A Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist for Your Asphalt Driveway

Did you know that an asphalt driveway can last upwards of 25 years with proper upkeep? A poorly-maintained driveway, on the other hand, may not even last ten years. Since repaving projects aren't cheap, it is important to take good care of your driveway in order to maximize your investment.

Follow this maintenance checklist from the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to keep your driveway in tip-top shape for years to come:

• Sweep away leaves and debris every week. Leaves, grass clippings, and other debris can cause uneven fading. Sweep them away with a push broom and wash down your driveway with a garden hose to clear off stubborn debris.
   
• Clean up all oil and gas spills immediately. Oil and gas spills can break down the binding agent in your driveway, causing premature deterioration. Clean up all spills immediately using a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for drainage problems. Believe it or not, water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies. If you notice puddling in your driveway after each rainfall, contact a paving contractor to discuss drainage solutions.

• Patch cracks and potholes as they form. A small crack or pothole in your driveway can quickly turn into a big problem if it is not fixed. It's much easier (and cheaper) to fill a small crack than paying to get your driveway professionally resurfaced. 
   
• Apply a fresh sealcoat every 3-5 years. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway, helping to protect it against water, gas spills, and ultraviolet rays. For best results, sealcoat your driveway every 3-5 years.

If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, trust the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to help you maintain a pristine driveway. Call us for all of your asphalt paving, repair, sealcoating, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

How to Fix Alligator Cracking

Is your asphalt driveway riddled with cracks that run back and forth, and up and down the surface? You might be dealing with alligator cracking.

What is alligator cracking?

Alligator cracking (also known as crocodile cracking or fatigue cracking) is a common type of deterioration in asphalt pavement. It is easily recognizable by intersecting cracks in the pavement, which resemble the skin of an alligator.

What causes alligator cracking?

Although alligator cracking affects the surface of your asphalt driveway, the problem is caused from deep within the base. Simply put, alligator cracking occurs when the pavement constantly carries loads that it cannot support. This can be caused by:

• Poor installation of the base and sub-base
• Increase in loading
• Neglecting of proper maintenance

How to fix alligator cracking

Since alligator cracking is not a surface problem, it is not an easy repair. Applying a sealcoat or crack filler may slow down the spread of the damage, but it is nothing more than a “Band-Aid” solution.

The only way to actually repair alligator cracking is by contacting a qualified asphalt paving contractor. Every case is different, but the general steps the contractor should take are as follows:

• Evaluate the source of the problem.
• Inspect the asphalt sub-base.
• Removed the damaged areas.
• Repair the entire surface.

Have you noticed alligator cracking in your driveway? If so, it's time to call Roccie's Asphalt. Since 1956, we have provided professional paving services to homeowners across Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. Call us for all of your driveway installation, repair, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Roccie's Asphalt: Frequently Asked Questions

As the #1 paving contractor in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY, we get a lot of questions about our company and the services we provide. To help save our customers time, we have compiled a list of the most common questions we receive on a daily basis.

Here they are:

• Are you registered in the state of Connecticut? Yes.
• Are you a member of any national trade associations? Which ones? Yes. The National Asphalt Pavement Association and the National Pavement Contractors Association.
• Do you have a permanent place of business where we can reach you during business hours? Yes.
• Are you in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Yes, we have an A+ accreditation rating.
• How long have you been in business? 60 years.
• Do you carry worker's compensation insurance? Yes, up to $500,000.
• Do you have liability insurance? Yes, $2 million in coverage.
• Are you able to handle drainage and other excavation problems? Yes.
• Can you identify and remediate sub-grade problems? Yes.
• Will the asphalt be installed at the recommended temperature on installation day? Yes.
• What pitch will you use to ensure my driveway drains properly? ¼ inch per foot. Sometimes greater when possible.
• Will my yard be returned to near pre-construction condition? Yes.
• Can you guarantee this in writing? Absolutely.
• Are your workers drug tested? Yes.
• Do your workers receive continual training after hiring? Yes.
• Do you have any references? About 8,000 of them.
• Do you have a written warranty? Yes, it covers both materials and workmanship.
• Do you offer repair and maintenance services? Of course!

Roccie's Asphalt offers professional paving services to homeowners and businesses across Connecticut and New York. Ready to get started with your next project? Request a free estimate online, or give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.