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.

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.

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.

What You Need to Know About Sealcoating

If you want a long-lasting driveway that looks like new for years to come, sealcoating is your best friend. If you aren't already familiar with sealcoating, the experts at Roccie's Paving are here to provide you with everything you need to know...

What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating is the application of a specialized spray to a paved surface. As evident by its name, a sealcoat is literally a coat that acts as a sealant, helping to preserve the asphalt surface.

What are the benefits of sealcoating?

First and foremost, regularly sealcoating your asphalt surface can greatly extend it's lifespan. A sealcoat provides an extra layer of defense, helping to protect your driveway or parking lot against damage from water, oil, UV rays, and other elements that may cause premature deterioration. A fresh sealcoat can also restore the rich black color of an asphalt surface, patch up several small cracks at once, and provide extra traction in slippery conditions.

How often should I sealcoat my driveway?

As a general rule of thumb, you should sealcoat your driveway or parking lot once every 3-5 years. However, your surface could require more frequent sealcoating based on the type and size of your surface, as well environmental factors.

Is sealcoating expensive?

Not at all. Sealcoating can usually be applied for just pennies per square foot. When you take into account the cost of resurfacing or repaving a damaged driveway, sealcoating is a very smart investment.

Where can I find a qualified contractor to sealcoat my driveway or parking lot?

If you live in Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY, look no further than Roccie's Paving for all of your asphalt installation and maintenance needs. With more than 50 years of experience and an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we give you peace of mind knowing that your driveway is in good hands. Call us today for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

Why Property Owners Choose Asphalt Over Other Paving Materials

When it comes to commercial paving projects, property owners around the country continue to choose asphalt as their preferred paving material. For many of them, the choice is a no-brainer. Asphalt is cost-efficient, long-lasting, and 100% recyclable, making it the clear choice for commercial paving projects everywhere.

Cost-Efficient

When it comes to minimizing costs, there is no better paving material than asphalt. Initial installation is very affordable, but the (lack of) upkeep costs is what truly sets asphalt apart from concrete and other materials. Maintenance is not only cheap (sealcoating costs just pennies per square foot), it is seldom required (once every 2-3 years).

Curb Appeal

With routine cleaning and sealcoating, an asphalt surface will continue to look great for years to come. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of defense to your parking lot, helping to prevent damage from water, oil spills, and ultraviolet rays. A fresh sealcoat also restores a beautiful, deep black finish; keeping your asphalt surface rich and looking like new.

Long-Lasting

Asphalt is one of the most durable materials on the planet. With a proper maintenance schedule, it is common to see an asphalt parking lot last upwards of 20 years. In the event that you do need to have your surface repaired, asphalt can be restored in as little as one or two days, helping you prevent costly downtime.

If you are a property manager in Westchester County NY or Fairfield County CT, look no further than Roccie's Asphalt for your next paving project. With more than 50 years of experience, we know how to deliver a high-quality paving project at an affordable price. Call us for all of your installation, repair, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

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.