How to Prepare Your Driveway for the Fall

Today is September 22^nd, also known as the first day of autumn. While the fall is a relaxing season for many of us, it can be very damaging to our asphalt driveways. Follow these tips from Roccie's Asphalt to make sure your driveway is ready for the change of seasons.

Get Your Gutter System in Check.

A poorly-functioning gutter system can cause all kinds of damage to your driveway. Keep your gutters in tip-top shape by cleaning them once leaves begin to fall from your trees. You should also make sure that your downspout does not dump water onto your driveway – use an extender if necessary.

Seal Any Cracks – No Matter How Small.

That small crack on your driveway can turn into a very big crack by the time spring rolls around. This is because water can enter the crack and freeze when the temperature drops, causing it to expand and create pressure on your asphalt. This freeze-thaw cycle can happen several times during the fall and winter seasons, which is why many potholes appear during the spring months.

Clean Your Driveway Regularly.

Use a push broom or leaf blower to keep your driveway clear of fallen leaves. If left to sit on your driveway for an extended period of time, these leaves can cause uneven fading.

Apply a Fresh Sealcoat.

A sealcoat adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway; helping to protect it from water, oil spills, and UV rays. The fall is the perfect time to sealcoat your driveway because it can defend your asphalt from the continuous freeze-thaw cycles.

Need help making sure your driveway is prepared for the cold season? Look no further than Roccie's Asphalt! Our paving experts have more than 50 years of experience installing, repairing, and sealcoating asphalt driveways. If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Asphalt Driveway

The weather is cooling down, football season has kicked off, and the coffee shop around the corner is now serving its seasonal pumpkin lattes. While autumn doesn't officially start for another week or so, it will be here before you know it.

Be prepared this fall and use these tips to keep your asphalt driveway strong and robust for another cold season.

If you haven't sealcoated in 2+ years, do it now.

Winter is the most damaging season for asphalt driveways. If you live in a cold climate, melted snow and ice can penetrate your driveways surface and get into the base. When this water re-freezes, it expands, causing structural damage to the foundation of your driveway. Taking the time to sealcoat during the fall will help prevent winter damage.

Keep your driveway clear of leaves and other debris.

It is important to keep your driveway clear of dirt, grass clippings, and other lawn debris year-round, but during the fall, the leaves present an added challenge. Use a push broom or a leaf blower to keep fallen leaves off of your driveway, they will cause uneven fading from the sun.

Take care of your drainage.

Hurricane season runs through November 30 on the Atlantic Coast, so there is a very real possibility that you will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms within the upcoming months. As mentioned in this blog, water is one of asphalts three biggest enemies, so you will want to make sure to have a proper driveway drainage system in place to keep water flowing away from your driveway.

Do you need an extra hand preparing your driveway for fall and winter? If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY look no further than Roccie's Paving! We offer a full suite of services for your asphalt driveway such as sealcoating, repaving, and drainage system installation. Visit our website for more information or give us a call for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Summer Tips for Your Asphalt Driveway

Summer is almost here, which means you will be spending more time outside, and inevitably more time with your asphalt driveway; so you will want to make sure that it looks its best. Here are some things you can do this summer to help keep your driveway in pristine condition and protect your investment.

Keep Your Driveway Clear of Lawn Debris

Leaving dirt, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris on your driveway for long periods of time can cause uneven fading. Whenever you perform any kind of landscaping, lawn mowing, or other yard work around the house, take an extra minute to sweep off your driveway or wash it down with a hose.

Avoid Parking in the Exact Same Spot
Heavy loads placed on the same spot for long periods of time may eventually cause your asphalt driveway to settle unevenly, especially in the summer when the hot temperatures make the surface softer and more impressionable. Make a conscious effort to park in a different spot every day, even if it is only a foot or two away, and avoid leaving a vehicle parked for several days at a time.


Keep Sharp Objects Off the Surface
It is always recommended to keep sharp objects off of your asphalt driveway, but this is especially important during the summertime. Motorcycle kickstands, lawn chairs, grill legs, and even high heel shoes can place a significant amount of weight on a small surface area and lead to punctures and holes in your asphalt driveway.


Keep Cool
If you have an irrigation system, adjust the heads to spray a little water on the driveway. This will help keep the surface cool on the warmest of days.


If your driveway is discolored, cracked, or full of potholes, Roccie's Asphalt can provide you with a new asphalt surface which will enhance your home's curb appeal and even boost your resale value. Serving Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, Roccie's Asphalt has over 50 years of paving experience. Click here to visit our website or call us for a no-hassle, obligation-free estimate at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

3 Keys to Maintaining an Asphalt Driveway

As soon as your freshly-laid asphalt driveway cools off, the aging process begins. From that moment, the sun, oil, water, salt and many other environmental elements slowly break down your driveway. Use these three tips to combat these factors and keep your asphalt pavement strong for years to come.

Sealcoat Every 2-3 Years

When it comes to maintenance, sealcoating your driveway is as essential as changing your car's oil. Sealcoating your asphalt can more than triple its lifespan by adding a protective layer to the top in order to keep out water, oil, and UV rays – all of which are damaging to your driveway. A fresh sealcoat will also restore fading asphalt to a deep black finish to keep it looking like new for decades.

Clean Oil Spills Immediately

If left unattended, oil spills can quickly deteriorate the integrity of your asphalt driveway. If you notice an oil spot on your driveway, clean it up immediately to prevent long-term damage. Oil spills can be cleaned with a bucket of water, some dish detergent, and a little bit of elbow grease. Scrub the soap into the oil spot with a brush and rinse with hot water – repeat this process until all traces of the stain are gone.

Keep Driveway Clear of Snow

If you live in an area where snowfall is common during the winter, make a conscious effort to promptly shovel your driveway after each storm. If left to sit, water from the snow can penetrate your driveway's surface. When the weather fluctuates, this water will repeatedly freeze and thaw, and eventually lead to cracks and potholes.

Roccie's Asphalt has been Connecticut's premier paving company for the past 50 years. Home and business owners alike have trusted us to provide them with high-quality asphalt pavings, sealcoating services, masonry, and more. If it has been more than three years since your last sealcoat, contact us for a free quote today at 1-888-88ROCCIES.