What Sealcoating Will and Will Not Do

Sealcoating is essential for the longevity of any asphalt surface, and it offers many benefits when done correctly. While it is a staple of every asphalt maintenance routine, it has a specific purpose and is not a magical cure for all of your problems. Many paving contractors will oversell sealcoating just to get your money, avoid getting ripped off and read below to understand exactly what you will and will not get from sealcoating your asphalt surface.

A professionally-applied sealcoat WILL:

• Help extend the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot. Sealcoating adds a protective layer to the top of your pavement to help protect it from premature deterioration due to the sun, water, and oil spills.
• Waterproof the surface. This prevents water from penetrating your driveway and freezing underground – this is what causes cracks and potholes.
• Enhance the appearance. If your pavement has faded, a fresh sealcoat will restore the deep black finish of a new driveway. The darker color will also help snow and ice melt faster because it retains more of the sun's heat.
• Make cleaning easier. Sealcoating creates a smooth surface which allows dirt and other debris to be easily swept or hosed off.

Sealcoating WILL NOT:

• Reverse damage. If your asphalt surface is riddled with cracks and potholes, sealcoating will not restore it to a smooth condition – your only choice at this point is to repave.
• Level your driveway. If your driveway is sloped or uneven, sealcoating will not help.
• Fix drainage problems. In fact, it may make your existing drainage problems worse because it waterproofs the surface. If you are experiencing the pooling of water on your driveway, contact a professional paving contractor to explore your options.

Interested in learning the right way to solve your asphalt problems? Give the paving experts at Roccie's Asphalt a call; we will work with you to identify the root cause of your problems and offer a free estimate for the cost of fixing them. We serve Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY so give us a call today at 1-888-88-ROCCIES.

Common Asphalt Problems and How to Fix Them

 

Asphalt driveways are a common choice among homeowners for a good reason; they are an economical option and they are extremely durable. However, just like any other surface, they are susceptible to certain problems.

Here are the three most common issues you will come across with asphalt driveways, as well as what you can do to fix them.


Problem: Cracks & Potholes
No crack is too small to cause some serious damage to your asphalt driveway. Even the seemingly harmless cracks can allow for weed growth or grow into bigger cracks. During the winter, water can infiltrate these cracks and freeze, causing new cracks to form and existing cracks to grow.

Solution: Patch or Repave
Depending on the size of the cracks in your driveway, there are three ways you can handle it. Very small ones may need to be routered out to allow enough crack filling material to have an effect. Medium-sized cracks can be taken care of with some crack filler; you can find this at your local hardware store. Unfortunately, if your driveway is riddled with deep, wide cracks, the best solution is to get it repaved.


Problem: Discoloration & Fading
Over the years, the deep black finish of your asphalt driveway will eventually turn into a grayish color. This is due to the constant exposure to the sun; the UV rays in the sunlight break down the asphalt binder and accelerate the oxidation process.

Solution: Sealcoat
If you notice that your asphalt driveway is more gray than it is black, a sealcoat can restore its finish to new. Sealcoating is a relatively inexpensive and cost-effective way to protect your asphalt surface for years to come. You can hire a professional to do it, or it can be done as a weekend DIY project.


Problem: Pooling Water
If you notice water pooling in your driveway after every rainstorm, you should fix it sooner rather than later. Not only is stepping in puddles an inconvenience, but water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies. When it sits on your driveway, it can cause premature deterioration. Standing water also becomes a safety issue during the colder months, where it can freeze and create a slipping hazard.

Solution: Call a Professional
Pooling water can be caused by a variety of reasons: it could be due to the lack of an existing drainage system, an uneven slope, surface damage, or something else. In this case, it is best to call in a professional contractor and let them diagnose the issue.


Are you experiencing any of these problems with your asphalt driveway? If you live in Fairfield County, Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, call Roccie's Asphalt to get the job done right. With more than 50 years of experience, we will do whatever it takes to get your asphalt driveway looking like new again. Call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: Which is Better?

If you are considering installing a new driveway for your home, one of the biggest choices you will have to make is which material to use. The two most popular options, by far, are concrete and asphalt, which both over their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

If you are debating between asphalt and concrete for your new driveway, here are some of the key differences to take into account:

Cost to Install
One of the biggest qualities people consider in a driveway installation is the price, and asphalt is the cheaper option by far. In some cases, an asphalt driveway can be less than half the price of concrete.

Appearance
The difference in appearance between these two materials is black and white – literally. Asphalt driveways look like an extension of the road, while concrete tends to have an off-white shade. Concrete is easier to customize with stamping and color tinting, but it is also more susceptible to stains.

Durability
Both materials are extremely durable, and can last well over 20 years if properly cared for.

Maintenance and Repairs
Experts recommend sealcoating asphalt driveways every 3-5 years in order to preserve their look and strength. Concrete driveways can also be sealed, but it is not as important as it is with asphalt. Although asphalt usually requires more work, repairs are cheaper and easier than they are with a concrete driveway.

Climate Considerations
Concrete tends to struggle in cold climates, where it is known to crack and suffer from frost heaving. Salt and other de-icers can also damage a concrete driveway. Asphalt, on the other hand, is susceptible to hot weather, where the surface can scuff when softened by the sun if it’s hot enough.

Want to learn more about the differences between concrete and asphalt? Check out this article from Angie's List.

When you take everything into account, you can see there is no clear winner; what is best for you depends on how you value certain aspects compared to others. Whichever material you choose, Roccie's Paving can professionally install it for your home or business. We have served Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY for well over 50 years, and have satisfied thousands of residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Visit our website for more information or call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Fun Facts About America's Interstate System

Since its creation in the 1950s, the interstate system has become an integral part of the United States, with millions of Americans using it every day on their commutes to and from work, school, and other daily activities. Hundreds of millions of miles are driven on American highways every year, but how much do we really know about them?

Take a look at some of these fun facts about the world's largest highway system:

• President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act in 1956. It authorized 25 billion dollars for the construction of 41,000 miles worth of highways. At the time it was passed, it was the largest public works project in American history.
  
  
• Interstates which run East-West are given an even number (ex. I-90). North-South routes are given an odd number (ex. I-95).
  
  
• Interstate route numbers which are divisible by 5 are generally main freeways which carry traffic long distances. 
  
  
• The most-traveled portion of the interstate system is the 405 in Las Angeles, with almost 400,000 vehicles per day.
  
  
• The least-traveled portion of the interstate system is near the Canadian border in Maine, with approximately 1,880 vehicles per day.
  
  
• The longest East-West interstate route is I-90, which runs from Seattle, WA to Boston, MA, covering 3,085 miles.
  
  
• The longest North-South interstate route is I-95, which runs from Miami, FL to Houlton, ME and covers 1,892 miles.
  
  
• New York leads all states with the highest number of interstate routes, 28.
  
  
• I-95 crosses more states than any other interstate route: 16. I-90 is second with 13.
  
  
• All but four state capitals are directly connected to the Interstate system. Those not connected are Juneau, AK; Dover, DE; Jefferson City, MO; and Pierre, SD.
  
  
• The total length of all highways in the United States is roughly 47,856 miles, of which approximately 93% are surfaced with asphalt.

Looking for more facts about the American Highway System? Check out this fact sheet from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Roccie's Asphalt has been in business since 1956; which happens to be the same year that Dwight Eisenhower passed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. For nearly 60 years, we have provided high-quality asphalt paving jobs for homeowners and commercial clients in Connecticut and New York. Whether you need a new driveway, parking lot, basketball court, or roadway, call Roccie's for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.