Archive for the ‘Concrete Paving’ Category

Do you have grass growing in your driveway?

Sunday, May 3rd, 2015
asphalt driveway

Got grass growing in your pavement?

If the concrete or asphalt in your driveway is cracked then there are probably little blades of grass poking their way through it. You should probably work on getting rid of it before those weeds grow out of hand. We’ve got the scoop on getting that grass out of there before it starts more trouble. Let’s check it out. (more…)

Give your Mother the Gift of a Safe Driveway

Sunday, May 3rd, 2015
mothers day, mother, gift, paving

Still thinking of something to give your mother for Mother’s Day?

Practical gifts for Mother’s Day are all the rage these days. Something that your mother can use and enjoy for years to come is going to be more valuable than a quick trinket grabbed in haste. When your mother looks out into her driveway, she’ll think of you and how your support keeps her going. Let’s check out some of your options and why having your mother’s driveway repaved is an excellent Mother’s Day gift.

(more…)

How to Keep Your Driveway Free of Cracks

Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
concrete, asphalt

Have you got cracks in your concrete or asphalt?

This past winter was full of snow and that meant lots of potholes for spring. Now, we’ve got to watch out for little plants pushing their way through the cracks in your pavement. The reason your concrete or asphalt might crack is two-fold. The first reason that might contribute is moisture, and we’ve had a lot of that. The second thing that can lead to cracking is a lot of changes in temperature. With this past winter, we’ve had a lot of both. So, let’s check out some ways you can minimize the cracks in your pavement. (more…)

Caring for Your Concrete

Friday, April 3rd, 2015

concrete drivewayWhen you have a concrete driveway, patio, or other structure on your property, you might want to think about caring for it as well as you can. You want your concrete to last as long as possible so that you don’t have to replace it for a long time. Caring for your concrete is easy and cost effective for your property in the long run. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to care for your concrete.

Sealant is Your Friend

Placing a sealing coat onto your concrete will be incredibly helpful down the line. Make sure to invest in a proper sealant so that you know your investment will last. After all, your concrete will probably be taking quite a beating depending on where it is placed. A concrete driveway will certainly experience a sizable amount of wear and tear. If you placed sealant on your concrete a long time ago, then you may want to reseal it. It’s better to protect the concrete you have rather than replacing it.

 Keep Stains at Bay

Stains on your concrete can be unsightly and worsen over time. You should try and keep your concrete as stain-free as possible, but if you happen to get something like oil or grease on your concrete then you can get it cleaned. Power washing your concrete is probably a good idea. You can also use chemicals, but be careful. Some chemicals may damage the concrete over time and then you might have to replace it. Rock salt is famous for hurting concrete, so make sure to keep your concrete clean year round. There shouldn’t be too much of that anymore, but considering all the snow we had this past winter, you might want to inspect your concrete surfaces.

If you think your concrete could use some sealant or a new coat of sealant then give us a call! We are more than happy to help you figure out the best way of protecting your concrete surface both big and small.

If you’re in need of repair for your concrete driveway then contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, TwitterPinterest, and Google+

Concrete and Stone Steps: Do They Need Replacing?

Monday, March 23rd, 2015

Don't let a small fracture become a large fissure.

Don’t let a small fracture become a large fissure.

Outside steps are always experiencing the elements. They take the rain, the snow, and all that comes with that. The day to day wear and tear of the elements can break concreate and stone structures down over time. This is particularly true after a winter with lots of ice. When moisture gets into the concrete or stone and then freezes, it creates a pocket of air within the structure. When the ice melts the pocket remains. Eventually, this causes fractures, collapse, and generally bad news.

What should I look for?

The easiest things to look for are visible cracks and crumbles on your steps. If you can see little bits coming off of the structure then you may be in for some trouble. Another thing to watch out for is some nasty weather. It may be beneficial to look carefully at your steps after some very low temperatures or some heavy rain. There’s no need to be overly cautious, but a quick glance at your steps will clue you in to any potential issues. You should also be aware of your steps as you walk on them, checking for any weak spots with your feet.

What should I do if there’s a problem?

Well, if you run into some kind of issue you need to consider whether or not your steps need a simple repair, or a full replacement. Obviously, a small fracture isn’t going to spell the end for your steps, but once you see a fracture the countdown has begun. Once the damage has advanced a bit you should look at the foundation. If it looks weak, then it might be time for a replacement. If the damage is surface or cosmetic then a simple repair should be all you need. Give us a call and we can help you figure out what you need.

If you’re in need of repair for your steps then contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, TwitterPinterest, and Google+

Pothole Season Has Begun

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
These little fellas can become dangerous problems if left unchecked.

These little fellas can become dangerous problems if left unchecked.

It’s been quite a winter with lots of snow, ice, and rain. You know what that means? This Spring is going to be a season filled with caving pavement. Potholes are not only unsightly; they are also quite dangerous depending on their locations and their severity. Areas that are highly trafficked are much more likely to develop a pothole, but they can happen anywhere, even in your driveway.

How do they happen?

When moisture gets into the asphalt and freezes it expands. This expansion pushes the surface of the road upwards, warping and weakening it. When the ice thaws a hole is left behind beneath the surface of the road.  If this happens enough times either during the winter or in spring, when everything thaws, the roadway will collapse and create a pothole. Potholes can range in size from very small (a soccer ball) to enormous (A car). Obviously, the larger the hole the more dangerous it can be. However, another issue with potholes is their location. Some roads are placed above waterways or sewer systems and when these roads collapse serious problems are at hand.

What can I do?

Well, for starters you should most definitely call the city if the pothole is spotted on a state roadway. If the pothole occurs on your property in your driveway or other paved surface then you should call your local paving company so that you get your road repaired. You wouldn’t want a little rabbit or your dog to fall into the hole and hurt themselves would you? Of course not. That’s why it is essential to place a protective barrier around the pothole so that little critters, children, or other people won’t hurt themselves on the hazard. This barrier can be something as simple as a recycling bin with a sign on it or a more sophisticated apparatus. What matters is that it is visible. Then you just need to wait for help to come and repave the problem for you.

If you’re in need of a pothole repair then contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, TwitterPinterest, and Google+.

Repaving and Romance

Monday, February 9th, 2015

RomanceIt may seem unusual, but it’s true: Repaving your driveway can definitely show your mate how much you care. Let’s say you want to give your significant other a gift this Valentine’s Day. You want to get them something extravagant, something flashy. You could get them some jewelry, but that seems too obvious. If you’re looking for something that’s both impressive and practical you can invest in repaving their driveway.

Why is this romantic?

If you and your partner have been together for a long time then it’s possible that you’ve had some bumps and bruises in your relationship. Maybe they’ve lost someone close to them, maybe you have. In a way, that cracked pavement outside of your house is probably symbolic of some cracks in your life. Why not repave it? Why not use this opportunity to repave your life as well. You can share your vision for a newly paved driveway with your mate and show them that you wish to repave your lives together.

What are my options?

Maybe you don’t need to repave your driveway, but there are many more options for you and your partner. Hardscaping projects often combine practical needs with aesthetic vision. You and your loved one can plan one together, share your ideas, and fall in love all over again. You can add that pond you always dreamed of and they can choose the type of stone. Designing something together will show you different sides of one another. Maybe your partner has a gift you never knew about, or maybe you have a real eye for shape you can share. Building something new together will rekindle the flame between you and every time you look at that project you will be reminded of how strong your bond is.

Bonds as strong as stone.

It may seem cheesy to make grand gestures for the one you love, or to repave your driveway together, but creativity goes a long way. Using creative, unusual methods of bonding shows that you are thinking more deeply about your relationship than just choosing the obvious methods of bonding.

 

If you’re ready to build a stronger future with your mate contact the Tri-State Paving Company. You can reach them by phone, 610.563.9456 (West Chester), 610.932.3566 (Oxford), or 302.757.4100 (Delaware). You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

Reasons to Consider a Concrete Driveway

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

concrete drivewayInstalled properly, and well maintained, a concrete driveway represents an investment in your homes equity and an increase to its value over the cost of installation. Though the initial cost is greater then that of an asphalt driveway a concrete driveway pays for itself over time by improving your homes curb appeal, increasing the longevity of your driveway, while reducing the maintenance costs and the negative environmental impact. Here we have the reasons why it makes sense to invest in a concrete driveway for the long term advantage of your home.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can account for up to 10 percent of your homes value.  As the bridge between your private property and the public street your driveway makes a significant impact on the overall curb appeal. The ability to customize a concrete driveway to match your home and landscaping gives it a distinct advantage over a traditional asphalt driveway. Decorative concrete made using stamps and stains can give you a durable surface with the texture and color of flagstone, cobbles, or brick for the faction of the price.  Furthermore, the same style decorative concrete can be used for your walkway, steps, and porch providing a unifying effect; or you can use a different texture and color for each surface to provide contrast and definition.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintaining concrete is simple and inexpensive, and by taking just a few measures you can ensure a good looking and durable surface for up to thirty years. Concrete may be sealed to reduce the prevalence of stains from oil or gasoline spills, but sealing is not necessary. If oil or gas is spilled immediate treatment with a degreaser should keep the concrete nice and clean.  Concrete should not be treated with deicing chemicals, or salt. By following these guidelines you can keep your concrete driveway looking clean and in good repair for up to thirty years.

Environmentally Friendly

An added bonus of having a concrete driveway is that they’re more environmentally friendly then a regular asphalt driveway.  Concrete is made from sand, stone, and is held together by cement.  Asphalt is made of sand and stone, but is held together by tar instead of cement. Not only is tar nonrenewable petroleum based product, but when oil or gas are spilled on it some is picked up and added to the chemical run off.  Additionally, the dark color of asphalt absorbs more light, causing it to heat up.  The lighter color of concrete reflects the light instead, reducing warming. Finally, because the concrete requires less maintenance it means that there’s less harmful chemical run when compared to asphalt.

Want a Concrete Instillation Quote?

Call Tri-state Paving. Our experienced paving professionals have plenty of experience with concrete driveway installation quickly, and at an affordable price. At Tristate Paving we take great pride in our customer service and we’ll be more than happy to sit down and figure out what concrete driveway instillation options works best for you.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Do I Need to Replace, Repair, or Resurface My Driveway?

Friday, January 16th, 2015

There’s nothing quite like driving down a long stretch of exquisite asphalt. However, while driveways are an important portion of any home, they’re also somewhat costly. That’s why many homeowners, upon noticing driveway damage, will attempt to patch it up rather than opt for resurfacing or replacing. While this can cost less in the short run, if the damage is extensive enough, it will only lead to more problems, costing you quite a lot later. Tristate paving is here with a guide to knowing when you can patch your driveway, and when you need to resurface or replace.

asphalt sealing

When to Repair

Between water damage caused by freezing and thawing over the seasons, and the sheer work of supporting heavy cars that roll over them daily, driveways take a lot of abuse. If you spot cracks that have a width of less than ¼ in, you probably only have surface level damage and this can easily be fixed with a liquid crack-filler. However, wider cracks will require taking measures that are more substantial. While you can temporarily cover up these cracks with patching material, this is only a stop-gap fix that will soon wear out.

When to Replace

If your driveway is more than 20 years old, it’s most likely best to have it replaced. After this much time under elemental exposure, even the best driveways can break down. Patching these antiques is won’t be worth the trouble or cost. Your driveway may not even have a structural problem to necessitate replacement. Oftentimes, new homeowners or those looking to sell the house will replace for the visual appeal. Patching isn’t invisible and can sometimes look unsightly.

When to Resurface

If you know repairing won’t be enough, but replacement is too expensive, there is an “in-between” option that’s typically only offered by top quality asphalt repair companies like Tristate Paving. It’s called resurfacing. Resurfacing essentially strips off your driveway’s top layer and replaces it, resulting in a driveway that appears brand-spanking-new, but costs much less than a total replacement. While this won’t fix issues with the foundation, you won’t be seeing any cracks or potholes for awhile either.

Need Driveway Repair, Replacement, or Resurfacing?

Call Tristate Paving. Our experienced paving professionals have plenty of experience with driveway repair, resurfacing, and replacement, and can take care of your asphalt installation or repair needs quickly, and at an affordable price. At Tristate Paving we take great pride in our customer service and we’ll be more than happy to sit down and figure out what asphalt repair option works best for you.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Google+

 

Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014

If you’re constructing a new home, or are just in the market for a brand new driveway, you’re doubtlessly faced with a lot of tough decisions. The most important decision you can make is selecting between the two most popular driveway paving materials: Concrete and asphalt. Tristate Paving is here with the differences between these two materials so that you can make the best choice possible. It’s important to know that asphalt and concrete do have many similarities. They both need well compacted gravel bases, need time to set before use, and are made from stone and sand. The main difference in their composition is the adhesive used to bind them together. Asphalt is adhered with tar, while concrete uses cement. This small difference in the material composition of the two substances ripples outward, resulting in drastic differences between the two.

asphalt drivewayconcrete driveway

Appearance

Different people will have a preference as to whether they’d like concrete or asphalt better. Asphalt driveways appear as natural extensions of the road while concrete ones have a distinctly different appearance. However, both can have their looks modified.  You can stain, etch, and engrave concrete as well as apply a variety of finishes to customize your driveway to match your home. Asphalt is somewhat more limited and cannot be stained. Although, tint may be added to the mixture to alter the color slightly.

Climate

Climate can play an important part in selecting what to pave your driveway with. Concrete is more likely to crack or fracture due to extreme cold. It can also be damaged by defrosting salts. Conversely, asphalt performs less well in hotter climates because intense and prolonged exposure to heat can cause the tar to melt and potentially lose its form. Consider your climate carefully when paving your driveway.

Maintenance

Both materials have drastically different maintenance requirements. Asphalt requires the application of a protective sealant about every three years, which can increase its lifespan to roughly 30 years. Concrete driveways do not need sealant but can benefit from it greatly, preserving their appearance for longer. Concrete driveways do stain easier than asphalt and must have degreaser applied to them to take care of oil spills. Asphalt is typically easier to repair and can be affordably resurfaced rather than replaced, an option that is not available to concrete driveway owners.

Price

Asphalt is typically a good deal less expensive than concrete to install. On average asphalt will run between $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Concrete, on the other hand, usually runs between $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot for a basic installation and can cost more if you’re looking at applying special finishes.

Need Help Making the Decision?

Call Tristate Paving. Our experienced paving professional have a  long history installing both concrete and asphalt driveways and we’ll be more than happy to sit down and figure out which option works best for you.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Google+