Why Choose Stasi Brothers

When it comes to asphalt paving and masonry, all contractors are not created equal. The same job done with the same materials by two different contractors can produce two very different results. When it comes to your Nassau County paving project, here are a few reasons why you should choose Stasi Brothers.

Family Owned

We are so proud of our work that we put our last name on it. We have been family-owned since our inception and still provide our customers with the same care and attention to detail that we did in 1962. That is why we assign a Stasi family member to each job to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your final product.

BBB-Certified

The Better Business Bureau is a national service which has helped consumers find businesses they can trust for more than 100 years. Stasi Brothers has consistently exceed the expectations of both our customers and the Better Business Bureau, and for that we have earned a rare A+ accreditation. For more information on our A+ BBB rating, click here.

50+ Years Of Experience

Stasi Brothers was founded in 1962, which makes us the oldest asphalt and masonry company on Long Island. Even with several down periods in the economy, Stasi Brothers didn't just survive – we thrived. Our company and our workers constantly strive for perfection, and that is why we have stood the test of time.

Client List

Stasi Brothers has served over 16,000 residential customers here on Long Island. Our high quality equipment, materials, and workmanship has also caught the eye of several Municipal and Government Agencies, who have contracted us to meet their asphalt needs. Some of our satisfied customers include the Town of Oyster Bay, Westbury Fire Department, and the City of Long Beach.

Fully Licensed, Insured & Bonded

Stasi Brothers is fully licensed and insured, and bonded. What does this mean for you? It means that we are certified to perform contractor services in the state of New York. Because we are insured, if there is an accident that results in damages to your home and property, you will not be responsible for paying the full amount. Not only that, we are also bonded, which protects you from poor or incomplete work provided by us. (Not that it would ever happen!)

For more information about our company, please visit our website or call 416-997-PAVE. You can also connect with us on social media – we are active on Twitter and Facebook.

How Asphalt is Made

Asphalt is one of the most commonly-used materials in the country. Over 90% of America's 2.6 million miles of paved roads are surfaced with asphalt. We drive on it every day during our commutes and park our cars on it every night when we get home, yet most people don't know anything about it. This article will provide you with a brief understanding of the production process of asphalt cement.

Asphalt is not the smooth black pavement that you probably picture it as. Asphalt is actually a byproduct of the petroleum industry and is essentially leftover residue from the oil refining process. In this form, asphalt is a durable binding material which is resistant to both weather and chemicals.

Asphalt is solid at room temperature, so it must be heated to roughly 300ºF until its consistency becomes tar-like. It is then put in a rotating drum and mixed with sand and crushed stone until it thoroughly coats the gravel. After mixing, it is poured, flattened, and compressed with a steamroller to pave roads, highways, and parking lots. Asphalt is very versatile and can also be used in a variety of other products, such as roof shingles.

Stasi Brothers is an asphalt contractor and masonry company located on Long Island. We have been serving Nassau County for more than 50 years and have earned an A+ accreditation rating with the BBB. You can visit our website for more information or connect with us on social media – we are active on both Twitter and Facebook.

5 Reasons to Consider Asphalt for Your Driveway

If you are considering a new driveway for your home, there is a good chance that you are debating between asphalt and concrete. If you want a durable and appealing driveway that is also eco-friendly, asphalt is the choice for you. Asphalt pavement offers many benefits, including:

• Environmental Friendliness. Not only is asphalt a 100% recyclable material, it is the most recycled material in the United States. According to the EPA, over 73 million tons of asphalt is recycled every single year. Asphalt is a completely safe and friendly option for the environment.
• Durability. Asphalt is a very strong and durable paving material. With proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway could last decades. It is not susceptible to flaking like concrete driveways are – especially ones which were poorly installed.
• Ease of Installation. Asphalt offers a much quicker and easier installation process than concrete does. Most of the time, a new asphalt driveway can be completely paved and ready for use in under 48 hours.
• Low Maintenance. Maintaining your asphalt driveway is an easy process, and one which does not need to be done often. Applying a layer of sealcoat to the surface of your driveway is all it takes to maintain its finish, and this only needs to be done every two or three years.
• Beautiful Black Finish. In addition to all of its functional and economical qualities, asphalt also provides an aesthetic appeal which concrete does not. The deep black finish also retains more heat from the sun, so snow and ice melt faster during the winter.

Stasi Brothers is an asphalt paving company located in Nassau County, New York. We have been in business for a very proud 52 years, and have earned an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. To learn more about our services, call 516-997-PAVE or visit our website. You can also connect with us on social media – we are active on both Twitter and Facebook.

Snow Shoveling Tips for Your Driveway

Heavy snow is an annual occurrence in Nassau County, and one that will occur soon. Many people have the luxury of owning a snow blower or using a snow removal service like Stasi Snow, but for some life isn't so easy. If you are one of the brave warriors who shovels their driveway, we feel for you. That is why we are giving you these tips to shovel your driveway as quickly, easily, and safely as possible.

Safety First

Shoveling snow may seem like no more than a chore, but it is a physical activity (and can be a quite rigorous one depending on the quantity and weight of the snow) and should be treated as such. Proper precautions must be taken, such as stretching before starting and making sure to keep hydrated if it will be a long job. You will want to dress warm, but be careful not to overdress – you will quickly heat up once you start working.

Shovel in a Spider Web Fashion

The Wall Street Journal recommends shoveling your driveway in the pattern of a spider web for optimal efficiency. To do this, start in the center of the driveway, and shovel out to one corner. Continue walking back to the center and shoveling to the other three corners so there is a big “X” in your driveway. Then shovel the remaining spots, outlining your previous paths, as shown in the picture below. Doing this not only increases efficiency, it allows you to shovel shorter and shorter distances as your body tires.

Don't Shovel the Same Snow Twice

This is the cardinal rule of shoveling snow. If you choose not to use the shoveling method pictured above, pick a routine which prevents you from moving the same snow twice. Dump the first shovelfuls further away from you, and progressively drop them closer and closer as you progress through the driveway.

Save The Apron for Last

This goes hand-in-hand with the last tip, but save shoveling the apron of your driveway for last. The apron is the spot where your driveway meets the street. The reason you will want to save the apron for last is because chances are good that a plow will come by while you are shoveling and push snow from the street on to it. Not touching this spot until the end will ensure that you do not have to shovel a big pile of snow twice.

Stasi Brothers is a paving contractor and snow management serviced located in Nassau County, New York. We have been in business for a proud 52 years and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For a full list of our services, visit our website or call 516-997-PAVE. You can also connect with us on social media by following us on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook.

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.