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!

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.

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.