Curb reveal Curb reveal is the visible height of the curb above the roadway surface after construction. It helps control drainage while creating a physical separation between the street and sidewalk.
Maintaining the correct curb reveal is important because it directs stormwater toward catch basins and discourages vehicles from leaving the roadway. If pavement is resurfaced or settles over time, the reveal can change and affect drainage performance. During curb reconstruction in NYC, contractors match the required finished grades to achieve the intended reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curb reveal
What is curb reveal?
The visible height of the curb above the roadway surface after construction.
Why is reveal important?
It directs stormwater toward catch basins and discourages vehicles from mounting the sidewalk.
What changes the reveal over time?
Roadway resurfacing that raises the pavement, and settlement of either the curb or the street, both of which reduce the effective reveal.
How is reveal handled during reconstruction?
Contractors set the curb to the required finished grades so the intended reveal is achieved relative to the roadway.