How To Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal In Westchester, New York
Become Familiar With Curb Appeal Before Selling Your Home
So you’re ready to sell your home. Most homeowners want to get the most money for what their home is worth. It should be noted that there are many factors that contribute to your home’s market value. One of those factors is curb appeal. Now you may be asking yourself what exactly is curb appeal? Curb appeal is a term used to describe the general attractiveness of a home’s exterior. Therefore it’s critical that you become familiar with curb appeal. It’s important to understand there are many ways to add value to your property before selling it. The Northern Construction team is here to inform you of different ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal.
Installing Unilock Or Concrete Pavers
Pavers add a classy, rustic look to your home. Nonetheless, they can boost the value of your property significantly. Most pavers are utilized for the creation of walkways, patios, and sometimes even driveways. Northern Construction has over 25 years of experience installing Unilock, stone, and concrete pavers. We can assist you in choosing a location and style in which your pavers should be installed. Click here to visit our masonry gallery to see the different styles and designs we’ve installed for some of our clients.
Consider Installing Bluestone
Bluestone is a highly desirable choice by many homeowners in Westchester County. In addition its readily available, durable, attractive, and ideal for all kinds of uses. Patios, pool decks, stone steps, or entryways are commonly constructed out of bluestone. Its natural earth-tone colors are gracious and complement almost any exterior landscape design. However, its rough surface also means that it rarely gets slick or slippery even when covered in snow.
Resurfacing Your Driveway
A new driveway is the first thing a prospective buyer will notice outside of your home. Undoubtedly, it can make a huge difference in boosting curb appeal. Before you consider having your driveway resurfaced, choose a reputable contractor to visit your home and give you a free estimate. Northern Construction has been proudly servicing homeowners in Westchester and Putnam Valley for over 25 years! Therefore, with our expertise, we will give you a fair price based on your driveway’s current condition.
How To Prevent Puddles From Forming In Your driveway In Mt. Kisco, New York.
Is Water Pooling In Your Driveway?
This can happen for a number of reasons. However, one of the common causes of puddles is the asphalt not being pitched properly. When there’s a low spot in your driveway, water will always travel to that low spot. Therefore, if there’s a high spot before it can pour off the surface of the pavement, the water will pool. Heavy rainfall can cause pools of water to occur. As a result, in the Northeast during the colder months, those pools of water will freeze turning into ice. Ice expands and causes these sunken low spots to enlarge and create more problems over time. If you would like to know how to fix this issue, continue reading and learn how to prevent puddles from forming in your driveway.
How Can You Prevent Puddles From Forming?
Yes, there are several ways to fix these issues! low spots can be fixed by having them professionally filled. If there is a spot that is too large to be filled, another alternative is to add a catch basin drain to collect and reroute water. For this reason, catch basins are ideal for large irregularly shaped driveways. Water may flow in multiple directions to different low points in larger driveways.
Why Choose Northern Construction?
The Northern Construction team specializes in driveway drainage installation and repair. If you call us today we will give you an estimate from one of our staff members who will provide you with the answers to any of your problems. With our expertise, we will gladly provide you the best service and pricing suitable for your needs.
Tire Scuffing On An Asphalt Driveway In Cortlandt Manor , New York.
What Causes Tire Scuffing On My Driveway?
Tire scuffing is very common on new asphalt. There are various ways those annoying marks can show up in your driveway. Timing, temperature, and the way you turn your vehicles have a lot to do with it.
Timing Is Everything.
Starting with the age of the pavement. Freshly laid asphalt is more susceptible to tire scuff marks. The material is still soft and malleable, especially when the weather is warm. Over time as the material hardens, visible scuff marks will soon fade and become invisible.
Heat Softens Asphalt and Makes It Flexible.
It is also important to understand how outdoor temperatures at various times of the year affect the rate at which asphalt hardens after being laid. Hot temperatures, particularly in late Spring throughout Summer will slow the curing process, keeping the material soft and flexible for a longer duration of time.
Tires, Vehicles, and Your Driving Tendencies.
Your vehicle’s weight is another cause to tire scuffing. Sudden braking, stationary turns of the tires, and vehicles that have power steering are some typical causes to scuff marks on new pavement. Front-wheel drive cars tend to have higher loading on the front wheels which results in higher contact pressure against the asphalt. Note that asphalt laid when temperatures are consistently hot will remain in a flexible, malleable state until cooler weather returns. Therefore you should be very careful and cautious on how you move your vehicle on new pavement in hot temperatures. The types of tires on your vehicle can also play a role in tire scuffing. Typically most standard tires will cause scuffing on new pavement, but tires that contain rugged tread patterns, steel belts, or trucks with off road tires are guaranteed to leave unappealing marks. In some cases, the type of asphalt your driveway is composed of will influence the chances of your driveway being marked.
Materials Matter.
The quality of materials in your driveway determines its durability. Coarse aggregated asphalt typically has a less pleasing look. However, it’s more resistant to scuffing and indentation.
How Can I Prevent Marks From Tire Scuffing On My Driveway?
Over three decades we’ve found the key to preventing problems is knowledge. Lean on our experience – the Northern Construction team knows what it takes to keep driveways looking their best. Our process ensures that your driveway is built on a strong foundation. We use durable, long-lasting materials. We educate our clients with precautionary information to keep their new driveways looking the best.
Why Should You Install Interlocking Pavers On Your Property In Carmel, NY
What Are The Benefits Of Interlocking Pavers?
Value- Interlocking pavers can increase the value of your home. If properly installed, especially with hardscaping they can last for decades. They will greatly increase the aesthetic look of your home.
Aesthetic- Interlocking pavers come in a variety of styles and shapes. Most pavers take on modern designs associated with outdoor hardscaping. Unilock There is many colors you can choose from. Pick one to complement your home’s exterior. They offer a nicer finish than other alternatives like concrete. Click here to visit our masonry gallery to see paver jobs we’ve installed for some of our clients!
Installation- Selecting a contractor to install your pavers is very important. Northern Construction has over 22 years of experience installing beautiful interlocking paver patios and walkways. We prioritize our client’s needs and always put them first.
Durability: Pavers can withstand rain, ice, and snow. Pavers’ durability makes them a better alternative than concrete. Cracking doesn’t occur usually in pavers because of the joint spacing between the pavers. This is because they’re set on a sand and item four base. Joint spacing also allows pavers to adjust to any potential shifts in the foundation they sit on.
Repairs- Paver repairs couldn’t be easier. They can easily be lifted, replaced, or repositioned. They can also move back into alignment with little hassle. Unlike repairing a slab of concrete which may require demolition and repouring. The cost to repair or replace pavers is low. Also, their likelihood of being damaged is quite low.
How Do Harsh New York Winters Affect Asphalt Driveways In Yorktown, NY.
How Does Snow And Ice Effect Asphalt?
How Does Snow And Ice Effect Asphalt? It can in a variety of ways. Precipitation during Winter in the Northeast can wear asphalt down, reducing its durability. Some homeowners, unfortunately, forget to take the necessary precautions to protect their driveways. A neglected driveway can lead to more serious matters. This may include cracking or upheaving from freeze and water damage. These problems not only look aesthetically bad but can cost quite a lot to fix. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your driveway from cold and freezing weather.
Understand What Affects Your Sealcoating
Having your driveway sealed in Fall before Winter is a great way to prevent water from entering unsealed cracks and spaces. When water gets under asphalt it compromises the sub-base and causes heaving. Also, consider using hot tar to seal the seam of your driveway and other possible cracks. Ask Northern Construction about the different types of tars and seal coats that can be applied to cracks. Hot tar and seal coat will prevent water from entering any existing cracks.
Make Sure You Have Snow Shovels On Hand
It’s always handy to keep a few shovels around for quick and easy snow removal. Snow that is left to sit and melt will turn into ice overnight. Choose shovels that do not have overly sharp edges to prevent scratching the pavement.
Consider the use of De-icers
Keeping your driveway free of ice is important. There are various kinds of de-icers such as calcium or rock salt. Both products are effective at preventing a buildup of ice. However, most of these products can be environmentally harmful to plants and animals. Some types of salts can be harmful to pets. They can get stuck in their paws and cause irritation. It’s important to do your research to see what products will be environmentally friendly for your driveway and pets.
Apply Temporary Solutions When Necessary To Extend The Life of Your Driveway
If you notice a pothole has appeared cold mix is a temporary but effective solution. Cold mix is used to fill potholes and prevent them from expanding. Ask Northern Construction about filling potholes to prevent water and ice from heaving your driveway. Our clients who come to us with questions are given the best recommendations from our team. based on the condition of their driveways. For nearly three decades we’ve helped our clients maintain their driveways throughout the winter, providing them with the best choices in terms of snow and ice protection.
5 Key Elements In An Asphalt Driveway In Westchester, New York.
Key Elements In An Asphalt Driveway 1. Appearance
Key elements in an asphalt driveway are important, starting with the look of the finished product. It can be a focal point of your house and even add value to your home. A well-paved driveway has neat and straight edges, a smooth surface to drive or walk on, and clean seams. A professional contractor will leave you with a nice-looking and strong driveway.
2. Proper installation
A professional asphalt contractor will discuss with you a game plan for your driveway. Many people have their driveway repaved because either their driveway is old and cracking or they have water issues. Driveways can either be overlaid or torn out and re-paved. An overlay is when new asphalt is paved directly over the existing driveway. When this is done, a sticky glue-like substance called tack coat is applied to the old driveway. This will create a strong bond between the old and new asphalt. When a driveway is removed, the old asphalt and sub-base are trucked away. A new sub-base is installed and compacted. Then a new finish layer of asphalt is put down.
3. Foundation – The key to a long-lasting driveway is the foundation.
Just like anything else you build, if the foundation is weak, then the structure that you put on top of it will be weak. A good driveway has sub-base Item 4. It’s common base material put down under roads and driveways. You should discuss with your contractor which item 4 they are using as there are several different grades. Compaction is incredibly important in installing a good sub-base because if your sub-base isn’t compacted properly, it can cause sinkholes and heaving.
4. Drainage- Water is one of the most damaging elements of asphalt.
If water is not diverted away from the pavement it will form puddles and destroy the pavement over time. In the winter, standing water in your driveway can freeze and cause slipping hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to pitch the pavement to allow water runoff. However, if your home is downhill and your driveway is pitched towards your home, you may have to install a drain to capture the water and divert it away.
5. Maintenance- Proper driveway maintenance ensures the longevity of your driveway.
After a time, the asphalt will start to wear and may be subject to cracking, It’s important to fill these cracks with crack sealer so water will not penetrate and cause further damage. Seal coating is another option for maintenance. A seal coat is a liquid tar that can be applied every couple of years to protect your driveway from weather elements and keep it looking new.
Trust Northern Construction’s 20+ years of expertise in driveway paving and maintenance, contact us today for a free estimate.