What is a rubber curb: types and installation rules

For a range of construction and landscaping tasks, rubber curbs are an adaptable and useful option. Rubber curbs are an environmentally friendly option because they are made of recycled materials, in contrast to conventional concrete or stone curbs. Numerous benefits stem from their flexibility and durability, including simple installation and long-lasting performance in a range of weather conditions.

Rubber curbs come in a variety of forms that are intended to fulfill particular purposes. Some are great for playgrounds or parking lots, and others are great for edging garden beds. You can choose the ideal curb for your project because each type has distinct qualities that suit it for specific uses.

Rubber curb installation is a simple procedure that doesn’t call for specialized equipment or a lot of experience. You can quickly improve the look and use of your outdoor spaces with a few simple steps. By following the installation guidelines, you can guarantee that your rubber curbs are sturdy and functional, giving any space a polished appearance.

Features of products made of crumbs

Pressed rubber crumbs and polymer adhesives are combined to create rubber curb blocks, which are then either dried in a cold environment or heated to high temperatures. When it comes to functionality and practicality, this product frequently outperforms traditional curb stones.

The primary benefit of these products is their safety. Playground layouts in the neighborhood are then based on this. However, there are other areas of application as well. Rubber curbs work well when installed because:

1. In parking lots. Such a fence is ideal as a rollback limiter when a vehicle runs into it. Due to the shock-absorbing effect, it is minimally susceptible to destruction.
2. In private estates and parks. Such curbs are used to delimit the territory of paths in the garden and alleys. They are very practical if there are children in the family who can fall. A rubber curb will help to avoid serious injuries.
3. On dedicated roads. These objects include jogging paths and bike paths. As in the previous case, the installation of a fence made of rubber curbs increases the safety of road users in the area.

Rubber curbs complement any type of road surface, including concrete, asphalt, rubber coatings, crushed stone, and soil, regardless of where they are installed. When properly installed, they offer dependable defense against soil and road surface erosion.

Rubber curbs are distinct from other kinds of comparable fencing. They stand out for being safer than products made of steel, concrete, granite, or cement. Furthermore, using sophisticated installation technology is not required.

Requirements for curb stones

All rubber coatings need to adhere to strict standards for dependability, strength, and safety. The following GOSTs need to be considered when producing and buying curbs made of this material:

GOST 2789-73	Used for the production of rough surfaces. Defines the characteristics and parameters of finished products. The standard defines possible materials, regulatory requirements.
GOST 270-75	Defines the properties of rubber, which must be distinguished by the properties of strength and elasticity. Defines the parameters of raw materials by relative elongation at break.
GOST 12.1.007-76	Describes the system of standards and safety when working with raw materials.
GOST 20014-83	Defines the methods for determining the resistance to compression when working with rubber. This refers to raw materials that are made on the basis of hard rubber or latex.
GOST 8407-89	Records the rules for working with secondary rubber raw materials, including tubes and tire covers.

Each document’s technical recommendations become a crucial point. A truly stable and superior coating can only be obtained by adhering to the aforementioned guidelines.

Getting a quality certificate would be a smart move when buying a big quantity of rubber curbs. You can be certain of the dependability and durability of these products once the structures are installed.

Main characteristics

Curb blocks are characterized by their relatively large dimensions and low weight. This guarantees the installation procedure and lowers the quantity of laborers needed to complete the project.

There are two distinct options among the standard sizes:

1. Dimensions 500x260x58 mm. Weight is 6.4 kg.
2. Dimensions 1000x260x58 mm. Weight is at the level of 12.8 kg.

Manufacturers can also provide alternative options that vary in terms of size, weight, and design. The installation location influences the decision. Blocks that are rectangular in shape are typically chosen, but rounded shapes are also an option.

Resistance to various influences is another difference. Rubber is shielded from intense heat, heavy precipitation, and sunshine. The completed structure can bear heavy loads and significant impacts when installed correctly.

Additional attributes consist of:

• use of high-quality rubber crumb, which is securely connected with a polyurethane binder;
• using the cold molding method;
• there is practically no deviation from the specified dimensions;
• increased frost resistance;
• density reaches 850 kg per cubic meter. m.;
• operating temperature range from -40 to +60 degrees.

Manufacturers provide adjustments in a range of tones, from the most subdued to the most vibrant. Experts in landscape design advise getting borders that complement the rubber coating’s hue.

Varieties

There are differences in quality rubber curbs based on the following factors:

1. Type of rubber used. The production uses different variants of the crumbs, including needle or cubic. There are also raw materials of arbitrary shapes.
2. Purpose of use. Rubber curbs can be selected taking into account installation next to garden paths, to highlight sidewalks or next to a playground.
3. Manufacturing methods. Rubber curbs are obtained by hot or cold pressing. The result is a high-quality product, but the technology is slightly different.
4. Forms. Ready-made curbs differ in modifications. As a rule, these are rectangular vertical tiles of small thickness. At the same time, manufacturers offer completely straight, streamlined and beveled shapes. Round curbs are also available.

Rubber curbs satisfy standards for both quality and safety. This is one of the greatest options for use on a country house’s property where flower beds, garden paths, and beds with odd shapes are created.

Necessary materials for production

Selecting the raw materials’ quality composition is essential for the creation of rubber borders. You’ll be able to obtain the most robust and damage-resistant item by doing this. A crucial element is rubber crumb. Its production requires clean tires that have had their valves removed. Excessive amounts of impurities are prohibited.

In addition to other essential components, we can emphasize:

• adhesive composition with high reliability qualities;
• pigments to give the necessary shade, which will remain resistant to external factors;
• hardener used to create a high, durable structure.

Selecting these parts will ensure that the final product is robust and simple to assemble. Regardless of the installation location or traffic volume in this area, maintaining the original properties is crucial.

Manufacturing technology

There are two ways to produce rubber curbs: the cold pressing method and the hot pressing method. Since the primary composition of future borders will essentially remain the same, there is no fundamental difference in the general meaning of the manufacturing of the products presented. The time required to prepare the completed block is the primary distinction.

The primary raw material used in cold pressing is crumb rubber, which is currently produced using recycled automobile tires and other rubber products that enter the workshop following the recycling process.

The glue, which is based on polyurethane, is the second and equally crucial element. Chemical additives in this adhesive composition are what cause the final composition to polymerize in the end. Additionally, dyes are added. They are chosen at the client’s request, and a ready-made color solution is specified based on their concentration.

It is noteworthy that every producer tries to keep the makeup of polymer adhesives a secret to keep rivals from launching goods that are too similar. This is because GOST does not cover this particular component. The chemical composition is a trade secret since the adhesive binder is in charge of the wear resistance and service life during polymerization.

The effects of an aggressive environment are taken into consideration when developing adhesive compositions. Even in the presence of direct UV radiation, stretching, and variations in high and low temperatures, there are no adverse effects.

Using a special mixer, a homogenous mass is created when the adhesive composition and dye are added to the rubber crumb. Once mixed, the mass is poured into templates and formed into blanks using a press mold set at a specific temperature. The blanks are then sent to a pressing chamber capable of pressing many tons. There, polymerization takes place for six hours at 60 degrees.

In essence, hot pressing works similarly, with the exception that the oven temperature is raised and the oven time is reduced during the last cycle. Vulcanization takes place during this process, increasing the final product’s elasticity.

A lot of people are curious about whether they can create a high-quality final product by hand. Such a procedure is quite difficult to carry out without specialized equipment, so it is best not to begin.

Installation rules and features

There are a few important guidelines to follow when installing rubber curbs. These suggestions are not required, but they will help to prolong the lifespan of products over their whole lifespan and prevent issues with maintaining a small area that is fenced in.

The process of laying rubber blocks is divided into multiple phases:

• marking;
• creating a trench 10-15 cm deep and 10 cm wide greater than the width of the block;
• arrangement of embankment and drainage using sand, granite or expanded clay;
• if necessary, the trench is reinforced in cases where the perimeter is often filled;
• the slabs are deepened;
• the gaps are filled with crushed stone or liquid solution.

Finally, there is a mandatory quality control step. If there are no issues—for example, improper or uneven installation—the current rubber curbs can be utilized. If not, you will need to recommence the work and reinforce the structural components even more.

Pros and cons of use

Rubber curbs are resistant to temperature changes, damage, and provide good wear indicators. They have a lengthy service life of up to 15 years, which is another characteristic. Because of their vibrant color scheme, these products are also frequently utilized in landscape design.

These curbs’ primary benefits lie in the following application areas:

1. Protection from injury. Due to high shock-absorbing properties, such products are preferable for installation on playgrounds, in gardens and schools. If a child falls on a regular concrete curb, there is a high risk of serious injury, which is not allowed with rubber crumb analogs.
2. Elasticity. Basically, the composition of curb blocks consists of rubber crumb with the addition of polymer hardeners. Such a product cannot be damaged during transportation. It does not crack, crumble or break. Also, a big plus is the laying of blocks not in a straight line, but on open-plan sites without right angles.
3. Protection of surfaces from moisture. Due to their physical properties, rubber curbs do not impede the drainage of liquid. The territory fenced with such curbs, with proper design, will dry quickly.
4. Long service life. The composition of even the simplest products very well resists physical impacts, does not wear out and is almost not affected by ultraviolet radiation. These curbs can be used without replacement for 10-15 years.
5. Installation. Rubber curb blocks are very convenient to install. When implementing the concept of a landscape improvement project, you can cut blocks of a certain size with a conventional cutting tool, such as a jigsaw. Installation is similar to the installation of concrete stones.

Rubber curb slabs are produced in two ways: by cold baking and by hot baking. Nearly identical compositions are used.

The slabs are compressed and vulcanized in a special oven during hot production, and the composition returns to normal conditions during cold production. Cold-made products are more resistant to wear, while hot-made curbs are more pliable and supple.

Cost of consumables and work

The cost of materials must be considered if rubber curbs are going to be used to lay out a surface.

It considers the number in linear meters. Thus, you will require two curbs that are 500 x 200 x 50 mm on 1 p.m. The cost of the fence is 780 rubles when ordering 50 linear meters, and the entire material budget is 780,000 rubles.

You can complete the installation yourself if you have at least a rudimentary understanding of construction work. Though not very difficult, each step needs to be carefully considered. If a team is working, the cost will range from 85 to 600 rubles, based on where the installation is done and how many extra tasks are completed.

Type	Installation Rules
Standard Rubber Curb	Measure and mark the area, dig a trench, lay the curb, secure it with stakes, and fill in the trench with soil or concrete.
Recycled Rubber Curb	Follow the same steps as for standard curbs, ensuring the ground is level, and compact the soil firmly before installation.
Flexible Rubber Curb	Ideal for curved paths, use the same method as standard curbs but allow for extra stakes to maintain shape and stability.

Rubber curbs are a flexible and useful option for a range of construction and landscaping requirements. Because of their strength, adaptability, and simplicity of installation, they are a well-liked option for numerous projects. Rubber curbs come in a variety of styles, from more flexible, interlocking designs to more conventional straight curbs, so there’s a curb right for every application.

Rubber curbs have many benefits, chief among them being their resilience to inclement weather and heavy traffic. Because of their longevity, they eventually prove to be a more affordable option than alternative materials because they need less upkeep and replacement. Their adaptability also makes it simple to install them along uneven borders and curved paths, which improves the visual appeal of any area.

Installing rubber curbs is straightforward and can often be done as a DIY project. By following simple steps such as measuring the area, preparing the ground, and securing the curbs in place, anyone can achieve professional-looking results. Using appropriate tools and techniques ensures a snug fit and a secure, lasting installation.

All things considered, rubber curbs are a great option for anyone wishing to improve their outdoor areas with a strong, adaptable, and simple edging solution. These curbs offer long-lasting practical and aesthetic advantages for garden beds, driveways, and playgrounds.

Rubber curbs are a strong and adaptable choice for edging in a range of outdoor areas, including playgrounds, gardens, and walkways. They are available in various forms, such as flexible, curved, and straight, enabling both imaginative and useful applications. Rubber curb installation is easy to do; all you need is a few simple tools and a few simple steps to get them securely installed. Benefits of this environmentally friendly curbing material substitute include weather resistance, ease of maintenance, and safety.

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