3 Driveway Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

The season is a changing, and with it comes a whole new set of driveway maintenance that you might not even be thinking about. As the winter arrives, so does the cold air and snow. While you are preparing for your winter snow removal, here are three things you’ll want to be mindful of as they  could seriously damage your driveway.

Heavy Shoveling

Shoveling might not be your favorite part of winter, but we can assure you it’s not your driveways either! Whether your driveway is concrete or asphalt, shoveling is harming it — especially if you are using a metal shovel. We often tend to shovel down to the surface of the snow and scrape away the ice — this is a driveway no! Instead, switch to a plastic shovel and avoid scraping or digging forcefully.

Leaving Water

Water is your driveways worst enemy, and ignore it can cause you some serious structural issues and even leading to sinking or sloping; this is why it’s vital to ensure that your water drains are clear of the driveway and remove any ice or snow ASAP. You also wanted to repair any driveway cracks as soon as you find them. When water gets into cracks, it can freeze and expand causing a bigger crack or worse, pothole!

Applying Rock Salt

Ice can be a big accident causer, and we thoroughly understand why rock salt might seem like a great winter must have, but it can be lethal to your concrete or asphalt. The rock salt itself isn’t terrible; it’s the rapid thawing that can lead to an early destruction of your driveway. The key to using rock salt is to be sure you remove all the melted water as soon as everything is done melting along with all the salt. Your best option would be to look for a more driveway friendly alternative for snow removal.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Signs You Have A Drainage Problem

Drainage Issues are something that you want to fix as soon as you notice them. If left untreated, you can do significant structural damage to your home and cost yourself a ton of money in repairs. So if you are unsure if your yard might have a drainage issue, here are three ways to know.

1.Rain Gutters Overflow

Constantly overflowing rain gutters is a good sign that you might have a drainage issue. If you notice that every storm you have water is splashing around your home, it’s probably time to get them cleaned or looked it. It could be a simple clog or a complication due to poor installation, but either way, you’ll want to have them examined.

2. Your Lawn is Constantly Wet

When heavy rain hits, water can sometimes have nowhere to go, but if you continually see pools of water, you probably have an issue. A well-drained yard will allow the water to flow towards the curbs and gutters. If your yard is sloping in the wrong direction, this could be to blame, and you might need to add new drains to fix it.

3. Water Against Foundation

Soil level is also another indicator of how your drainage is going. When it rains, take a good look at how your soil level is before and after. If you are noticing water pooling up where the flower beds are and washing away the soil, you have a drainage problem. Water sitting on your foundation can lead to cracking and even shift your entire home. If water is continually pooling up, you’ll want to speak to an expert.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

How to Keep Your Property Pothole Free This Year

As the winter comes heading our way,  you will soon begin to notice an increasing number of cracks and potholes in your asphalt driveway, work parking lot, and local roads and highways. But why? The asphalt experts at Roccie's Paving weigh in...

Asphalt is a durable material, but it is not invincible. Asphalt's biggest enemies include ultraviolet rays, gas and oil spills, and above all else – water. As we begin to head towards the winter months, moisture from rain and melting snow penetrates the surface of asphalt, seeping deep into its base. As the winter begins to pass, and the temperature drops, and the water freezes, causing it to expand.

This freeze-thaw cycle continues throughout the spring, and the pressure from the freezing water eventually creates cracks in the asphalt under the surface. As the freezing and thawing continues, more and more water seeps into the base of the asphalt, and the underground cracks continue to grow.

Eventually, this pressure reaches the surface of the asphalt, where some sections are forced up – this is the start of a pothole. As vehicles drive over the pothole, pressure is put on the edges, which causes them to crumble and break away, thus enlarging the pothole.

Potholes are very common, but they are not completely unavoidable. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind if you want to prevent potholes from forming in your driveway:

• Have your driveway installed by a quality contractor. Errors and shortcuts during the driveway installation process can cause the base to be weaker than it should be, leaving it more susceptible to developing cracks and potholes.
• Remove any excess snow. Keeping your driveway properly shoveled will help ensure that no excess water is seeping through the cracks. 
• Fix any cracks ASAP. A driveway riddled with cracks is a perfect spot for water to collect and freeze, and once it does, the cracks worsen and eventually lead to potholes.
• Sealcoat your driveway every few years. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of defense to the surface of your asphalt driveway, and helps prevent water from infiltrating the base.

Small potholes can be sealed using a cold asphalt patch, but if your driveway is riddled with them, it might be best to consider a resurfacing or a complete repaving. If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, trust Roccie's Asphalt for all of your paving needs. Visit our website to learn more about us, or call for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Prepping Your Yard for The Holidays and Winter Months Ahead

The holidays can be hectic, and the last thing you want to worry about is yard work, so why not start now? Winter will be here before we know it, and thoroughly preparing your yard now will keep you prepared for holiday guests and that first significant snowfall. So here are just a few ways you can work to get your yard, holiday and winter ready.

Keep it Clean

With the holidays ahead, your yard is going to see a lot of traffic, so you’ll want to keep it look at it’s best. Before the decorations go up, be sure to spend some time getting your yard in shape. Get rid of any fall decor, dispose of leaves and clean up your patio.

Look for and Fill Holes

Before the snow comes piling on your lawn, you’ll want to take care of any dips or holes in your lawn. Holes in your yard can quickly become a hazard once covered in snow, making them impossible to see and causing an accident that could have easily been avoided. So before the first hint of snow, go around and check that there are now sneaky holes, and fill them in as needed.

Sweep and Mark Your Driveway

Your driveway should always be clear of any obstacles and debris, but when the winter time comes, this becomes even more important. To fully see where you are shoveling and where your lawn ends and your driveway begins, you’ll want to put markers on the layout of your driveway now before the big snowfall hits.

Stock Up

Don’t forget to stock up on all your winter essentials. Check your shovels, your snow blowers, and your car deicers to make sure they will last another season. Make sure they are easily accessible too. Preparing now will make your snow removal later a breeze.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Questions to Ask Before Paving Your Driveway

If you are looking to spend the money and time to repave your driveway, you’ll want it done right the first time. To choose the right contractor, you’ll have to do your research and ask some questions.  So if you are in the market for a paving company — here are the things you’ll want ask.

How long have you been in business? Reviews are vital when it comes to home services, but so is a company's history. A company with a long history is one that is more likely here to stay. This will allow for updates, and if there are any issues, you’ll know they’ll still be around to fix it.

Does The Estimate Include All Costs? No one wants to be slapped with hidden fees and extra cost. One of the best ways to avoid any of this is to ask right up front what the estimate includes. Beyond that, you should also read all contracts you are given especially the fine print.

Do You have examples of your work? Not only can this help you see quality but it’s a great way to get some ideas too. Seeing the variety and quality of work could be a deciding factor too, so there's nothing wrong with asking.

How long is the process? Having work done on your home should be an improvement, not an inconvenience. A right paver will make sure the job is done in a timely fashion that doesn’t disrupt your life for too long. So before you make a decision, make sure you get a general time frame.

What’s Your Better Business Bureau Rating (BBB)? Though you can look this up, you’ll still want to directly ask them as their response can show a lot about character. Most contractors will have a general idea, and asking them outright will allow you to check if their answer matches up. BBB is also a great resource to see what past customers have to say and how they handle any issues that may occur.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

These 3 Things Could Be Ruining Your Driveway

There is no reason why your driveway shouldn’t have a long and healthy life, and for that to happen, you have to know how to maintain it.There are many things you can do to keep it new, so here are three things you should be mindful of as they could be ruining your driveway!

DIY Car Washes

Do you like to keep your car spic and span? Are you often washing your car in your driveway? Well, it’s not only bad for your driveway it’s bad for the environment too. When you wash your car on your driveway, the soapy water runs off into the sewer drains. Besides, that water sitting on your driveway can lead to pooling, and if you have existing cracks, this can cause expansion and damage.

Tree Roots

Plants are an excellent way to spruce up your driveway, but it can also be a way to ruin it too! Trees and Bushes close to your driveway can have nowhere to grow, and the roots can begin to expand beneath your driveway causing significant cracks and structure issues. So when it comes time to plant your surrounding plants, make sure you know what you are planting and where to avoid some major driveway issues.

Poor Snow Removal

The first snowfall can be a wonderful thing but the removal, not so much. When it comes to your driveway, you’ll want to be sure that you are fully shoveling everything you can and that any salt placed on it is eventually cleaned off. Salt and water both can break down the top layer and cause cracks and potholes, so make sure you remove it.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Yard Maintenance That Can Make or Break Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, so think of your yard like the first impression of your home. Keep it clean and well kept and you’ll have significant curb envy, but neglect it, and you’ll have some unhappy neighbors. Beyond a well paved driveway and walkway, here are a few yard maintenance tips that can make or break your curb appeal.

Trim Hedges

One way to give your yard that wow look is by adding in some hedges — just make sure you keep them trimmed! Overgrown hedges can not only be a significant eyesore but a safety hazard too. Wild bushes can lead to a obstructed driveway and walkway, and will also bring down the appearance of your home.

Love Your Lawn

A green and luscious lawn is an excellent compliment to your the driveway and walkway, but not all lawns need the same TLC. One of the best ways to keep your grass greener than the other side is to know what the proper mowing length is for the type of grass you have. Keeping your grass at a reasonable height will give you a dense, less weeded lawn.

Seasonal Reseed

If your lawn isn’t looking so green or you're currently living with more dirt than grass — it’s time to reseed. Reseeding in the Fall and Spring will ensure that your lawn has accurate time to grow. Seeding now will allow for the roots to grow strong during the winter and summer months.

Keep it Leaf Free

The change of color and the falling leaves can be festive, but when it comes to your curb appeal, it’s not very helpful. Leaves can not only be an eyesore but if not cleaned up in a timely matter, they can leave a messy damp mess on your driveway and vehicles. So to have a wow-worthy yard, you’ll want to keep up with raking.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

3 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Driveway

A driveway is an entryway to your home, and one of the first people notice, and to keep your curb appeal up, you’ll want to keep it maintained. Sometimes a little repair is all you need to get a driveway looking like new again, but sometimes it can just make the situation worse; so here are three sure signs it’s time to replace your driveway.

Cracks

No matter what type of driveway you have, cracks are a sure sign it’s time for an update. Once crack forms, it becomes effortless for the substance to penetrate through and worsen them. If you live in a wet area with lots of snow, these cracks can be the perfect spot for the water to rest, and expand causing more damage in the long run. Some small cracks can be repaired, but it’s better to consult a professional before doing so as width, and depth needs to be considered too.

Drainage Issue

If water is continually pooling or flooding — you might want to look into the damage, it might be doing. Water can increase cracks, and ice can increase potholes, so water puddle is not a desired situation, but it can be fixed. Often the primary cause could be the slope of the driveway when installing and you’ll need to look into drainage options.

The Look

A faded driveway just doesn’t decrease the curb appeal of your home — it’s a sign your driveway is damaged too. Depending on the initial installation and upkeep, the sun could be penetrating your entrance causing it some severe sun damage and eventually weakening its structure. Your best bet is to have a professional look at it to make sure the structure is still in good shape, if not you might need to replace it.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

5 Things Landscapers Don't Tell You

Your landscaping is a great way to accent your beautiful paving work. Whether you choose to add a few shrubs or a bed of flowers, the right plants can really up your curb appeal! Whether you're planting yourself or hiring a landscaper — here are five things you should keep in mind before you do.

1. Don’t Overload Your Yard

Having a wide array of colors might seem like a good idea, but plant overload is possible. Adding too many plants might look beautiful now but come next year you’ll have double the work! An overload of plants will lead to more pruning and weed, so remember it's all about balance.

2. Watch How Far You Dig

It’s entirely possible to dig too deep, and it’s actually pretty common to. When you over dig the roots of the plants tend to get burred. Digging too deep can also lead to either suffocation of the plant or water accumulation by the root causing it to rot ; so it's better to under dig than over dig.

3.Consider All Angles

When you are picking out your landscape design, don’t forget about all angles. What might look right from the front porch, might look bad from the street so be sure to check every possible view. Don’t forget to check from your home windows too. You want to enjoy the view no matter where in the yard you view it.

4. Distance Is Important

When planting along the house, you’ll want to keep your distance. It’s often common the planting beds are placed to narrow and too close to the home. To be safe, you'll want to begin your beds at least one to two thirds out from the house's heights.

5. Don’t Block Your View

Planting shrubs around your driveway is a great way to accent your paving work, but it could be hazardous. When you are setting up your accent bushes and tree, keep visibility in mind. Make sure that whether your backing up or pulling in there are no obstructions.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

When to Seal Coat Your Driveway | Roccie's

Looking to keep your driveway as fresh and new as long as possible — well you’ll want to invest in a seal coat! Though it might seem like an unnecessary step, a seal coat is an important part of driveway upkeep and will help protect your driveway from the harsh natural elements. So here’s why you should be seal coating your driveway today.

The Benefits

It might seem like an unnecessary step but sealing your driveway is vital to its longevity. When you keep your driveway properly sealed, you are protecting it from its biggest enemy — water! When you add cooler climates and the weight of cars, an unsealed driveway will be riddled with unwanted cracks that will eventually require filling. To prevent as many cracks as possible, invest in a good sealer. Another reason to seal — it protects your driveway from sun damage, and oil spills make it easier to clean than a driveway that hasn’t been sealed.

When To Do It

Seal coating your driveway depends on the wear and tear, but generally, it’s between one to three years. Though if your asphalt driveway is new — you’ll want to wait at least six months before sealing. A new driveway requires curing time, and if it’s sealed too soon, it won’t harden properly costing you significant damage down the road. Don’t forget to check the weather either though — you’ll need at least 48 hours for your sealer to set to make sure the forecast shows clear skies!

When To Call an Expert

Though it’s an easy DIY thing — some driveways will require a little maintenance before sealing. If you are noticing an increase in cracks, chips or holes, don’t attempt to do the job yourself. All minor issues will have to be fixed before sealing, and it’s best you call a professional to do so. A little extra fix now will give your driveway and long and sturdy life.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Here's What Happens to Asphalt During Seasonal Change

As the season changes, so do the effects of your asphalt. To keep your driveway in its best possible shape, and give it a fighting chance against the harsh natural elements, you’ll want to prepare, but before you do, you’ll need to know what you're up against!

Moisture No
Think of rain as your asphalt arch enemy. It can cause major setting issue and in some cases, wear it down over time. If your asphalt is cracked in any way, rain has a better chance of penetrating and causing major structural issues down the road. If you have a steep driveway, the rain can cause the liquid asphalt which is the bonding factor in the asphalt to we rained away. As this washes away, you’ll eventually be left with  just aggregate and rocks.

Temperature Check
The winter plays a significant part in the life and durability of your asphalt. Ever notice that potholes tend to appear more after a big winter storm? As temperatures drop, cracks are more likely to occur, and as rain or snow falls, the water seeps into these cracks. Once the water has made its way into the asphalt, it freezes and expands causing a bigger deeper issue, that can eventually become one big giant flat tire causing pothole. Though warm weather is best for setting a new driveway, extreme heat can still lead to cracks, and though water might not freeze, it can still seep in and result in erosion, air gaps, and possible corrosion and sagging.

Protect and Prevent
Though you can’t control mother nature, you can at least prepare for it! Prepping your asphalt and keeping it properly maintained will allow it to have a fighting chance. Seal coat it every few years, repair cracks when you first see them and when installing a new driveway, be sure to let it sit for a few days, and be sure to redo it on a rain-free weekend!

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Keeping Your Yard Safe This Fall

Fall yard clean up is almost here and as you make your to-do list, we have a few things you’ll want to add. Prepping your yard now and keeping it safe is vital and beyond, the leaf clean up, there are a few minor things you can do to make your winter and spring to-do list a bit shorter!


De Summarize
Now that autumn is here — it’s time to get your yard ready for the first leaf fall! As you begin to close your pool and put away your pool floats, don’t forget to keep your electrical equipment in a safe and kid-free area. Drain your garden hose thoroughly, and turn off your outdoor faucets too.

Keep it Leaf Free
One of the best ways to prevent falls and slips is to stay on top of fallen leaves. Whether you use a leaf blower or a traditional rake, you’ll want to keep your walkways and driveways free of leaves. Wet leaves on a path can turn into a slippery situation that might just leave someone on the floor, so avoid the major pile up, and get rid of them as they fall.

Prepare for the First Snow
To keep your spring maintenance low, you’ll want to prepare now for the first snowfall. While you are cleaning your gutters, make sure they aren’t draining on your driveway. If you haven’t already — edge your driveway to allow for snow and drain-off to have a place to go!

Seal Your Driveway 
Sealing your driveway is the best way to get years of use out of it! Just don’t forget to repair any holes or cracks prior. A driveway should be at least a year old before being sealed too. By adding a seal coat, you are ensuring that your driveway can withstand the temperature change and fight of it’s worst enemy moisture. If you are unsure on how to seal coat, an expert at Roccie’s can help!

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

What Do Masonry Workers Do?

An old and diverse position, masonry contractors can wear several hats. Whether it’s building a structure inside or out, masonry workers work with brick, stone, concrete and more and we can thank them for many of the structures we see today. So in honor of tradesmen day here are just some of the areas they specialize in:

Brick Mason
If it contains brick, a brick mason can build it. From backyard structures, to complete homes, they primarily work with brick and mortar which lends the opportunity to make just about anything! Not an easy task though; it takes skill to evenly lay each brick to create a stable and durable structure.

Stone Masons
Another specialty the requires thought out planning; stone masons work to build rustic structures such as walls, bridges, and pillars. The must carefully measure and cut stone while following a particular pattern. They also perform repair work on existing stone structures.

Tile Setters
Whether it’s marble or ceramic tiles you are looking for, a tile setter can do the job. Kitchen, bathroom walls or floor, an experienced tile setter will also be able to suggest the best tiles for your home decor. An experienced tile setter will create your design with a particular pattern and spacing in mind.

Concrete 
One of the more versatile materials to work with, real masonry workers can fabricate a wide variety of home structures. They can color and texture the concrete to get you your desired look. When it comes time to pour they must also make sure the foundations is leveled.

If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, look no further than Roccie's Paving for your masonry needs. With more than 50 years of experience and an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we give you peace of mind knowing that your driveway is in good hands. Call us today for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Your Tennis Court Maintenance Check List

An at home tennis court can be a great way to keep active while increasing the value of your home, that’s if it’s properly maintained. No matter what time of year it is, your court should always be cleaned, checked and managed so that your investment doesn’t go to waste. So whether you have your tennis court or are looking to install one, here’s how to maintain it.

Regular Cleanings

Your tennis court is a significant investment, so you want to treat it that way. Regular cleanings can help prevent mold or mildew, especially on courts with shaded areas. A yearly cleaning can help to avoid growth and keep your court in the best shape possible.

Remove Unwanted Matter

Standing water, leaves and other foreign objects are a court no. Though rain water can act as a cleaner, the dirt and debris that comes with it can leave stains and abrasions. Leaves and pine cones can bring bugs, mold, mildew and unnecessary things too, so be sure to keep your court leaf and water free!

Prevent Damage

Besides the regular cleaning, you’ll also want to do everything you can to prevent damage. The wrong shoes alone can leave marks and scrapes to your freshly paved court. Avoiding allowing bike rides, roller blades or skateboards on the court and try not to drag anything on the surface.  

Resurface

If carefully cleaned and maintained, your court won’t need to be resurfaced for years. If you do spot cracking our dipping, you’ll want to contact your professional and check about getting it resurfaced. A consultation will be all you need to ensure that your surface is in the best shape possible.

If you are in the Fairfield County Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, the experts at Roccies Asphalt can make that dream of your at-home sports venue come true. Get a quote or call today!  

Surface Drainage Issue and Solutions

Drainage issues can put a damper on your lawn. If you are noticing puddling, basement flooding, or dying plants — drainage problems could be to blame. To find the perfect drainage solution for your yard, you’ll need to know that exact issue you are facing. So to keep your lawn in top shape, here are the draining problems and solutions you need to look out for:

Surface Drainage

If you are noticing a problem with surface water, you’ll need to install a shallow french drainage or a curtain drain; this will help intercept water so that it’s channeled around the wet areas. You’ll want to install it directly uphill of the area that you are looking to dry. A deep drain is not required as they are commonly 1.5 to 2 feet across. To avoid root growth, use solid pipe in areas where trees and shrubs lie.

Downspouts no Place to Drain

If you are noticing that your downspout isn't draining anywhere and your plants are beginning to die, you have options. You can install corrugated drain tile which will aid in the water going from the downspout to the drain. Plastic tubes are also an option, or you can direct the drainage over a grassy swale and create a little water garden of your own with water loving plants.

Basement Moisture

If you live on a property that is sloped, and you are finding water flowing toward your foundation or unnecessary water in your basement, yard drainage can help. Grade your lawn away from the home and your neighbors. If the slope is too large and you feel this isn’t an option, you will want to look into getting a yard drainage system installed. A dry wall or french drain might be all you need to do the trick!

If you are having trouble finding a proper drainage solution, or need to repair a deteriorated driveway, call the experts at Roccie’s Asphalt and Paving. We are proud to be the number 1 paving contractor in Fairfield County Connecticut and Westchester County New York! Request an estimate today!

Tips For Planning a New Driveway

If it’s time to build a new driveway — it’s time to get to planning. Though it might seem like one of the easiest construction projects in your home, the wrong driveway can be a costly nuisance that you’ll constantly be maintaining for years to come, but if done right and by a professional, the right driveway will stand the test of time. So when it comes time to plan, here are a few tips to get you the driveway of your dreams:

Choose Your Shape, Slope, and Width

The first thing you’ll want to decide is how you want your new driveway to look. Beyond your shape preference, don’t forget to make sure it’s functional. Keep in mind the slope and width of your driveway too! The wrong slope or shape can cause damage so knowing what you are working with is vital. Too flat can create a drainage issue and too steep and you have a slippery surface. You can always add curves if needed but just be sure to plan for what works best. When it comes to picking a straight, curved or rounded driveway you want to think about the space available. A curved driveway is a nice touch but if you're short on property — stick to the straight and add some curb appeal.

Decide on Material

Your driveway options are pretty open but what suits best for your yard and lifestyle.  What kind of upkeep are you looking for and how much you are looking to spend. You can do a combination of material or stick to the classics — either way; you’ll want to do your research. By knowing your equipment options before planning you’ll be able to choose the best choice for your home and maintain it to the best of your ability.

Think Long Term

You want this to be a project that lasts so keep that in mind before making any decisions. If you are going to spend the money, spend it now and pick the most functional and favorable option so that you can enjoy your driveway for years to come. Think about your location, your future and your day to day wear and tear of the driveway and build accordingly.

Roccie's Asphalt provides driveway installation, repair, repaving, and resurfacing services to homeowners in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. With more than 50 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

5 Ways to Prep Your Yard For Fall

The bright light of summer is starting to dim, and the warm, crisp feel of fall is creeping its way in! So before the leaves begin to brown, it’s time to get your yard ready for fall. Though raking up leaves and closing the pool might seem like the only prep you need, many easy DIY tasks that can keep your yard spotless and safe all year round!  So here’s why you should add these five preps tips to your autumn to-do list.

1. Fertilize

The secret to getting the best lawn around is to fertilize! A good lawn is fertilized four times a year. If you are looking to be a little more low key about it, pick the fall as your fertilizing month. It will give the grass energy to multiple before the cold winter hits, leaving you with a fresh new lawn come spring.

2. Drain Hoses

Unless you don’t mind replacing them every summer, you should be in the habit of draining out your hose. If you don’t, you risk the chance of water freezing and splitting it open. Stretch them on a downhill or blow out any excess water before your wrap them away for the winter.

3. Keep Grass Short

What’s the secret to perfect spring grass — cutting it short before the winter; this will stop snow from molding, and large blades from smothering the rest when spring hits. So just this once, go short!

4. Snake Your Spouts

Leaves are going to start falling, and they often find their way into your gutters. A spout and gutter clog can cause a major problem down the line. A major clog can do damage to your lawn, gutters, and home so keep them clear by using your handy bathroom snake!

5. Prep For Snow

Though you might not want to hear it, it’s never too early to be prepared for snow! Check your property and make sure it’s clear of any summer lawn gear that could be a tripping hazard. Check for rocks, keep walkways clear and add markers to them so that they are easy to find and plow. Just remember, what might be visible now can be completely buried with just a few inches of that dusty white snow falls.

With over 50 years of experience, Roccie's Asphalt is the #1 paving contractor in Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY.  With expertise in both residential and commercial, we can help with all your asphalt paving, repair, seal coating, and maintenance needs. Request an estimate or call us at 888-88-ROCCIES.