What Qualities You Should Look for in a Paving Contractor

Paving companies come in many shapes and sizes. No matter what area of the country you are in or what you need paved; be it a driveway, parking lot, blacktop, or something else; chances are you will have a variety of contractors to choose from. All of these choices may overwhelm you, especially when you don't know the first thing about paving projects. Luckily for you, the Stasi Brothers are here to help. Here are six key qualities you should seek when evaluating contractors.

Licensing & Certification

First things first. Most states require contractors to be licensed and certified in order to operate. This is to protect the customer from rip-offs and poor workmanship. Make sure all of the companies that you are considering have the proper licenses and certifications to conduct business in your state.

Price

Generally speaking, cheaper is better. However, this is not necessarily the case when getting quoted by a paving company. A cheaper price may mean lower quality materials, which will deteriorate faster and end up costing you more money in the long run. You should also consider factors such as if the price includes the removal of existing surfaces and clean up, and the estimated duration of the project.

Experience

It is important to research the history prospective companies and find out how long they have been in business. While quality of work is not solely determined by experience, it is easier to trust someone who has been in business for 50 years than it is to trust someone who has only completed a handful of jobs.

Reputation

This may be the most important quality on this list. A well-respected contractor with a sterling reputation makes it easy to sleep at night knowing that you have made the right choice. In order to accurately judge a company's reputation, it is important to use multiple sources. Searching the company online, asking them to provide testimonials, and seeing their past jobs in person are just some ways you can measure the quality of their work. 

Knowledge & Professionalism

A paving contractor should be knowledgeable and professional in your interactions. Ask several questions about the assignment. If they answer these questions quickly, confidently, and directly, it is a good sign. The contractor should always be punctual, courteous, and mindful of your worries and concerns when talking to them.

Warranties

If the company does not offer any warranties, it is a red flag. A company that is truly confident in their work will stand behind it and offer some kind of guarantee. Ask prospective companies what their warranty policies are and keep them in mind as you make your decision. 

If you are looking for a paving company in Nassau County, look no further than Stasi Brothers. For over 50 years, we have been meeting the asphalt needs of Long Island. Call 516-997-PAVE for a quote and like us on Facebook to stay up to date with company news.

How to Patch up Concrete Cracks

Although concrete is a durable surface, cracks happen. Whether you hate how they look or want to close up potential entry points for groundwater and insects, you’ll be happy to know that fixing cracks in concrete is possible!

Here in New York, concrete cracks are most often caused by seasonal temperature changes. Winter’s freezing and thawing cycles are tough on concrete, and in the summer, concrete expands. Cracks can also develop due to tree roots and movement in the soil. Here’s how to patch them up:

1. Clean your concrete

The first step is to thoroughly clean your driveway using a pressure washer. This will remove mold and mildew as well as dirt. Be sure to get into the cracks to remove dirt, debris and loose concrete.

2. Mix new concrete

Empty dry concrete mix into a bucket, and mix with water until you’ve reached a consistency similar to that of cookie dough.

3. Pour concrete into cracks

Once you’ve got the concrete all mixed up, pour it carefully into the cracks you wish to repair. Use a flat-edged tool to work the mixture in. Then, smooth it out.

4. Dry

The concrete will have to dry overnight. You may choose to resurface the entire area afterwards. This will help create a consistent look.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-7283! We can also redo an entire space if your concrete cracks are too damaged to fix. Follow us on Google+ for more tips from Stasi Brothers.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Which Is Right for Your Driveway?

When it comes to paving a driveway, the two most popular options are asphalt and concrete. While both surfaces are similar, there are key differences that need to be taken into account. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each:

Asphalt

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Less likely to crack
• Less likely to show stains
• Easy to repair
•  Easy to tint
• Flexible strength
• Salt resistant

Cons:

• Short lifespan
•  Maintenance required every few years
• Oily texture softens when it’s hot
• Rough edges

Concrete

photo credit: SupremeCrete via photopin cc

Pros:

• Longer lifespan (30-40 years)
• Low maintenance
• Does not soften when it’s hot
• Easy to color and score
• Resists indentation
• Pothole and weather-resistant
• Stays cool in the summer heat

Cons:

• 40-60 percent more expensive than asphalt
• Prone to cracking
• Not easy to repair
• Easily stained

Did this list of pros and cons help you decide whether concrete or asphalt is better for your driveway? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.