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.

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.

The 3 Golden Rules of Asphalt Maintenance

Whether you are talking about your home's driveway or a commercial parking lot, asphalt paving is a big investment. Nobody wants to pay to have their driveway repaved every five years, so follow these three rules to make your asphalt last for decades!

Rule #1: Prevent water from pooling on your asphalt surface.

Water seems like no big deal, but it is actually one of asphalt's biggest enemies. When water collects on a driveway or parking lot, it can penetrate the surface of the asphalt and infiltrate the base. This water freezes during the colder months, causing it to expand and create cracks and potholes. If you notice water pooling on your driveway, call a professional to discuss drainage solutions.

Rule #2: Clean all oil and gas spills immediately.

Oil and gas spills aren't just unsightly, they are dangerous to your driveway. Much like water can penetrate an asphalt surface, oil and gas can break down the cement's binding agent, causing premature deterioration. If you spill oil on your driveway, scrub it off immediately using a mixture of water and dish detergent.

Rule #3: Apply a fresh sealcoat every 3-5 years.

Sealcoating is a staple in any asphalt maintenance routine. A fresh sealcoat adds an extra layer of defense to the surface of your driveway – helping protect it from water, oil, and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating also restores the deep black color of your asphalt and can even patch small cracks. When you consider that sealcoating can often be applied for mere pennies per square foot, it is easy to see why it is such a smart investment!

When it comes to maintaining your asphalt surface, nobody knows more than the experts at Roccie's Asphalt. As southwestern Connecticut's premier paving contractor, don't trust anyone but us for your next driveway installation, repair, or sealcoating. If you live in Fairfield County, Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, call us for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

4 Reasons Asphalt Driveways Crack

Given enough time, every asphalt driveway will eventually crack. For some, it may only take a couple of years, while others will require a couple of decades. Many circumstances can cause an asphalt driveway to crack, but these four causes are by far the most common...

Reason #1: Poorly-installed base.

An asphalt driveway is only as good as the base it is installed on. If your driveway is built on top of a poorly-installed base, it is doomed from the start. You want to find a reputable contractor that utilizes a base consisting of crushed stone, not a lighter material such as sand or dirt.

Reason #2: Excessive weight.

Asphalt is tough, but it is not invincible. Like every material, asphalt has a weight limit, and it will break if exceeded. The exact weight limit of every driveway is different, but do your best to avoid parking large loads (such as a big rig truck or a roll-off dumpster) on yours.

Reason #3: Freeze-thaw cycle.

If you live in a cold climate, the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter can cause significant damage to your driveway. This is why so many new potholes are formed during the early spring – water penetrates the surface of the driveway and freezes when the temperature drops, causing it to expand and create pressure from under the surface.

Reason #4: They weren't maintained properly.

A little bit of maintenance can go a long way towards preserving your asphalt driveway. A staple in any good asphalt maintenance routine is sealcoating, which adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway. When applied every couple of years, a fresh sealcoat can protect your driveway from water, and prevent small surface cracks from worsening.

If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, trust the experts at Roccie's Paving to help you install and maintain your asphalt driveway. Visit us online or call 888-88-ROCCIES to learn more about our professional paving services.

How to Avoid 3 Common Summer Pavement Problems

Summer is usually a time for relaxation, but if you take a vacation from your driveway, you could be in for a costly mistake. Unfortunately, the warm weather is not without it's fair share of problems for our beloved asphalt surfaces.

Here are three of the most common problems you are likely to experience during the summer months, and what you can do to avoid them.

Standing Water

Heavy rainstorms can take their toll on your driveway, and they aren't just exclusive to the spring months. Pools of water left standing can deteriorate the binding agent in the asphalt and cause permanent damage. If you notice puddles in your driveway after every storm, contact a paving professional to discuss drainage solutions.

Sun Damage

Just like the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, they can also damage your driveway. The best way to protect asphalt from the sun is by routinely sealcoating it. Sealcoating is cheap, and by far the best way to maintain an asphalt surface.

Tire Impressions

The hot summer sun can soften an asphalt surface, causing it to become slightly impressionable. This leaves it susceptible to small tire imprints from your vehicle. Avoid this by parking your car in a different spot every day. You don't need to be on opposite ends of your driveway – just a couple of feet makes a difference.

With the help of Roccie's Asphalt, your asphalt driveway can maintain its appearance for years to come. We are the premier paving contractor in all of Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. With more than 60 years of experience, don't trust anyone else with your asphalt paving needs. Visit us online or give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES for more information.

Asphalt, Concrete, and Brick Driveways: Pros and Cons

If you are thinking about installing a new driveway, one of the biggest decisions you will face is which material to use. While many options are available, concrete, asphalt, and brick are by far the most popular. Each choice comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, read below to learn all about them.

Concrete Driveways

    Pros:

• Longevity: Concrete lasts longer than any other driveway material (25-50 years). Cracks don’t occur for quite a while and the only up-keep is stain removal.

• Temperature control: Concretes light coloring allows the temperature to stay cool for the summer months.

• Color options: You have the option to stain the color of your driveway to complement the style of your home.

• Snow removal: The texture of concrete allows snow removal to be a breeze compared to other driveway material.

    Cons:

• Costly: $4 to $8 per square foot. If your driveway spans across a larger surface area, it is suggested to go with an asphalt driveway.

• Stains: Because of concrete’s light color, it is the most prone to stains and tire marks. Removing these marks usually requires a special stain remover.

• Repairing troubles: Unless installed correctly, concrete driveways are prone to cracks caused by changes in the weather. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire driveway instead of being able to fix a specific area.

Asphalt Driveways

    Pros:

• Inexpensive: An asphalt driveway will perform much like concrete, but at a lower cost. A basic asphalt driveway costs about $2 to $5 per square foot.

• Maintenance: If you keep up with maintenance, there is no need to spend money on a new driveway, unlike concrete.

• Color: Because of it’s dark color, asphalt won’t show stains as easily as concrete does.

    Cons:

• Maintenance: If homeowners don’t keep up with topcoats, layers of sealers, and power washing, asphalt driveways can deteriorate more rapidly. Plant growth can also occur without proper maintenance, which can lead to cracks.

• Low shelf-life: Asphalt typically lasts 10 years less than concrete driveways.

• Texture: Asphalts oily texture softens in heat and sunlight, and can also become very hot in the warmer months.

Brick Driveways

    Pros:

• Maintenance: Maintaining a brick driveway is as simple as washing and sealing twice per year.

• Long lasting color: The color of brick will not change over time, which is a huge plus in our book.

• Environmentally friendly: Bricks are made from renewable resources and are very durable, which means you rarely have to replace them.

    Cons:

• Costly: Brick driveways are more labor intensive, which in turn leads to it being a bit more expensive than other material. Brick driveways, on average, cost over $15 per square foot.

• Maintenance: Uneven surfaces from tree roots, erosion, and plant growth cause serious headaches for homeowners.

• Choice Diversity (or lack thereof): Bricks are only available in certain shapes and sizes and only come in certain colors.

If you want your new driveway installed correctly, don’t trust anyone but Roccie’s Asphalt to get the job done. For more than 60 years, we have been the most trusted paving contractor in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Call us today for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

How Your Asphalt Driveway Can Water Your Landscaping

Did you know that landscape irrigation accounts for roughly one-third of all residential water use? According to the EPA, this translates to nearly 9 billion gallons of water per day!

Imagine if there was a way to reduce this number by using rainwater to irrigate our landscaping. A solution that homes across the country could implement to save billions of gallons of water.

Luckily for us, that solution already exists. It is called porous pavement.

Porous pavement is a type of asphalt that is intentionally designed and installed with small holes on the surface. This allows for water to drain through the pavement, generally into a stone bed sub-base. From there, the water slowly infiltrates the soil, providing an efficient, cost-effective way to irrigate your landscape.

Here are a few benefits offered by porous pavement:

• Reduced demand of irrigation water. Much of your landscape is watered through the pavement, helping you save money and the environment.
• Less surface water. Water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies because it causes premature deterioration. Porous pavement keeps this water off of the surface, helping to prevent damaging cracks and potholes.
• Accident prevention. Water left on the surface can cause accidents such as hydroplaning, and is a slipping hazard during the colder months.
• Naturally returns water to the ecosystem. Porous pavement is an environmentally-friendly option that allows rainwater to return to the ecosystem.

Porous pavement is most commonly used for commercial parking lots, but it works with residential driveways as well. Want to install porous pavement on your property? Contact the paving experts at Roccie's Asphalt. We have proudly served Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY for more than 60 years. Call 888-88-ROCCIES today for a free estimate.

5 Things to Think About Before Your Next Paving Project

The summer months are a very popular time for homeowners to complete paving projects around the home – whether that means a driveway, sidewalk, basketball court, or patio. Before you dive into your next paving project, consider these five factors:

Permits

Asphalt paving requires heavy machinery, and will will require a permit from your town. Research your local laws and ordinances before beginning your project to make sure you aren't breaking any laws.

Sealcoat, Resurfacing, or Repaving?

If you are repairing your asphalt driveway, it is worth into looking into all three options. Sealcoating is the cheapest and quickest, but it is not effective at repairing large cracks. Repaving on the other hand, will give you a brand new driveway, but it is the most time-consuming and expensive option.

Drainage Solution

If you are a regular reader of our blog, you know that water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies. In order to prevent your new surface from prematurely deteriorating, it is essential to have a sufficient draining system planned out and properly installed.

Materials

Your driveway is only as durable as the materials you use to build it. Using low-cost materials in an effort to save money will only wind up costing you more in the long run.

Contractor

The best materials in the world won't be effective if they are not properly installed. Choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you will have to make during the paving process. Here are some qualities to look for to help you separate the good from the bad.

Planning a paving project for your Connecticut or New York home? Look no further than Roccie's Asphalt to get the job done right. We have been the #1 paving contractor in Fairfield County and Westchester County for the past 60 years. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.

3 Reasons to Sealcoat Your Driveway

Thinking about sealcoating your driveway, but not sure if it's worth your time and money? Here are three reasons why it's one of the best decisions you can make for your asphalt driveway.

Reason #1: Sealcoating provides an extra layer of defense.

Asphalt is durable, but it's not invincible. Water, gas and oil spills, and the sun's ultraviolet rays can all call cause asphalt to deteriorate. Luckily, a fresh sealcoat adds an extra layer of defense to help protect against these elements.

Reason #2: A fresh sealcoat makes your driveway look better.

Is your driveway faded or riddled with small cracks? Sealcoating can repair minor surface damage and restore the deep black finish of a freshly-paved driveway – proof that it is just as visually appealing as it is functional.

Reason #3: Sealcoating offers a good return on investment.

Sealcoating your driveway is a relatively cheap process, often costing just pennies per square foot. Resurfacing or repaving your driveway, on the other hand, is a much bigger investment, and can cost upwards of $4 per square foot. Take into account that a routine sealcoating can double the lifespan of your driveway, and its easy to see why it is a sound financial decision.

Sometimes, unfortunately, sealcoating isn't enough. While it is a good solution for minor surface damage, deep cracks and potholes may require resurfacing from a professional contractor. If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, look no further than Roccie's Asphalt for all of your paving needs. Visit our website to learn more, or give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Meet the Roccie's Asphalt Team

Roccie's Asphalt Paving has been serving Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York for nearly 60 years. From driveways to parking lots and asphalt roads, no job it too big or too small. Take a behind the scenes look at our wonderful team that makes it all possible:

Founder: Rocco Engongoro

After serving his country in the armed forces, Rocco returned to America to begin a life at home. He knew he wanted to work with his hands, so he combined that with his love for Mother Nature and began working at a landscaping company. It was here that Rocco developed his skills in landscaping, masonry, gardening, and outdoor maintenance. In 1956, Rocco made the decision that starting his own businesses would be the best way to provide for his growing family, and Roccie's Asphalt was born.

Rocco is now in his early 90's and enjoying retirement by spending time with his family, gardening, and ballroom dancing. He his a longstanding member of the Piedmont Club and the Old Timers Athletic Association of Darien Connecticut, and attends many social social events.

President: Vincent Engongoro

Like his father, Vincent also joined the arm forces, serving honorable terms in both the Air Force and Army. Immediately following the end of his enlistments, Vinny returned home and began working for his father. Today, Vinny is the President and managing partner of Roccie's Asphalt and has served as the Vice President of the National Pavement Contractors Association. He has also been a guest speaker at the National Pavement Expo, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List. In his off time, Vinny enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife in the Florida Keys.

Office Manager: Marietta Pultz

Marietta was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, where she graduated from Stamford Catholic High School. She joined Roccie's after working in various office management jobs in the area, and is a recipient of the Certified Contractors Network highly-respected “Office Manager of the Year” award. Marietta enjoys shopping for antique furniture, Broadway plays, and spending time with her husband and three wonderful children.

Foreman/Equipment Operator: Saul Michaka

Saul joined the Roccie's team in 2001 as an unskilled laborer, but quickly learned all of the skills needed to succeed at his job. Saul was able to work his way up from the bottom, and was promoted to foreman in 2006. He has graduated from the Blaw Knox Paving School, and completed several industry leadership and asphalt installation courses. Saul enjoys watching sports, race cars, and spending time with his wife and son.

Foreman/Equipment Operator: Dan Moran

Like Saul, Dan also started as an unskilled laborer, but showed an immediate desire to learn anything and everything, which led to his promotion to foreman. Since joining our team, Dan has attended various seminars and conferences provided by the National Pavement Expo. When he isn't working, Danny is enjoying the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.

Let our team show you why we are the best that Connecticut or New York has to offer! If you are in need of any kind of paving job, visit our website or call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Spring Clean Your Driveway With These 5 Steps

Spring has arrived, and this is the time of the year when homeowners are focused on their spring cleaning checklists. While you already know to clean the inside of your home, many people tend to neglect the outside. One often-forgotten area that needs a little bit of maintenance every year is your driveway.

Take an hour to give your asphalt driveway some much-needed TLC with this spring cleaning checklist:

1. Sweep debris away. Use a push broom to sweep away any loose debris such as leaves, dirt, and lawn clippings.


2. Wash it off. Even after sweeping with a push broom, dirt and other small particles could still be hiding in the crevices of your driveway. Normally, a garden hose with a high pressure nozzle attachment should take care of it. If not, you can use a power washer to blast the debris away, but you should exercise some caution and not get too close to the pavement with the spray tip. This can cause damage to the surface.


3. Scrub away the stains. If you've got any oil marks on your driveway, take this time to get rid of them. Not only are they unsightly, but oil stains can deteriorate the binding agent in your driveway. To remove them, apply a generous amount of cleaning agent (baking soda, dish soap, or powdered laundry detergent) to the stain and allow it to sit for five minutes. Mix warm water and more cleaning agent in a bucket, and use this solution to scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush. Once the stain is completely gone, use a hose to wash away the excess cleaning solution.


4. Patch any potholes. Potholes in your driveway are primarily formed during the winter months. Water from melting snow penetrates the surface of the asphalt, where it then freezes and expands, creating small cracks in your driveway which eventually grow into pot holes. Click here for step-by-step crack patching instructions for your asphalt driveway.


5. Apply seal coat. Asphalt Seal Coat should be applied to provide a uniformed surface color and help protect from future oil and gas spills. You can do this yourself, or hire a professional contractor to do it for you.

If your driveway is riddled with cracks and potholes, it may be time to consider surface maintenance (patching and seal coat), resurfacing, or even a complete repaving. Connecticut homeowners have turned to Roccie's Asphalt Paving for all of their paving needs since 1956. We have provided professional asphalt paving and masonry services to thousands of homes in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York.

Call us today for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.