5 Questions to Ask Your Paving Contractor

Paving an asphalt driveway is no small task; it requires a knowledgeable contractor, heavy machinery, and a significant investment of your time and money. If you want a long-lasting driveway that you are sure to be satisfied with, you will need to do a bit of research to find the best paving contractor in your area. Asking potential companies these five questions will help you separate the good from the bad.

1. What is the scope of the project?

If you are gathering quotes from multiple contractors in your area, make sure that they provide you with a clearly-defined scope of work. If you don't know exactly what is included in their price, looking over multiple bids is like comparing apples to oranges.

2. Are you properly licensed and insured?

Never hire a paving company unless they have a valid contractor's license and proof of insurance. A contractor's license number is your first line of defense if something goes wrong; unlicensed contractors often disappear after a job is done. If your contractor doesn't carry general liability and worker's compensation insurances, you could be personally liable if anyone were to be injured on your property. Protect yourself by only choosing a contractor who is both licensed and insured.

3. Do you have any references or nearby jobs I can look at?

If a paving contractor tells you that they are the best in the world, don't take their word for it. Instead, ask them for a list of references; these people are much more likely to be objective with you. Any good paving company will happily provide you with a list of satisfied customers or show you some of their completed jobs nearby.

4. Do you offer a contract in writing?

If a contractor won't offer you anything more than their word, take this as a red flag. A gentleman's handshake is nice, but a written contract is what you want. Make sure that the contract lists the exact work to be done, the materials which will be used, the terms of payment, and a start and completion date. Look over this contract carefully and always ask if something is unclear.

5. Are you accredited by the Better Business Bureau?

For more than a century, the Better Business Bureau (also known as the BBB) has helped consumers find trustworthy businesses in their area. Choosing a paving contractor who is BBB-accredited adds an additional level of accountability and gives you peace of mind knowing that you are working with a reputable company. You can also see a history of their complaints and how they handled them by visiting the BBB's official website.

For almost 60 years, Roccie's Asphalt has provided Connecticut and New York homeowners with high quality paving jobs at an affordable price. We are fully licensed, insured, and have an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. If you are thinking about installing a new asphalt driveway for your home, call us for a free, no-obligation quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

Step-By-Step DIY Crack Patching for Your Asphalt Driveway

Has the long, relentless winter left your asphalt driveway with unsightly cracks this spring? Winters are generally the worst season for asphalt, as water from melted snow can penetrate the surface of your driveway. Over time, this water constantly freezes and thaws, expanding more and more with each cycle and eventually causing the asphalt surface to crack.

If you are planning on doing a little bit of DIY damage control this spring, follow these steps to patch up your driveway's cracks and holes.

1. Buy some cold asphalt patch from a local hardware store. One 50 pound bag should sufficiently fill most small-medium sized cracks and potholes up to one foot in diameter.
2. Remove any debris from the cracks you are sealing. You don't need to get every microscopic particle out, but remove any large rocks and other objects before moving on to the next step.
3. Pour the asphalt patch into the crack. If the bag or bucket is too heavy to lift, you can shovel it in.
4. Compress the asphalt mix with a hand tamp. This is the key to a successful patching. If you don't have a hand tamp, a shovel will also work; just make sure to press it down tightly.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the crack is completely filled and level with the rest of your driveway.
6. Cover the patch for 2-3 days. This isn't necessary, but covering up the patch with a piece of plywood for 48 hours will allow it properly cure and will produce the best results.

This method is effective for a few small cracks or potholes, but if your driveway is covered, it is best to call in the pros. Roccie's Asphalt has served Connecticut and New York homeowners and businesses alike for more than 50 years. Whether you need your driveway repaired or repaved, call us for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

Benefits of Driveway Pavers

If you are a homeowner who is considering installing a new driveway, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is which material to use. While asphalt and concrete driveways are both good choices, some people don't like their plain, boring appearance.

Concrete pavers are a great choice for any driveway, sidewalk, or patio. They provide a unique look, plus some other awesome benefits. Here are 5 advantages of using concrete pavers for your new driveway:

• Enhanced curb appeal. If you want to make your home stand out (in a good way), a new concrete paver driveway is just what you need. Your driveway is the first thing your guests see when they pull up to your house; leave a good first impression with brand new, professionally installed pavers.

• Durability. When correctly installed, paver driveways can last up to 50 years – that's longer than both asphalt and concrete. They are able withstand heavy loads without cracking because each individual paver has joints which allow for expansion and contraction.

• Easy to Repair. Unlike other driveway surfaces, repairing pavers is a quick and easy process. Simply remove the damaged paver and replace it with a new one, it's as simple as that! You can patch up cracked asphalt and concrete, but the area is often discolored and unsightly, something you don't have to worry about with pavers.

• Low Maintenance. Very little maintenance is needed to preserve the original strength and appearance of your pavers. A routine sweeping or wash with a garden hose is all that is needed to keep your pavers looking like new, just make sure to pull any weeds that you spot growing in between joints.

• Endless Design Options. With pavers, your design options are virtually endless. Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, you can choose pavers which complement your home's colors and landscape. Your contractor can also lay them in a variety of shapes and patterns to add a little bit of flash and personality to your driveway.

Unlike asphalt and concrete which need to be cured, you can use pavers immediately after they are installed. If you live in Connecticut or New York, a beautiful driveway is only a phone call away with Roccie's. The BBB gave us an A+ rating, so you can trust that your new driveway will be installed exactly as you want it. Call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

6 Do's and Don'ts for Your New Asphalt Driveway

If you have recently had your driveway repaved, you know that it is no small investment. When installed by a good contractor, a new asphalt driveway can last over 20 years with a little bit of good maintenance. Read through this list of dos and don'ts to keep your driveway looking like new for years to come.

Do Sealcoat Every Few Years

Sealcoating is the most important part of any good driveway maintenance routine, much like changing the oil of your car. A properly installed sealcoat adds a protective layer to the top of your driveway and restores its beautiful jet-black finish. Depending on your home's climate, a new sealcoat should be applied every 2-3 years.

Don't Drive on Freshly-Paved Asphalt for 24 Hours

After your new asphalt driveway has been installed, wait at least 24 hours before driving on it; 48-72 would be even better. After your paving contractor picks up and leaves, the asphalt surface is still soft and susceptible to the weight of vehicles.

Do Keep Your Driveway Clear of Snow & Water

Water, especially during the colder months, is one of asphalt's worse enemies. Since asphalt is a porous surface, water can penetrate it. During winter, this water constantly freezes, thaws, and freezes again, which can cause cracking in your driveway. Make sure your driveway has good drainage and always shovel immediately after snow storms to prevent cracks and potholes.

Don't Drive Close to the Edge

An asphalt driveway's weakest points are at the perimeter. Driving close the edge of the driveway puts an excessive amount of weight on a relatively weak area and very often leads to cracks. Keep your driveway in good condition for as long as possible by driving and parking in the middle of it.

Do Clean Up Spills Immediately

Few things are more damaging to an asphalt driveway than an oil spill. Oil can break down the chemical binder of asphalt cement and cause rapid deterioration, so it is best to clean up any spills immediately using dish soap, water, and a stiff-bristled brush.

Don't Park Your Car in the Exact Same Spot

Parking your car in the exact same spot on the driveway can cause low spots, especially in hot weather when the asphalt becomes softer. If you plan on leaving your car parked for several days, either place plywood under the wheels or move it a few feet every day to prevent it from leaving impressions.

If you are in need of a new driveway or just some routine crack-filling, look no further than Roccie's Asphalt. For almost 60 years, we have provided New York and Connecticut homeowners with high-quality paving jobs at an affordable rate; call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.