How is Asphalt Made?

Asphalt pavement is everywhere – it accounts for roughly 93% (or 2.5 million miles) of America's paved roadways and interstates, but how much do we really know about it? Where does it come from? How is it made? This article gives you a small glimpse into the production process of asphalt pavement.

When you hear the word “asphalt”, you probably picture a smooth black concrete surface, but that is not the case. In its purest form, asphalt is a hydrocarbon mixture which is a byproduct derived from the waste material of oil refinement. During the production of asphalt cement, this hydrocarbon byproduct is heated to about 300° F, or until it has the consistency of tar. At this point, other elements such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel are mixed in to provide a solid, durable surface. When mixing is complete, the resulting product only contains about 5% asphalt and 95% crushed stone.

From there, the hot asphalt concrete is poured, flattened, and steamrolled to make the roads, parking lots, and highways that you drive on every day. Other common uses for asphalt include roofing shingles, waterproofing underground storage tanks, and improving the durability of certain dark paints and finishes.

Interested in learning more about how asphalt is made? Check out this article.

Roccie's Asphalt is a paving contractor and stone mason located in Stamford, Connecticut. Since 1956, we have provided Fairfield and Westchester counties with high-quality services at affordable prices. Visit our website to see what we can do for you or call us for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

3 Benefits of Sealcoating Your Driveway

If your home has an asphalt driveway, you know that a paving isn't cheap. A brand new asphalt surface can cost up to $4 per square foot or more in some cases, so you will want to do everything you can to protect your investment. One of the best things you can do to preserve your driveway is to sealcoat it every 3 to 5 years. Sealcoating your driveways adds a protective layer to defend the asphalt surface against UV rays, water, and oil or gasoline spills.


Here are three reasons why you should sealcoat your asphalt driveway.

• Extend the life of your driveway. Without proper care, an asphalt driveway may only last 7-10 years, but that can be doubled with a good maintenance plan. Uncoated asphalt is susceptible to damage from water, UV rays, petroleum distillates (gas and oil) and other elements. A professional quality sealcoat will help keep these elements from penetrating the surface of your driveway and deteriorating its base.
  
• A fresh finish. Remember how your asphalt driveway looked when it was freshly paved? Chances are it doesn't look like that anymore – sunlight causes the color of asphalt to fade after only a year or two. A new sealcoat will restore your driveway to that beautiful, deep black finish that you remember.
  
• Winter weather defense. A sealcoat is the perfect defense against winter weather. The dark black color will attract more sunlight to your driveway, thus allowing ice and snow to melt faster. A new sealcoat with sand mixed in will also provide more traction in slippery conditions, making your driveway safer for all. Winter is also the season where your driveway is most vulnerable to developing potholes due to the constant freezing and thawing of water, so applying sealer will help keep the asphalt flexible for a longer period of time to help prevent premature cracking.
  

Sealcoating can be done as a DIY project, but to fully reap the benefits it is recommended that you hire a professional service. Homeowners in Connecticut and New York can count on Roccie's Asphalt to provide a high quality sealcoat at just pennies per square foot. Contact us for a free estimate today by calling 1-888-88ROCCIES.

Driveway Cracks: Patch and Sealcoat or Repave?

Does your asphalt driveway have unsightly cracks or potholes? A damaged driveway can hinder your property's curb appeal and even reduce your resale value. If you want to repair your driveway you have two options: patching and sealcoating or repaving.

In this article, the asphalt experts at Roccie's Paving go over the pros and cons of both options, and which situations are appropriate for each.


Patch & Sealcoat if…
Your driveway's damage is minimal and the cracks are very small - up to 5/8ths of an inch wide. Apply crack filler to seal out moisture and prevent weed growth.. Patch small holes or other damages with a cold patch product, then apply seal coat.

Sealcoating is primarily used as a form of maintenance to protect your driveway surface from water, U.V. rays, and oil or gas spills. It also helps the pavement stay flexible longer and keeps it looking new. Sealer is also used to help blend the crack filler or patching, which can be noticeably different when placed on aged pavement

When installed correctly with a sand mixture additive, a sealcoat will also restore your driveway's beautiful jet black finish and provide a slip-resistant surface. Sealcoating is a relatively inexpensive process and can add years to the lifespan of your driveway when done every 2-4 years. However, if your driveway has large cracks or several potholes, you may have to repave.


Repave if...
Your driveway has degraded a considerable amount. For driveways which have severely deteriorated over the years, a complete repaving may be the only option.

Repaving your driveway is a complicated process which involves digging up your existing driveway, repairing weak spots in the foundation, and applying a new asphalt surface on top. In comparison to crack filling and seal coating, this process can be costly, so it’s only done as a last resort when repairing is no longer practical.

After a repaving, it is advised that homeowners follow a strict sealcoating and maintenance schedule in order to protect their investment.



Whether your asphalt driveway needs to be repaired or repaved, Roccie's Paving provides a high-quality job at an affordable rate. Roccie’s can also provide you with a way to fund the project using our “no payment option” for 30, 60, or 90 days, or low-rate financing for qualified buyers. To learn what Roccie’s can do for your Connecticut or New York home, click here to visit our website or call us for a free quote at 1-888-88-ROCCIES.

How to Prevent Your Asphalt Driveway from Cracking

For every homeowner, the inevitable day will come when you spot a crack or two in your asphalt driveway. Unfortunately it is not a matter of if, but rather when your driveway will begin to break down and develop unsightly cracks. However, there are ways to prolong the process – use these four tips to keep your asphalt driveway fresh and smooth for as long as possible.

Hire a Good Contractor
A driveway is only as strong as its foundation, so make sure yours was installed to last. Attempting to cut costs by hiring a sub-standard contractor or attempting a DIY driveway installation usually has the opposite effect – you will save some money up front, but will quickly have to spend more on repairs or even a complete repaving.

Sealcoat as Needed
The key to great driveway maintenance is a good sealcoating routine. Sealcoating your driveway provides an additional layer of protection to prevent the sun, water, and other elements from deteriorating your asphalt's binding agent. Experts recommend sealcoating your driveway every 2-3 years to preserve it's strength and appearance.

Limit Excessive Weight
Asphalt is a very durable material, but it isn't unbreakable. How much weight your driveway can endure depends on its thickness, the material used, and several other factors, but err on the side of caution and avoid placing loads of more than 10,000 pounds on yours.

Fix Small Cracks
When you first notice a small crack in your driveway, take the time to fix it before it becomes a large crack. Use a leaf blower to remove the dirt and debris and fill the crack with an emulsion or silicone grade product that can be purchased at most hardware stores. For larger cracks call a professional.

A strong, dependable asphalt driveway is just a phone call away with Roccie's Paving. For over 50 years, we have provided Connecticut and New York residents with high-quality asphalt paving services at an affordable price. From the foundation to the top layer, we take our time with each step to ensure your driveway is built to last. Call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.


Resources:
Angie's List

4 Reasons to Choose an Asphalt Driveway

Is your home in need of a new driveway? If you are searching for a reliable, long-lasting material which can also boost your home's curb appeal, look no further than asphalt. Here are four reasons why you should consider asphalt for your home's driveway.

• Durability. When properly cared for, asphalt is one of the most durable materials on the planet. Unlike concrete, asphalt is not known for scaling, shrinking, or crazing. A well-paved asphalt driveway from Roccie's Asphalt can last upwards of 20 years.
• Low Maintenance. One of asphalt's most attractive features is its low-effort maintenance. Sealcoating every two years and patching small cracks before they become problematic is all it takes to keep your driveway strong and healthy for decades.
• Eco-Friendly. If you love the environment, you will be happy to find out that asphalt is 100% recyclable and is the most-recycled material in the country. The EPA estimates that almost 75 million tons of asphalt is recycled annually, saving billions of dollars each year.
• Cold-weather Benefits. Those who live in cold-weather climates in particular should consider asphalt driveways for their homes. Asphalt is more resistant to subzero temperatures than concrete, which is known to crack and suffer from frost heaves. The deep black color of asphalt also attracts more sunlight, helping to melt snow and ice on your driveway faster.

For more than 50 years, Roccie's Paving has provided high-quality asphalt driveways and parking lots to homes and businesses in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Our customer testimonials and photo gallery speak for themselves, so call 1-888-88ROCCIES today for an obligation-free quote.