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.

Driveway Damage: Repair, Resurface, or Repave?

As a homeowner, you understand the importance of maintaining your property – from your home, to your landscaping, to your driveway. If your driveway is damaged, it is important to fix the problem before it worsens. But with so many options (such as crack filling, seal coating, resurfacing, repaving, etc.), it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is.

Luckily, the experts at Roccie's Paving are here to help.

Driveway Repairs

Driveway repairs are quick fixes for small cracks and holes. Most of these can be done without any professional help, using cold patch or sealant from your local hardware store. This is the best option to fix minor damage, which is usually defined as cracks less than 5/8 of an inch wide. More serious, widespread cracking may call for further measures.

Driveway Resurfacing

For more subs reqtantial damage, a driveway resurfacing may beuired. During a driveway resurface, a professional contractor essentially removes the top layer of your driveway and replaces it. This is a good option when the surface of your driveway is severely damaged, but there are no problems within the foundation.

Driveway Repaving

For driveways that have completely deteriorated, a full repave is the only option. Other remedies, such as sealcoating and crack filling, may provide a temporary fix, but the problems will be back before long. Repaving is a complicated process that involves digging up your old driveway, identifying and repairing weak spots in the foundation, then installing a new asphalt surface on top. This is the most expensive option, so it should only be used as a last resort when repairing is no longer practical.

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 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.

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 Separate a Reputable Contractor from a Scam

Not all contractors are created equal. In fact, when it comes to the home improvement and paving industries, many “contractors” are not contractors at all. Read through these tips from Roccie's Asphalt to avoid scammers and make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.

When it comes to paperwork...

A reputable contractor will have everything a buyer needs to feel comfortable. This includes proper licensing, insurance, and a portfolio of their past work or a list of references. Their trucks will be marked with their company name, and they should have a website, landline, and email address. A quick Google search for their name should yield results from the BBB, Angie's List, and other similar reference sites.

A scammer won't have any of these things. They are generally unlicensed, uninsured, and have no references to show their potential customers. Their trucks will be unmarked, and they will have no online presence or contact information to speak of – maybe a cell phone number which can easily be disconnected after they take your money.

When it comes to sales tactics...

A reputable contractor will treat you with respect and patience. They will take the time to explain their process step by step, and should never pressure you into making a decision on the spot. If you need some time to do research, they will be understanding and give you a phone number to call back when you are ready to make a decision.

A scammer will do everything they can to get your money then and there. This includes unsolicited visits and high-pressure sales tactics. Be suspicious of someone who shows up to your home in an unmarked vehicle, saying that they have leftover materials from a job they just finished down the road and can give you a great price. This is a very common scam that many homeowners fall victim to.

When it comes to pricing...

A reputable contractor will offer a price that falls somewhere in range of market value. A good contractor should give you a written estimate that includes a firm price, as well as the materials and processes that will be used during installation.

A scammer will low-ball you in order to draw your interest. They will say things such as “this price is only good for the next 24 hours” so you don't have time to do your research. If the price sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

Looking for a reputable paving contractor? Look no further than Roccie's Asphalt. For more than 60 years, we have been the premier choice for homeowners in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Visit us online for more information, or give us a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.

3 Common Misconceptions About Asphalt Paving

Although asphalt is one of the most commonly-used materials in the world, there is still a lot of misinformation being spread about it. Luckily, the experts at Roccie's Paving are here to defend this wonderful material by clearing up these three common misconceptions about asphalt paving.

Misconception #1: Asphalt is expensive.

Many people opt for concrete driveways because they are under the belief that they are cheaper than asphalt. The truth is, the price of concrete can be more than double that of asphalt, in terms of both installation and repair.

Misconception #2: Asphalt is not durable.

Asphalt has a bad reputation because people see alligator cracks and potholes and assume that happens to every asphalt surface. In reality, these problems occur as a result of poor maintenance or pre-existing problems beneath the surface. A properly-installed asphalt driveway can last upwards of 30 years with a little bit of maintenance and occasional sealcoating.

Misconception #3: Asphalt is not environmentally-friendly.

Because of the black, tarlike consistency of asphalt, it is perceived to be bad for the environment. Contrary to popular belief, this could not be further from the truth. Believe it or not, asphalt is one of the most eco-friendly materials on the planet. It is 100% recyclable and is actually the most-recycled material in the country. Not to mention the fact that porous asphalt reduces water runoff and allows more rainwater to reach the soil in the ground.

Want to get started on your next asphalt paving project? The experts at Roccie's Asphalt are just a phone call away! If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.

6 Surefire Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is mentioned all the time in the real estate world, and can be a make or break factor when selling your home.

Even if you aren't looking to put your home on the market, maintaining good curb appeal is a great way to awe your house guests and make your neighbors jealous. Here are six ways you can improve yours.

Tidy Up Your Landscaping

Curb appeal is just as much about your landscaping as it is about your home. Do whatever you need to get your yard in shape – mowing your lawn, trimming your hedges, pulling weeds, mulching your garden beds, and planting some colorful flowers are all good places to start.

Re-Paint Your Siding

Your siding makes up a majority of your home's exterior, so it is important that yours looks as good as possible. On average, wood and aluminum siding should be repainted every five years to maintain good appearance. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is colored all the way through, so it never needs to be touched up.

Refresh Your Hardware

Sometimes, the little things make the biggest difference. Installing new locks, doorknobs, and house numbers can all make your home stand out that much more.

Make Any Necessary Repairs

Does your home have any obvious eyesores – such as missing shingles, rotting wood, or cracked windows? Spend some time to fix them; your home will thank you!

Fix Up Your Front Door

Your home starts at the front door, don't you want to make a good first impression? According to Remodeling Magazine, installing a new steel entry door offers a return of investment of over 90% and is one of the best investments you can make for your home.

Install a New Driveway

The driveway is one of the first things that your guests see when they pull up to your house. A freshly-paved asphalt surface or beautifully-designed brick driveway can help make your home the talk of the neighborhood.

Looking for more ways to improve your curb appeal? Check out these 20 ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.

If you live in Fairfield County, Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, Roccie's Asphalt can help you with all of your paving and stonework needs. We offer professional asphalt driveway installations and masonry services, and have an A+ accreditation rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call us for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

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.

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.