A Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist for Your Asphalt Driveway

Did you know that an asphalt driveway can last upwards of 25 years with proper upkeep? A poorly-maintained driveway, on the other hand, may not even last ten years. Since repaving projects aren't cheap, it is important to take good care of your driveway in order to maximize your investment.

Follow this maintenance checklist from the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to keep your driveway in tip-top shape for years to come:

• Sweep away leaves and debris every week. Leaves, grass clippings, and other debris can cause uneven fading. Sweep them away with a push broom and wash down your driveway with a garden hose to clear off stubborn debris.
   
• Clean up all oil and gas spills immediately. Oil and gas spills can break down the binding agent in your driveway, causing premature deterioration. Clean up all spills immediately using a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for drainage problems. Believe it or not, water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies. If you notice puddling in your driveway after each rainfall, contact a paving contractor to discuss drainage solutions.

• Patch cracks and potholes as they form. A small crack or pothole in your driveway can quickly turn into a big problem if it is not fixed. It's much easier (and cheaper) to fill a small crack than paying to get your driveway professionally resurfaced. 
   
• Apply a fresh sealcoat every 3-5 years. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway, helping to protect it against water, gas spills, and ultraviolet rays. For best results, sealcoat your driveway every 3-5 years.

If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, trust the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to help you maintain a pristine driveway. Call us for all of your asphalt paving, repair, sealcoating, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

About Our Services | Roccie's Asphalt Paving

Roccie's Asphalt has been in business since 1956, yet many of our customers still don't know about all of the services we provide. If you think all we do is driveways, you'll be pleased to learn about our other offerings, including:

Driveway Installation, Repair, Sealcoating, and Resurfacing. An asphalt driveway is only as good as the contractor who installs it. Roccie's Asphalt uses the highest quality materials and knowledgeable workers to install a long-lasting driveway that will look beautiful for years to come. Whether you need a new driveway installed, or just need your existing one repaired, look no further than us.

Commercial Parking Lot Services. Businesses can also take advantage of our paving services to make their parking a focal point of their facility. A freshly-paved parking lot can offer a company many benefits, including expanded parking, increased foot traffic, and less chance of injury and vehicular damage.

Basketball and Tennis Court Installations. Have you always dreamed of having a basketball or tennis court in your back yard? Let our paving experts turn that dream into a reality. We can help you transform your home into your very own private sports venue.

Masonry and Decorative Stone Finishes. Nothing complements an asphalt driveway quite like a well-constructed masonry structure, or decorative stone detailing. Our masonry team are truly artists at work, carefully laying brick after brick until they have turned your project into a piece of art that your neighbors will envy.

Roccie's Asphalt proudly serves Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Visit our website for more information, or call us for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Common Driveway Drainage Problems and Solutions

Did you know that water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies? While it may be a refreshing drink for us, water left standing on your driveway can cause cracks, potholes, and premature deterioration. If you notice puddles and pools forming after every rainstorm, this indicates a serious drainage issue.

Here are three common reasons for driveway drainage problems, and a few things you can do to correct them.

Improper Driveway Slope

The most effective weapon in combating driveway drainage problems is a healthy slope. Ideally, your driveway should be sloped slightly away from your home so that rainwater washes into the street or another designated drainage area. If your driveway isn't properly sloped, it may need to be graded by a professional contractor.

Poor Downspout Placement

Gutters play an important role for the home: protecting it from water damage. The sole purpose of the gutter system is to direct rain water away from your home and foundation. Unfortunately, many downspouts are emptied directly onto driveways, where the water can have an equally devastating effect. Use a downspout extender to keep water as far away from your home (and driveway) as possible.

Surface Damage

If your driveway is covered in cracks and potholes, it provides crevices for water to collect in. It also creates an easier path for water to infiltrate the foundation of your driveway, where it can begin to deteriorate the base. The best way to fix this problem is to patch all of your cracks as soon as they form, and sealcoat your driveway every few years.

In addition to these solutions, supplemental drainage components – such as trench drains – may need to be installed. If you live in Connecticut and suffer from any of these driveway drainage problems, give the paving experts at Roccie's Asphalt a call at 888-88-ROCCIES.