3 Reasons Why Asphalt Driveways Are Better Than Concrete

If you are considering installing a new driveway outside of your Long Island home, you will have to make a lot of choices; such as which contractor you will use, how big your driveway will be, and what material it will be made out of. When selecting driveway materials, the two most common choices are concrete and asphalt, but one stands head and shoulders above the other. Read below to learn why asphalt is the best choice for your new driveway installation.

• Economical. If you are looking for the driveway that will give you the most bang for your buck, look no further than asphalt. On average, asphalt driveways are roughly 50% less to install than concrete and can be driven on much sooner than concrete, which can need over a week to cure after it has been laid.
• Easy repairs and maintenance. After an asphalt driveway has been installed, it is much easier to fix and maintain than a concrete driveway. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway six months after paving and every 3-5 years after is all that is needed to make it last you 20+ years. Patching larger cracks in an asphalt driveway isn't too difficult either; this step-by-step guide explains how to do it.
• Cold weather benefits. If you live in a cold climate, asphalt is a much better choice than concrete which is known to crack and suffer from frost heaves in subzero temperatures. Asphalt's black surface also attracts a significant amount of sunlight, allowing snow and ice to melt faster on an asphalt surface than a concrete one.

Stasi Brothers is Long Island's oldest and most reputable paving contractor. With more than 50 years of experience and 16,000 satisfied customers, let us show you why so many Long Island residents and businesses count on us for their asphalt and masonry needs. Whether you need a new asphalt driveway or parking lot, get a free estimate from Stasi Brothers by clicking here or calling 516-997-PAVE.

3 Keys to a Quality Asphalt Paving

If you closely examine 100 different asphalt driveways, you will probably get 100 different results. Driveways can differ in appearance and durability based on a variety of factors. Here are three things that can make or break your next paving project.

The Right Materials

Your driveway will only be as strong and durable as the concrete used to pave it. Not all asphalt mix is created equal, and different types are better for certain driveways. At Stasi Brothers, we only use asphalt that is approved by the New York Department of Transportation, including the following mixes:

• 1-AC = Smooth finish, ¼ stone
• 1-A Top = Smooth finish, ½ stone
• 1-A Binder = Road base mix

The Right Contractor

Even the best materials in the world can't produce a quality driveway without the work of a skilled contractor. Asphalt paving is both a science and an art; the heavy machinery used requires specialized training to operate, but the best contractors display a high level of workmanship and attention to detail that brings the project together. All of our employees are highly-trained and experts in their craft – take a look at some of the work they have done by viewing our gallery.

A Proper Sealcoat

Sealcoating your driveway is the metaphorical icing on the cake. After the asphalt has been mixed, laid, and compacted, a properly-applied sealcoat will add an extra layer of protection to your new driveway. Sealcoating is the main step in any good asphalt maintenance routine – it protects your driveway from water, oils, UV rays, and inclement weather. For more information about sealcoating, click here.

With more than 50 years of experience and 16,000 clients served, Stasi Brothers is Long Island's oldest and most reputable asphalt and masonry company. We are members of various national asphalt associations, including the NAPA, ACI, and ICPI, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you live in Nassau County and need a new driveway, patio, or walkway, call us for a free estimate at 516-997-PAVE.

Services Offered by Stasi Brothers

In 1962, Saverio “Sam” Stasi opened a landscaping company. Over time, that company would evolve into Long Island's most reputable asphalt contractor and bricklayer. Nowadays, we are proud to offer our clients more services than ever. Residential and commercial customers can both rely on Stasi for their projects year-round. Check out what we can do for you!

Asphalt Paving

Stasi Brothers is Long Island's top paving contractor; serving local residents, businesses, and municipal clients for more than 50 years. Our workers are fully licensed and highly trained to provide our customers with high-quality workmanship on every project. Whether you need a driveway for your home or a parking lot for your business, our six-step process ensures that your new asphalt surface is as beautiful as it is durable.

Brick Masonry

If you are looking for a brick mason on Long Island, look no further than Stasi Brothers. Our bricklayers are highly skilled in their craft and take their time to place each piece perfectly in its spot before moving on to the next. This patience and attention to detail is apparent in our finished product; you will have the best brick patio, wall or driveway on the block! Click here for a gallery of our work.

Stoops & Walkways

Your walkway and front stoop work together to give visitors a first impression of your home - make sure it is as good as possible. Stasi Brothers will give you a stoop and walkway that can be used every day for years while maintaining its stunning appearance. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help in the design process, we will work with you from beginning-to-end until you are completely satisfied with your product.

Snow Removal

Long Island was recently hit hard by a couple of snow storms. How much time did you spend outside in the cold shoveling your driveway? With Stasi's Snow & Ice Management services, your answer could be none. Long Island home and business owners can take advantage of our vast fleet of snow removal vehicles and workers. For more information on our winter services, click here.

Contracting Services

Through our 53 years of operating, we have expanded to meet the needs of local residents and businesses. We are now proud to offer a full selection of contracting services, from home remodeling to commercial construction from the ground up. There is no job too big or too small for us, call today for a free consultation at 631-277-4258.

To learn more about any of our services or to speak with one of our professionals, call us at 516-997-PAVE.

How to Maintain Your Brick Patio

Many people choose to build their backyard patios with brick pavers instead of concrete because of the aesthetic appeal they provide. A brick patio can instantly make any backyard more attractive, but they must be properly maintained. Use these four tips to keep your brick pavers looking new for years to come.

Eliminate Weeds

Nothing can spoil the appearance of your patio faster than unappealing weeds sprouting up between the bricks. Commercial weed-killing sprays can be used, but beware that they are harmful to the environment and are a hazard to pets and children. A natural, nontoxic alternative is a mixture of vinegar and water. Sealants can also help with this problem (read below).

Routine Cleaning

The best thing you can do to keep your brick patio looking new is to clean it regularly. Sweep grass clippings, dirt, and leaves off the pavers with a broom every few days. This debris not only stains the bricks, but causes them to fade unevenly by blocking sunlight. Oil spills should immediately be covered in kitty litter or sand to soak the oil up and prevent long-term damage.

Periodic Powerwashing

Sweeping your patio is a good way to remove visible dirt, but power washing your patio twice a year is the best way to remove the stubborn debris that you might not see. An occasional power washing will restore the color of your bricks to their original appearance. Power washing can be done by landscaping contractors, or you can rent the equipment for the day and do it yourself.

Sealants

Sealing your patio is the best way to preserve its look for many years. Like sealcoating an asphalt driveway, adding an extra layer of protection will help keep water and the sun from damaging the strength and appearance of the bricks. For optimal performance, seal your patio immediately after installation and every few years after.

Stasi Brothers is Long Island's leading asphalt contractor and brick mason. We have proudly served the residents and businesses of Nassau County for more than 50 years and have earned an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. To learn what we can do for your home, click here to visit our website or call us at 516-997-PAVE.

Common Problems with Asphalt

Asphalt is a great material to use for driveways. It is cheap to install, easy to maintain, and lasts for decades when properly maintained. However, it can present you with problems, especially when not cared for. Here are four common problems that an asphalt driveway can encounter, as well as solutions for fixing or preventing them.

Alligator Cracking

Also known as spider web cracking, this issue is characterized by lots of small cracks in the asphalt which cause it to look like alligator skin (see the picture above). Generally caused by structural damage, the best way to fix this is to cut out the affected pavement and patch the area with hot-mix asphalt.

Potholes

Potholes generally form in the spring but are caused by winter weather. If snow isn't completely removed from your driveway after a storm, the water can penetrate the surface of your asphalt driveway. As the weather changes, this water will repeatedly thaw and freeze, causing it to expand and damage the pavement. The best way to prevent this is by always keeping your driveway clear of snow, slush, ice, and water.

Discoloration

Over time, your asphalt's beautiful black finish will begin to fade to a grayish-brown color. If you notice this starting to happen to your driveway, get it professionally sealcoated. Sealcoating your driveway not only improves its appearance; it provides an extra layer of defense and extends its lifespan.

Edge Cracks

Edge cracks appear within two feet of the edge of your driveway. They are usually caused by poor drainage conditions and excessive weight loads. The best way to prevent your driveway from cracking on the edge is by avoiding driving on the perimeter. When parking your car, always try to keep it as close to the center of your driveway as possible.

If your Long Island home is in need of an asphalt driveway installation or repaving, call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-PAVE. We are Long Island's oldest asphalt and masonry contractor and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For more information about our company and the services we provide, click here to visit our website or connect with us on Facebook.

Benefits of Sealcoating

 

If your property has an asphalt driveway or parking lot, you are aware of the high costs of a repaving. With no maintenance, a new asphalt driveway will last about 7-10 years, but that can more than double with proper care. One of the best things you can do to protect an asphalt surface is to sealcoat it every couple of years. Some of the benefits offered by sealcoating are:

• Save Money. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is not an expensive procedure. In fact, it can be done for just pennies per square foot, up to 25 times less than the cost of a complete repaving.
• Appearance. Over the course of several months and years, UV rays and water can cause oxidation in your asphalt driveway, which turns it brittle and tarnishes the color. A fresh sealcoat restores the pavement to the beautiful, deep black finish that you may remember from its initial paving.
• Winter Weather Defense. Sealcoating is especially beneficial during the winter months, for more reasons than one. A freshly coated asphalt surface will cause snow and ice to melt faster, in addition to providing extra traction when it gets icy.
• Durability. Sealcoating provides an extra layer of protection to an asphalt surface that is vulnerable to damage from UV rays, water, and oil drips/spills. Uncoated asphalt is porous and will allow these elements to penetrate its surface and deteriorate its base, but maintaining a good sealcoating schedule can more than double your driveway's lifespan.

If you are overdue for an asphalt sealcoating, call Long Island's most experienced paving contractor at 516-997-PAVE. Stasi Brothers has proudly served the residents of Nassau County for more than 50 years, providing them with high-quality asphalt, masonry, and snow removal services. For more information about our company, visit our website or connect with us on social media – we are active on both Twitter and Facebook.

Asphalt Sealcoat: Dos and Don'ts

 

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway is a great way to maintain its look for as long as possible. In fact, sealcoating every two years can more than triple the lifespan of your asphalt driveway. Whether done professionally or as a DIY weekend project, follow these tips to make your sealcoat as effective as possible.

Do regularly wash your driveway.

After your driveway is sealcoated, it is important to keep it clean in order to preserve its appearance. If you notice leaves, dirt, or other debris beginning to cover your driveway, give it a quick rinse with your garden hose to clear it off. If these materials are allowed to build up, they could begin to dig into the sealcoating.

Do stay off the edges of your driveway.

Your driveway is much stronger in the middle than it is on the edges. Asphalt contains no strength of its own and gets its durability from a stone base. When a large amount of weight is placed on the edge, there is a high chance that it will crack. To avoid this, always stay at least one foot away from your driveway's boundaries with your vehicle.

Don't make sharp turns or move wheels while the car is still.

Turning your wheels too sharply, or turning them at all when the car is not in motion will cause gouges in your driveway's surface. Sealcoating contains oils to make it malleable, which leaves it susceptible to damage from the kneading and grinding motion of car tires. These oils will eventually evaporate and the sealcoat will completely solidify, but that process could take up to a full year.

Don't always park in the same spot.

Over the course of several months and years, parking your car in the same spot on your driveway could cause the sealcoating to compress. To avoid this from happening to you, move your car around to distribute usage across the whole driveway. For cars parked for an extended period of time, fire up the engine and move them a few feet forward or backwards every two weeks.

Stasi Brothers is Long Island's oldest asphalt contractor and masonry company, serving Nassau County for more than 50 years. Our high-quality work and satisfied customers are the main reasons that we have an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. For more information about our company, please visit our website or call 516-997-PAVE.