We all remember how bad the snow was last winter. If this winter is anything like last year’s, then you will need to stock up on sidewalk salt. But did you know that there are some kinds of salts that are bad for the life of your masonry hardscaping? When you buy sidewalk salt, you’re not just buying simply salt. You are buying salt that has different chemicals mixed in with it. Sometimes, the chemicals that get mixed in with the salt are harmless. Other times, these chemicals can burn human skin and kill vegetation. It’s important to know what to look for before stocking up for the winter. (more…)
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Posts Tagged ‘concrete’
Use the Right Salts on Your Hardscaping This Winter
Friday, November 13th, 2015Stamped Concrete Stamps Out the Competition
Friday, September 25th, 2015Concrete is durable and cost-effect material for driveways, patios, and walkways. But did you also know that it could be aesthetically pleasing? Stamped concrete is growing in popularity as design choice for hardscaping. The process mimics high-end materials such as brick and stone pavers while being just a fraction of the cost. Take a moment to read about the advantages of stamped concrete for your next project! (more…)
Asphalt or Concrete for your New Driveway?
Friday, May 8th, 2015Both materials are very popular for driveways, but how do you know which one is right for you? Well, today we’re going to compare the two materials and you can assess which one will better suit your needs. Remember to keep in mind the amount of stress you think you will be imposing on the driveway, your budget, and your aesthetic. All of these things will play a part in your final decision. Here we go! (more…)
Caring for Your Concrete
Friday, April 3rd, 2015When 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, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014If 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.
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.
Asphalt, Concrete, and Masonry Work from Tristate Paving
Wednesday, November 26th, 2014Setting the standard in paving and construction throughout the Tristate area for more than 40 years, Tristate paving is here with the best in paving, concrete, and masonry work. We’re a family owned and operated business that’s active every day of the week building a better future for you. Our master stone masons and experienced work crews have the knowledge and tools at their disposal to make any asphalt, concrete, or masonry work an easy and affordable experience. We offer:
Superior Asphalt Paving
Our professional paving teams have decades of experience in a wide variety of asphalt paving projects ranging from residential paving services to commercial sealcoating. We have the tools and technique to take on paving jobs of any size. Whether you’re a Maryland homeowner looking to have the perfect driveway finally installed, or a Department of Transportation representative seeking a team that can handle building roadways to serve all of America, Tristate paving is your go-to paving company if you want the job done affordably, and done well.
High-Quality Concrete Services
Tristate paving offers an incredible variety of concrete installation and repair services including simple and sturdy flatwork, decorative concrete flats and walkways, curbs, gutters, beautiful new concrete steps, and slab-jack repair. Our experienced concrete installation and repair teams have what it takes to build the concrete pool deck of your dreams, or to refinish your office’s parking lot into one you’ve always wanted. Tristate paving is simply unbeatable when it comes to quality concrete work, in both price and quality.
Amazing Hardscaping
At Tristate paving we’re also well-versed in the art of hardscaping and can provide invaluable consultation on projects that will maximize your home’s beauty at a price you can afford. We have a long history of building exceptional stone steps, walkways, patios, columns, fire pits, walls, and much more. Hardscape design and installation is a crucial part of giving your home or office a look that emanates quality and success. The professionals at Tristate paving have what it takes to handle any decorative hardscaping project to provide you with a yard you can be proud of.
Tristate Paving is All About Excellence
At Tristate Paving there’s one thing we care about more than excellent paving, concrete, and masonry work: Your satisfaction. We’re not in this business to make a quick buck, or sell you on services you don’t need. We’re here to help you find a solution that’s right for you, at a price you can afford. Simple, straightforward, and reliable service, that’s our guarantee. 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.