Ah, the rolled curb – a common sight in American neighborhoods, and perhaps, right at the end of your own driveway. While it might seem like a minor detail in the grand design of our streets, this subtle rise can be a daily nuisance for drivers, causing an unwelcome jolt each time you enter or leave your driveway.
But what exactly is a rolled curb?
Well, my friends, that’s what we’re going to explore today.
In this article, we’ll discuss the intricacies of rolled curbs and how they may affect you if you’re a car owner who navigates these small hurdles on a daily basis.
After our discussion, you’ll understand the purpose, benefits, and shortcomings of this type of curb, along with a potential solution to help mitigate these issues altogether.
Ready? Then let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How are Rolled Curbs Different From Straight Curbs?
Alright. Before we talk about what rolled curbs are, let’s discuss first what straight curbs are as these two are often confused and we want to bring an end to this confusion.
Straight curbs, often referred to as barrier or vertical curbs, are designed to create a distinct barrier between the roadway and adjacent areas like sidewalks, parking spaces, or other designated zones.
They rise abruptly from the street level with a vertical face, effectively channeling stormwater along the street and keeping vehicles from crossing over into pedestrian areas or other restricted zones.
These curbs can cause damage to vehicles, especially to tires and undercarriages if driven over due to their abrupt edge.
Rolled curbs, on the other hand, have a gradual, sloping design transitioning from the street to the sidewalk or driveway, which is intended to minimize vehicle damage when driven over
They are named ‘rolling’ because they allow for easy rolling of tires over them, and are commonly found in residential areas, apartment communities, and neighborhoods due to their vehicle-friendly nature.
While providing a smoother transition for vehicles, their design may not channel water as effectively as straight curbs, possibly allowing water to flow into driveways or other undesired areas. However, they still offer some functionality in channeling stormwater due to their slanted design which can mitigate water pooling
But that’s not everything that rolled curbs have to offer.
Following our previous discussion, rolled curbs not only provide functionality in channeling stormwater but also represent a specific design of curbing used in road construction, identified by their rounded or sloped transition from the road to a driveway or sidewalk.
Unlike the straight curbs, which are elevated and vertical to the road surface, rolled curbs offer a smoother entrance or exit from the road, commonly utilized in residential areas due to their vehicle-friendly nature.
Advantages
Vehicle-Friendly
Rolled curbs are designed with a slanted or sloping face rather than a vertical one, which eases the transition for vehicles moving from the roadway to a driveway, minimizing potential damage to vehicles’ tires and undercarriage
Accessibility
Their design facilitates easier access for bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians, including those with mobility devices or pushing strollers and shopping carts
Aesthetic Uniformity
Rolled curbs can provide a smooth, continuous line that may be aesthetically pleasing in certain residential or urban settings, although the aesthetic appeal is subjective.
Reduced Vehicle Impact
The gradual slope of rolled curbs is less likely to cause immediate damage to vehicles compared to the harsh edge of a straight curb, which can be beneficial for vehicle suspensions.
Disadvantages
Ineffective Water Management
As we’ve mentioned; rolled curbs might not direct water as efficiently as straight curbs, possibly leading to water flowing into driveways and sidewalks, which could be unfavorable in situations of heavy rainfall.
Ambiguous Boundaries
Rolled curbs might not offer a clear demarcation between pedestrian and vehicular zones due to their smooth transition design, which could potentially lead to confusion or misuse.
Limited Pedestrian Protection
The lack of a clear, vertical barrier between the road and pedestrian areas might offer less protection to pedestrians from errant vehicles.
Gradual Vehicle Wear and Tear
Despite being more vehicle-friendly, repeated traversal over rolled curbs can cause wear and tear on a vehicle’s suspension system over time
How Does Rolled Curbs Affect You If You’re a Car Owner?
The interaction between rolled curbs and vehicles, while designed to be vehicle-friendly, brings about several considerations for car owners.
The repetitive crossing over rolled curbs can wear down the vehicle’s suspension and alignment, potentially leading to increased maintenance costs. Though they facilitate smoother driveway entry and exit, the recurrent minor bump can affect the comfort of the occupants and the vehicle’s undercarriage, especially for low-clearance vehicles.
How Smooth Curb Can Help You Deal with Rolled Curbs’ Disadvantages
As we’ve discussed, going through rolled curbs on a daily basis can pose challenges to car owners, and potentially to you.
The possible wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension and alignment, along with discomfort during entry and exit of a driveway, particularly for low-clearance vehicles, is definitely a problem.
But how can we mitigate this?
Enter Smooth Curb – Driveway Curb Ramp, a premium driveway curb ramp designed not just to mitigate but to virtually eliminate the issues posed by rolled curbs.
Imagine gliding into your driveway as if the curb wasn’t even there, safeguarding your vehicle and offering a sigh of relief for your peace of mind (and your spine!).
With Smooth Curb, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re investing in a promise of smoother drives, of safeguarding your vehicle, and of adding a sleek, functional accessory to your home.
It’s a commitment to making your daily life just that little bit more comfortable and ensuring that you’re avoiding those unwanted encounters with rolled curbs, making your entry and exit from your property as smooth as can be.
Conclusion
So, to sum things up, knowing the full extent of what a rolled curb is, and what it can do to you and your vehicle, can benefit you in the long run.
Rolled curbs, although intended for a good cause, can have their downsides, and may pose problems to you over time.
Solutions such as Smooth Curb will definitely prolong your car’s lifespan, as well as give you the assurance that you won’t ever have to deal with any issues relating to rolled curbs.
If you want to learn more about what we advocate here at Smooth Curb, then we encourage you to look through our blog as we provide extensive knowledge and discussion on what rolled curbs can do to your car.
Drop down any comments, if you have any, and don’t be afraid to ask questions as our team will be more than happy to answer them.
Lastly, we hope you’ve gained a thorough understanding of rolled curbs and their implications, and we look forward to seeing you in our next post.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about rolled curbs:
Are there any other types of curbs besides straight and rolled curbs?
Yes, there are other types of curbs such as monolithic and mower barrier curbs, each serving different purposes and having distinct designs.
I accidentally hit a curb with my car’s front passenger side, what should I do?
It’s advisable to inspect the area for any visible damage and consider having a professional mechanic check for any misalignment or other issues that might have occurred.
What damages should I expect if I hit my tire on a curb?
Potential damages may include tire and wheel damage, alignment issues, or even suspension problems. It’s wise to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle to ensure there are no unseen issues.
