Pool and Patio Safety Tips

It’s that time of year, time to start enjoying your backyard.  As you begin to enjoy your pool and patio, don’t forget to be safe about it. You don’t want to cut your fun short due to an accident or slip, so to get the most out of your patio and pool, follow these below pool and patio safety tips:

Keep it Well Lit

One way you can keep your pool and patio safe is to keep it well-lit. A well-lit yard can prevent injury. Evenly light all walkways and add some lighting in and around the pool. You can add some character to your yard by adding colored lights — adding safety and style to your backyard. Bonus — it will keep unwanted critters out.

Tread Lightly

The grass between your toes can be a great feeling; it can also lead to slips and falls. Beyond the lawn, wet pavers and patios can also a be another cause for accidents. To ensure that your kids are safely maneuvering your backyard, be sure that they know to walk and not run, especially on the patio.

Check for Safety Hazards

While you begin your summer yard work, inspect the area for wasps or bees nests that could dampen your summer fun. Does your pool have a gate around it? Make sure that it is fully closed and if you have little children, keep it locked. Thoroughly inspect your pavers, deck, and surrounding areas, for any broken or dangerous parts. Look for nails, splintered or cracked areas that could cause a fall or injury. Repair them as needed.

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.

The Differences in Asphalt Distress

Asphalt distress is an occurrence we experience every day. From pesky potholes to cracks in the street — the type of distress matters. To properly repair the issue you must first know what the exact problem is. So before you look to patch up your asphalt, watch out for these signs of distress:

Cracking

There are various types of cracks that can occur. To know how to repair it, you must first know the type of break. For example, fatigue cracking also called, alligator cracking, is a series of interconnected cracks that resemble the skin of an alligator. Edge cracking is longitude cracks you find a few feet from the pavement's outer edge. Edge cracks are usually due to a lack of support.  Crescent shaped cracks are called Slippage Cracks and are formed because of low asphalt mix strength or an inadequate bond between the pavement layers. Being able to identify the type of break will help you successfully fix the issue.  Other forms of cracking include:

• Block Cracking
• Longitudinal Cracking
• Transverse Cracking
• Reflection Cracking

Distortion

Distortion is caused by instability of an asphalt mix or weakness of a particular layer. Rutting, shoving, and swelling may also be present. If you are noticing a depression in the wheel path, ripples across pavement, depressions or upward movements and swelling — these are all signs of distortion and should be repaired. Another common issue is when distress occurs when the pavement is patched; it’s called patch failure.

Disintegration

In high traffic areas, asphalt can take a beating. Through time, the asphalt can disintegrate and break up into pieces. One of the most common forms of disintegration — pot holes!  Due to distress potholes often form from cracks or failed patches.  Poor mixtures and weak spots can also lead to potholes.

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.

The Pros and Cons of Different Tennis Courts

Looking to take up tennis or add a new court to your home? Just remember, when it comes to tennis— what's on the surface matters! So when you decide to pick the type of court you’ll be playing on, keep these pros and cons in mind:

Grass Courts

Pros: Bad joints? A grass court is the easiest on your body. With a reduced bounce rate, a grass court is best for a player with a strong serve. Since the ball will be harder to return, games are usually shorter than matches played on other surfaces.

Cons: A grass tennis court means a ton of upkeep and unpredictability. They must continually be mowed and watered. Since the court requires a strong serve, it’s not the best option for beginners.

Clay Courts

Pros: Clay courts are easy and cheap to install. Softer than a hard surface, clay courts can also be good on your joints.  Playing on clay will mean a slower yet higher bouncing ball. Games are usually longer and judged more accurately, thanks to the impression the ball leaves on the clay.

Cons: A slower, surface—clay can often be slippery and require balance. Since the ball has a slower and higher bounce, it can be difficult to play defense. Clay also retains water, making it not ideal for rain-prone regions.  

Hard Courts

Pros: One of the most common playing surfaces, hard courts are also the most durable. Offering predictable results, it’s the best court for beginners or opponents who are on an uneven skill level. There are also a variety of low maintenance hard surfaces to choose from, making it a popular choice. Bonus— a hard surface court can also double as a basketball court!

Cons: Though durable, it’s also the toughest on lower joints. If playing on a hard court, be sure to warm up properly. In some cases, the court’s paint can affect the balls bounce and spin.

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!  

Summer Activities Perfect for Asphalt

The warmer weather is right around the corner! As summer in Connecticut begins, and school ends, it’s time to think about how you’ll be spending your days. If you are looking for some new summer activities, here are just a few that are perfect for asphalt:

Rollerblading

Rollerblading on asphalt is a safe and entertaining hobby for all ages.The smoother the surface, the better! Asphalt driveways or streets are a safer way to blade than concrete or stone. If you are looking to be a bit more active on your skates, you can always play a game of roller hockey.

Basketball

A hard, smooth surface is perfect for an intense game of basketball. You’ll see more bounce and easier movement, and if the pavement is maintained correctly, injuries are less likely.  When it comes to the upkeep of an asphalt basketball court—  minimal maintenance is required, making it a frequently used surface for local courts.

Bike Riding

Looking to teach your little ones how to ride their bikes this summer? Starting them on a flat, durable surface will help prevent an accident. But no matter what age, riding on concrete or paving stones can cause more bumps and falls. To focus more no balance and enjoy your ride, pick asphalt.

Tennis

Asphalt tennis courts are popular due to their low upkeep and variety of design options. The court can also be used for other activities like basketball. If you are looking to play an intense game of tennis, a hard asphalt surface is best.

If you are in need of a new driveway and live in Fairfield County Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, the experts at Roccies Asphalt Paving can help. Get a quote or call today!  

Seven Masonry Facts

Starting a new construction project can not only be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. If you are looking to create something that is sturdy and cost-effective— consider hiring a mason! Masonry work is not only durable, but it is also unique.  So when it comes time to build, here are seven masonry facts, which show just why masonry work has stood the test of time:

1. A Huge Part of History. Masonry is part of some of the greatest architecture and structures around the world and is a skill that has been around for over 6,000 years.

2. More Creativity and Design. With options such as stone, clay bricks, and concrete, the design combinations to choose from are limitless, making your new construction a piece of art.

3. Recycled and Ecofriendly.  Whether you are using stone, that is made with natural ingredients and requires less upkeep.

4. No Decay or Rot. With no wood, the chance of any fungus or mildew buildup is significantly reduced.

5. Less Maintenance.  There is no need to worry about rust, termites, buckles, or repainting. When you choose to go with masonry, you are choosing a more sturdy, low maintenance option.

6. Fire Resistant.  Bricks are fire proof. They will not melt, burn or become misshapen in any way.

7. Can Never Be Replaced By a Machine. Masonry is a trade that takes skill. Every stone or brick must be laid by hand. A Mason is trained to read blueprints, understand building codes and is knowledgeable in the different patterns and textures used to create custom styles that can never be replaced by a machine.

If you are looking to add some masonry work to your yard, the experts at Roccie’s can help. Contact us today so we can begin working on your piece of art!