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.

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

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!

Caring for Your New Asphalt Driveway: Dos and Don'ts

Everybody wants to keep their driveway looking as good as new. There are certain things you can do to care for your new asphalt driveway. And, of course, there are some things you should avoid doing. Let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of caring for your new asphalt driveway:

DO wait at least 24 hours before driving on your new asphalt driveway. If it’s hot out, wait 3-5 days.

DON’T turn your steering wheel when the car is stopped on your new asphalt driveway for 2-3 months. Parking the car in a straight line can help extend the driveway’s life.

DO hose down your driveway on especially hot days to help harden the asphalt.

DON’T allow sharp objects like motorcycle stands and lawn furniture to touch the surface for about a year. They will leave an indentation.

DO keep dirt off of your new asphalt driveway at all times; it can pull important oils out of the blacktop.

DON’T allow weeds and other plant life to crowd the edges of your new asphalt driveway. Eventually, they could burrow through the stone base and up out of the asphalt.

Learn more about the asphalt used by Stasi Brothers Asphalt at our website. What other tips do you have for keeping your asphalt driveway looking good? Tweet us @StasiBrothers.

How We Install a New Driveway

Here at Stasi Brothers Asphalt, we use a six-step process to install every driveway. It might sound excessive, but we’ve found that this is the best way to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting driveway.

Here’s a look at each step:

1. Removals

Whether you’re replacing an existing driveway or building a new one from scratch, we’ll have to work on removals first and foremost. Stasi Brothers Asphalt will get rid of your current driveway quickly and efficiently. If you have no driveway, we’ll work to remove grass and dirt in the spot you plan to build a driveway.

2. Stone Blend Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)

Once we’ve made room for your new driveway, we’ll install your stone blend foundation. It’s a mixture of crushed concrete, asphalt fine screening that’s compacted to about 95 percent density with a three to five ton roller.

3. Belgium Block

In a proper foundation, Belgium block must be installed at the correct grade. It protects your driveway while also adding to its overall aesthetic appeal. We install Belgium block after the foundation is down.

4. Grading & Rolling

We grade and regrade. The final grade must be perfect before we install asphalt. Stone must be rolled until it’s compacted.

5. Install Asphalt

Next we install your new asphalt. We roll the asphalt until it’s set up.

6. Seal Coat

Finally, we apply the seal coat. The time it needs to set will vary based on factors like traffic uses.

Have more questions about how we install a new driveway? Visit www.StasiBrothers.com for more information. Plus, share photos of your updated driveway with us on Twitter! Just tweet your photos @StasiBrothers.

What Services Does Stasi Brothers Asphalt Offer?

Stasi Brothers Asphalt was founded in 1962 by Saverio “Sam” Stasi. Since then, our family owned company has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, we offer more services than ever before. Here’s a rundown of what we can do for your Long Island business or home:

Commercial

We’re proud to announce that Stasi Brothers Asphalt now offers commercial general contracting services. Our experienced staff is available to help you with all aspects of your construction project. In fact, we specialize in commercial build-outs from the ground up. We do it all, including framing, sheetrock, exteriors and interiors.

Residential

If you’re looking to update your home’s look, talk to the pros at Stasi Brothers Asphalt. Our residential services include brick patios, outdoor kitchen areas, driveways, and stoops and walkways. Each of these components contributes to your home’s overall beauty and can be built to match your style and taste.

Property Maintenance

When you choose Stasi Brothers Asphalt for your property maintenance, we’ll take care of your real estate as if it’s one of our own! Our programs are tailored toward corporate office buildings, retail shopping centers, industrial properties, large parking areas, institutional facilities, hospitals, healthcare facilities and sports complexes.

Snow Management & Removal

Premium snow management by Stasi Brothers Asphalt means that your employees, customers, residents, and suppliers arrive safe and sound during the brutal winter months. We keep your property clear, safe, and open for business. Visit www.StasiSnow.com for more information on our snow and ice management.

As you can see, we do so much more than just paving. You can count on Stasi Brothers Asphalt for everything from driveways to general contracting! Call us today at (516) 997-PAVE to discuss ideas for your home or business. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page to keep up-to-date with Stasi Brothers Asphalt!