How to Remove Oil Stains from an Asphalt Driveway

Did you know that August is National Curb Appeal Month? All month, homeowners have been encouraged to improve the visual appeal of their property, as seen from the street. Many homeowners know that this can include their house's paint, roofing, windows, lawn, and garden, but not many people think about their driveway. Nothing can ruin the attractiveness of an asphalt driveway like the eyesore of an oil stain.

We at Stasi Brothers know a thing or two about asphalt, as well as the importance of good home aesthetics. Here are some ways to remove a pesky oil stain from your driveway.

The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove. If you notice an oil stain tarnishing your driveway, you should begin trying to remove it as soon as possible. The longer you leave the stain to soak into the pavement, the more difficult it becomes to get rid of.

You can use what you already have. The good news about these oil stains is that they can be removed with common household products. After you soak up the excess oil with a disposable cloth or rag, you can eliminate what is left with one of the following products:

• Cat Litter – pour a generous amount of kitty litter over the stain and gently rub it into the ground with your foot. Allow the litter to sit for at least two hours (or overnight if it is an old stain) before sweeping it up and hosing off your driveway.
• Coca-Cola – depending on the size of the oil spot, pour a can or two of Coca-Cola (Pepsi works too!) on it and allow the soda to set in for 10 minutes. Then, scrub the spot with a brush and hose off your driveway when the stain has vanished.
• Dish Soap – this method works best on a cool day. Completely cover the stain with a liberal amount of dish soap (such as Dawn) and allow it to sit for an hour. Then, use a little bit of water and elbow grease to scrub it out with a brush. Hose off your driveway when done.
• Baking Soda – apply a liberal amount of baking soda over the oil stain and scrub it with a brush. Let it sit for approximately 30-45 minutes before washing it away.
• Laundry Detergent – you can use either a powdered or a liquid detergent for this method. No matter which kind you have, the method is the same. After covering the oil stain with detergent, add ¼ cup of water and scrub with a brush for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it away.

Stasi Brothers is Nassau County's leading provider of commercial and residential paving services. We have been family owned and operated for over 50 years, accumulating well over 15,000 satisfied customers in that time span. If you need your driveway repaved or any masonry services, contact us today!

3 Things That Attract Customers to a Parking Lot

Did you know that the look and design of the parking lot outside your storefront could be turning customers away? Think about it: A potential client sees your parking area before he or she even enters your store. That’s why it’s important that your parking lot makes an outstanding first impression. Below are three things that attract customers to a parking lot.

A smooth surface

First and foremost, a smooth, well-kept parking lot will attract customers to a parking lot. When you’re driving, you likely try to avoid potholes, cracks and puddles. It’s no different in a parking lot!

Furthermore, a blemish-free parking lot is also a safer parking lot. Taking care of obstructions lessens the likelihood of accidents and pedestrian injuries. With Premium Property Maintenance by Stasi Brothers, parking areas and walkways get immediate and constant attention throughout the year with one of Long Island’s largest assembly of equipment, manpower and training.

Beautiful landscaping

Landscaping and shrubbery not only help boost your commercial property’s curb appeal, but they also provide shade. Potential clients appreciate a shady parking lot because it can help keep their cars cool during the hot summer months. Stasi Brothers started out as a landscaping company, so we know everything there is to know about making your property look gorgeous.

Snow removal

Here on Long Island, we’re used to getting around in snowy conditions. After all, life in New York doesn’t stop for anything! Still, there’s nothing worse than a poorly plowed parking lot. Snow and ice will thwart customers from visiting your storefront.

Stasi Brothers is dedicated to keeping your property clear, safe and open for business throughout the rough winter months. In fact, snow and ice management has been one of our specialties since 1988! Our winter maintenance programs are tailored towards:

• County, town and village municipalities
• School districts
• Corporate office buildings
• Retail shopping centers
• Industrial properties
• Large parking areas
• Institutional facilities
• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Sports complexes

In short, Stasi Brothers excels at making your parking lot attractive to customers, helping to bring more business to your storefront. Dial 516-997-PAVE or tweet us @StasiBrothers today to get in touch with a representative! We’d love to discuss smart and unique ways to make your parking lot more alluring.

Get to Know Stasi Brothers

Here at Stasi Brothers, we take our client relationships seriously. Relationships are built on trust, and trust is built through knowing and understanding one another. Get to know Stasi Brothers by reading through this blog post.

Stasi Brothers launched in 1962 as a landscaping company. By 1964 we branched out to constructing asphalt driveways, Belgium block concrete and many forms of brickwork.

Stasi Brothers is a family owned and functioned business. Because it bears our family name, we take great pride in our work.

In 2012, we celebrated 50 years of business. In our 52 years of service, Stasi Brothers has served more than 16,000 satisfied customers here on Long Island, from New Hyde Park to Montauk, as well as dozens of municipal and government agencies.

We have remained one of the industry's leaders by keeping up to date with the state-of- the-art equipment and materials, as well as employing only the finest craftsmen in the business. Our staff comprises only the most seasoned field laborers, professional masons and the most experienced machine operators.

By setting high standards we have been able to produce quality work at reasonable prices for you! Our main goal is quality and the complete satisfaction of you, our customer.

Have more questions about what we do? Visit www.StasiBrothers.com and follow us on Google+!

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.

How to Keep Brick Pavers Looking Like New

Brick pavers are ideal for high-traffic areas like patios and walkways because they don't require too much maintenance. And while they're more durable than plain old bricks, they can still weather down and stain from time to time. Here's how to keep your brick pavers looking like new:

Clean regularly

Dirt and spills can fade your beautiful brick paving, so clean them routinely! Sweep away dirt and debris, and always clean up spilled liquids and oils as quickly as possible.

Apply mild detergent

Small stains can be removed using a mild detergent mixed in water. Simply rinse it down and scrub lightly where you see unwanted marks.

Consider power washing

For more stubborn stains, you might want to pull out the power washer or hire a professional. Power washing your brick pavers will give them a deep clean and refresh your landscape design. 

Use a sealer

After you've thoroughly cleaned your brick pavers, applying a layer of sealant will help keep them clean, prevent weeds from growing, and repel stains.

For more info about caring for your brick paving, don't hesitate to call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-7283. Add us to your circles on Google+ as well!

How to Choose a Paving Material for Your Pool

Ready to pave the area around your pool, but not sure which paving material is a good fit? We’re here to help you make the right decision. Consider the following points before choosing paving materials for your pool:

Surface texture

photo credit: Coppell Pools via photopin cc

The area material surrounding your pool shouldn't be too rough when you walk or stand on it. After all, you will likely spend a lot of time out there during the summer. Concrete is smooth and finished, making it one of the most popular pool pavers around. Brick is not only smooth, but also slip resistant. Stone has a more natural texture that might not feel as nice on your skin.

Size

photo credit: SupremeCrete via photopin cc

It’s important to take into consideration how large the paving area is. Concrete will cost you less than brick or natural stone, so if the area surrounding your pool is very big, concrete will be more cost-effective.

Appearance

Concrete, brick and natural stone all have their own distinct look. Try to envision how each paving material will look with the rest of your house and landscape before making a decision.

Time

Have a deadline? The time it takes to pave with concrete will be different than that of brick. Call Stasi Brothers Asphalt at (516) 997-7283 for help determining what’s right for your situation.

Browse our photo gallery today for more ideas on paving the area around your pool. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for more tips and pointers from Stasi Brothers Asphalt!

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.