Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Stairs and Sidewalk

Halloween is next week, and people are beginning to turn their homes into haunted houses for the hundreds of trick-or-treaters who will visit on October 31^st. If you are having trouble thinking of ways to spook the neighborhood kids, Stasi Brothers has you covered. We are normally known for paving walkways and staircases, but in the spirit of Halloween, we can help you decorate them too.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Turn your porch into a bat cave

If you are looking for ways to make your doorstep a little more spooky, consider turning it into a bat cave. Those who are brave enough to ring your doorbell will be sure to remember the one-of-a-kind Halloween décor. Martha Stewart provides step-by-step instructions using only construction paper, a pair of scissors, and painter's tape. 

Sidewalk cemetery

Make trick-or-treaters think twice before walking up to your house by turning your walkway into a graveyard. Fake tombstones can be purchased for cheap at just about any store that sells Halloween decorations. Line your sidewalk with these decorative grave markers to give your house an instant spook factor.

A staircase full of jack-o-lanterns

Your front stairs can be as welcoming or terrifying as you'd like with a variety of jack-o-lanterns. Simply grab a handful of pumpkins and start carving them. Use bat, witch, and monster designs to add a menacing look, or carve silly faces and the words “trick or treat!” into the pumpkins to give off a more approachable vibe.

Photo Courtesy of DIY Network

Spider Web Wreath

Door wreaths are a common decoration on many homes, regardless of the season. Put a spooky spin on this tradition with a wreath designed to look like a spider web. Give your visitors goosebumps and make their skin crawl as they lay eyes on dozens of fake spiders sitting on your door. These can be purchased at Halloween stores or you can make them yourself.

Stasi Brothers has been Nassau County's number one paving contractor for 52 proud years. We offer a variety of residential and commercial services and have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You can visit our website for a list of our services or like us on Facebook for company news, promotions, and tips.

Prepare Your Driveway for Winter in 3 Easy Steps

Winter is right around the corner, is your driveway prepared? The harsh winter weather not only takes its toll on us, our homes, and our cars – but our driveways as well. If you do not properly prepare your driveway for the winter, it might not look the same come spring. Follow these three steps from Stasi Brothers to make sure your driveway is as ready as you are.

Repair All Cracks and Potholes

Use this time of the year to fill all of the cracks and holes in your driveway before it is underneath a blanket of snow. If you don't repair the damages before the winter season, you are leaving them susceptible to getting worse. During the winter time, water can start to puddle in these cracks due to rain, sleet, slush, and melted snow. When the temperature dips below 32°F, this water freezes and expands, forcing the cracks to expand with it. If your driveway is in relatively good shape, you can do these repairs yourself in only an hour or two. We have a guide for this here. If there are numerous large cracks and deep potholes in your driveway, you will have to get it professionally repaired. If you live in Nassau County, Stasi Brothers can provide these services.

Apply Sealcoat

After your driveway is patched and level, the next step is to apply a layer of sealcoat. This can be done by the homeowner or a professional contractor, such as Stasi Brothers. Applying sealcoat to your driveway adds an extra layer of protection against the harsh winter weather. If correctly applied, it will also fill in minor imperfections and provide a beautiful, slip-resistant finish that makes your driveway look new. Regularly maintaining your driveway by applying sealcoat every couple of years can also more than triple the life of your driveway.

Stock Up Now

Rather than waiting until the day before the first big storm, take a trip to the hardware store now and get any supplies you may need for the winter. You will save yourself the headache of dealing with crowds of people, long lines, and out-of-stock products. If you have a snow blower, start it up to make sure that it is running properly. If you prefer to clear your driveway the old fashioned way, make sure you have at least two shovels in case there is too much snow for a one-man job. Grab a couple of containers of play sand or kitty litter to add traction when your driveways become slippery. Avoid salt and chemical deicers – not only are they bad for the environment, they can also cause serious damage to your driveway.

If you need your driveway prepared for winter, call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-PAVE. When the snow does hit, we also offer snow removal services. Visit our website for more information, and make sure to like us on Facebook for more tips as winter approaches.

How to Patch Potholes in Your Driveway

Winter is almost here, and that means a lot of snow, ice, and slush is on the way. Not only does this mean extra layers for you, but it means extra damage for roads, sidewalks, and your asphalt driveway. If you currently have any cracks or potholes in your driveway, expect them to get worse this winter due to the weather conditions. One way to prevent this is by patching your driveway before the first snowfall. This is a quick job that can be done in less than an hour and will save you time and money down the road. Stasi Brothers has provided you with a quick, concise guide on patching your asphalt driveway in seven easy steps.

1. Remove any objects and debris from the hole. It is not necessary to remove every particle, but large objects should be removed either by hand or with a shovel.

2. Pick up some cold asphalt patch at a local hardware store. Most places sell this in 50 lb bags or 5 gallon buckets. How much patch you need is dependent on the size of the pothole, but anything smaller than a one foot diameter up to four inches deep should be fixed with one 50 lb bag.

3. Pour the asphalt patch into the pothole. If you cannot lift the bag or the bucket, you can shovel it in. Stop when you have poured about two inches of the material into the hole.

4. Compress the asphalt patch. This is the key to a good fix. You can compress this with a hand tamp or a shovel, but whatever you use, make sure to press it down tight.

5. Repeat this process of pouring and compressing until the hole is filled and the patching material is flush with the rest of your driveway.

6. Cover the patch with a piece of cardboard or plywood for 48-72 hours. This isn't necessary, however it will produce better results.

7. Remove the cover and enjoy your patched up asphalt driveway!

Remember: only use this method if you have one or two small potholes. If your driveway is covered in cracks in holes, it may be time to repave it. If you live in Nassau County, call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-PAVE. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more asphalt tips.

What You Should Do Before Installing An Outdoor Patio

Check Your Local Laws & Regulations

If you are thinking about adding an outdoor patio to your home, you must make sure you do it legally. To save yourself from running into future trouble, check your local and state building codes to make sure that you obtain any necessary permits before you start planning or constructing your new outdoor patio.

Develop a Budget

Your budget doesn't need to be an exact spreadsheet of anticipated expenses down to the cent, but having a rough estimate will prevent you from overspending. A budget will give you an idea of what materials and services you can afford and will save you from spending more than you can afford on this project.

Locate Your Utility Lines

Before any digging begins, before you even pick the location of your patio, you should check to see if you have any underground utility lines in your yard and where they might be. A national “call before you dig” phone number can be reached by dialing 811 before starting any job which requires digging. Even jobs as small as planting a tree should be checked before starting to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Choose a Size and Location

Now it is time to plan the layout of your outdoor patio. Where do you want it to be located? How big do you want it to be? These are questions you should ask yourself during this phase of planning. Once you settle on a location, outline it with stakes in the ground tied with string and observe this area for a few days. Is it getting adequate sunlight? Does it take up too much of your yard? This is the time to change your mind about the physical aspects of your patio, not after it is already built.

Determine How You Will Use Your Patio

What is your patio going to be used for? If you plan on pacing something heavy on top of it, such as a grill, it is important to consider it now so that you can reinforce the base where necessary. It is also important to think about any gas, water, or electric lines you may require in the future so you can plan to make these future installations as easy as possible.

Choose Materials

This will be largely dictated by your budget, but your personal taste and preference also plays a role. Patios can be made out of concrete, stone, tile, or brick – all offering their own unique look. To get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each, you can look at this guide by How Stuff Works.

Hire a Contractor

Now comes the easy part; hiring a contractor to build your dream patio for you. If you live in Nassau County, you can simply give Stasi Brothers a call at 516-997-7283. We have been installing home patios for over 50 years, and the Better Business Bureau has accredited us with a rare A+ rating. If you do not live on Long Island or nearby, it is best to contact many contractors who provide service in your area and get quotes from them. Research to see which of these provide the highest-quality work and make sure you know exactly what their quote covers.

To learn more about Stasi Brothers and our services, you can visit our website or like us on Facebook.

5 Things You Didn't Know About Asphalt

 

Asphalt is one of America's most used materials – it is responsible for millions of miles worth of roads, parking lots, and highways. This is because it offers many benefits including cost-effectiveness, durability, and installation speed. Even though we drive on it every day back and forth from work, many people know almost nothing about it. Here are five facts about one of the most taken for granted substances in the world.

1. Of America's 2.6 million miles of paved roads, 93% are surfaced with asphalt.
2. The asphalt industry annually produces more than 500 million tons of asphalt concrete and employs over 300,000 Americans.
3. Asphalt is composed of roughly 95% stone and gravel and 5% asphalt cement, which is a petroleum product. The cement acts as a glue to hold the rock together.
4. Asphalt is America's most recycled material.
5. Asphalt it the most cost-efficient option for paving your driveway. With minimal maintenance, an asphalt driveway can last well over twenty years.

If you live in Nassau County and are considering an asphalt driveway, give Stasi Brothers a call at 516-997-PAVE. We have over 50 years of experience paving driveways, roads, and parking lots and have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You can also visit our website for more information or like us on Facebook for company news, promotions, and tips.

Source: AsphaltPavement.org

Driveway Repairs: Sealcoat or Repave?

Whether it is for resale value or maintaining a reputation around your neighborhood, homeowners know the importance of good curb appeal. Though it can greatly help or hurt a home's first impression, many people overlook the importance of an aesthetic driveway. If yours has cracks, holes, or other imperfections you have two options of fixing it; sealcoating and repaving. We will discuss the differences, pros, and cons of both methods below.

Sealcoating

As Sealmaster explains it, asphalt pavement is composed primarily stone held together by a binder known as asphalt cement. Over time, this binder begins to deteriorate due to a number of things such as U.V. Rays, water and rain, and daily/seasonal heating and cooling cycles which cause the pavement to expand and contract. Preserving this binder is the key to maintaining an appealing, healthy driveway.

The process of sealcoating involves installing a protective layer, known as a sealcoat, on the top level of your driveway. When applied correctly, this coating fills in minor cracks, provides a slip-resistant surface, and provides a beautiful black finish that makes your driveway look new.

Sealcoating should be used as a means of maintenance, it is not effective if your driveway is already badly degraded. When regularly applied as part of a maintenance schedule, sealcoating can more than triple the life of your asphalt driveway. How often you should sealcoat your driveway depends on what part of the world you live in and the climate conditions of your region. Contact a local paving contractor and ask if it's time for a fresh sealcoat.

Repaving

While sealcoating is used to maintain your new driveway and patch up minor impurities, repaving is the only option for driveways with severe deterioration. This is a complicated process that involves digging up your existing asphalt, repairing any weak spots in the foundation, then applying a brand new surface on top.

After your driveway gets repaved, your maintenance program should reset in order to preserve your investment for as long as possible. This means sealcoating every six months to a year, depending on where you live. Ask the contractor you hired what schedule is best for your driveway.

While repaving essentially gives you a new asphalt driveway, it is very expensive, costing several thousand dollars more than a sealcoat. Because of this, repaving should only be used when your driveway has decayed so much that a sealcoat would not help.

Stasi Brothers has been sealcoating and repaving residential driveways and commercial parking lots on Long Island for decades, leaving customers satisfied for more than 50 years. If you live in Nassau County and need your driveway repaired or repaved, call 516-997-PAVE today. You can also like us on Facebook to stay up to date with company news and receive contracting service-related facts and tips like these.

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.