixes begin at $350. It’s also important to understand that mixes done years apart may be subject to change based on manufacturers aggregate choices and environmental conditions. While very close, material appearance may vary slightly and colours may not be an exact match so it can often be better for particularly detail oriented individuals to replace an entire length of curb if such specifics are important.
We stand behind our work,
While our work does come with coverage, All repair jobs are quoted and require a sign off on any costs before any warranty claim commences. Any and all coverage we offer is dependent on the customer accepting responsibility for any other costs related to the job that are incurred due to factors other than workmanship related issues.
We are an honest local business and are happy to help our customers, but will not deal with unreasonable claims or people who don’t understand the cost of the labor involved in our work. We reserve the right to cancel any warranty based on the mistreatment of our staff or a failure on behalf of the client to operate with respect.
-David Overy