Asphalt Cracking? What Causes It?

 Asphalt cracking is a direct result of frost heave. It’s a common winter problem throughout Westchester/Putnam Counties. It occurs when the freezing and thawing effects of frost result in the formation of ice pockets underneath the asphalt in the sub-base. As the ice pockets grow, they start to push the asphalt up, which causes heaving and cracking in the asphalt. Over time asphalt damaged by heaving will crack in a pattern that is referred to as “Alligator Cracking”, cracking that resembles the hide of an alligator, interconnected or interlaced.  Driveways that suffer from heaving and aren’t properly maintained will continue to deteriorate with each upcoming winter. As these cracks proliferate, they will allow water to enter under the asphalt, thus ruining a smoothly paved driveway. 

Other Related Issues To Asphalt Cracking

For many homeowners, water will enter underneath their driveways. This will occur anywhere the asphalt meets another surface and forms a joint. A joint is a space between two layers of asphalt. Joints may appear small at first. However, they can eventually become large enough to allow enough water to slip underneath and cause problems. Asphalt joints will commonly form in certain locations. The most common place to look for them is where the asphalt meets another surface, such as concrete. Garage floors are often the root cause of heaving in residential driveways. Over time the asphalt settles and shifts slightly away from the concrete floor forming a gap.

Driveways that meet concrete sidewalks are also prone to heaving. The curb is another place where joints typically form. This is because water frequently flows towards the curb. This can vary depending on the pitch of the driveway. Persistent running water and ice over time will cause erosion. As a result, it will open joints against the curb of the driveway.

Fixing the Problem

The severity of the cracking/upheaval caused by heaving will dictate how the problem should be fixed. Small spots with minimal cracks can be fixed by saw cutting around the cracked area and laying down an asphalt patch. However extensive cracking and/or upheaval throughout the entire driveway needs more extensive evaluation, to determine if there are underlying drainage issues or sub-base repairs that need to be addressed.

 CALL NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION PAVING TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! 

What Is A Belgian Block Apron?

Have you ever thought of removing the front of your driveway that meets the street curb with a modern, classic look? Without a doubt, you should consider having a Belgian Block apron installed. Besides making your driveway stand out, aprons provide additional structural benefits. They provide support to the surface of the driveway. Also, they’re quite aesthetically pleasing to look at. In Westchester County, driveways can be problematic in areas with heavy precipitation. As a result, they may get slippery or have puddles of water start to pool on them. Belgian Block aprons are meant to protect driveways from extreme weather conditions. and help them last longer by preventing water damage.

Belgian Block Aprons

 In Westchester County, Belgian Blocks are a popular go-to for homeowners here. They’re commonly installed in the place of curbs along driveways, streets, and paths. Many residential homeowners in Yorktown have Belgian Block aprons. These aprons add more than style. In addition, they also provide a visual transition from the street to the homeowner’s driveway.

Why you should choose Belgian Block?

Durability

Driveways aprons constructed with Belgian Blocks are very sturdy and weather resistant. They do not crack like asphalt or concrete and are stain-resistant. Unlike other types of stone, they’re resistant to erosion from rain, ice, and snow.

Curb Appeal

Adding a classic look is easily achieved with Belgian Blocks. They come in a variety of colors. Ranging from whites, greys, browns, and even reds. Most homes in Westchester have white Belgian Blocks. White is a popular choice because it compliments many different mason designs that may be on your property. In addition, the patterns and designs that can be achieved by setting them are endless which can complement your style of living and make your driveway stand out. Two common designs here in Yorktown are 90-degree Herringbone and Running Bond. Click here to visit our masonry gallery and see Belgian Block aprons we’ve installed for some of our clients!

          90-Degree Herringbone                                         Running Bond

Easy to Replace

Cracking and potholes can be ongoing problems for older driveways, especially where the apron meets the street. Luckily maintaining a Belgian Block apron is simpler, easier, and more cost-efficient long term. If one stone gets chipped, cracked, or discolored you can easily remove and replace it without touching the other stones.

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.

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.