A flagstone sidewalk is much more attractive than a typical concrete sidewalk, and the best part about flagstone is that it works with just about any building style. It is not much more difficult than a typical sidewalk installation for New York homes. So why not add a little style to your new york sidewalk installation - whether your home is modern or traditional in style.
Before you begin your sidewalk installation Bronx, you need to prepare the work area. This begins with a mallet, tape measure and stakes with twine to mark out the path your sidewalk will follow. The twine running between the stakes is particularly useful for making sure your lines are straight. However wide you want your sidewalk to be, make sure your work area is at least 4 to 6 inches wider.
When you have your sidewalk marked out, dig out the work area to a depth of 3 inches. Tamp the newly revealed earth into a firm, flat surface.
You will need to check the ground to make sure it is level. Smooth out any areas that are not. The entire area needs only to be roughly level. However, if you need to do a lot of leveling work, it is probably a good indication that you have chosen the wrong site for the walkway installation queens. Fill the work area with 1 1/2 inches of sand. Rake this and spot check it so that it is also roughly level.
OK, now that you've got everything laid out, it is time for the fun stuff: Cutting and Laying Stone for Your New York Sidewalk Installation
Start by using the measuring tape and the edge of the chisel to etch guidelines where the stone needs to be cut. Strike along the line etched in Step 1 with the hammer and chisel. Use firm taps, not hard blows. If you hit the stone too hard, it will shatter. Instead, you are trying to chip a line in the stone until it fractures along that line. For especially thick stones, it may be be necessary to flip the stone over and etch two lines, one on each side, and to chisel them both.
Cut the stones as necessary to fit the walkway throughout the laying process.
Lay the stones into the sidewalk. There should be some space between them, as the compacted sand will serve as the mortar that holds the stones in place. However, more than 1/2 inch of space is too much. Wide, irregular spaces between stones sometimes cannot be avoided, and should be filled with smaller flagstone cuttings. Irregular stone surfaces that make a flagstone wobbly should have some extra sand poured in beneath them before laying to fill in the gap.
Pour sand over the walkway, filling all the gaps between the stones. Use a broom to make sure the sand gets into all of the gaps between the stones. Spray the walkway with water to compact the sand. Allow the sand to stand and dry for at least a few hours.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the joints between the stones are properly filled and firmly compacted.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
How to Repair a Cracked Concrete & Flagstone Sidewalk
If you have a home that is over 10 years old, chances are you have a crack or two in your new York driveway or sidewalk that is waiting patiently for you to repair it. Both concrete and flagstone can develop cracks from expansion and contraction, particularly in harsh climates with multiple weather cycles. You can call us at A Real Advantage Construction to do the work for you professionally, or you can take a chance at fixing it yourself. If you would like to repair the crack yourself. If you choose the latter route, here are some tips to get you started.
Cracks are unattractive, usually and create a tripping hazard. Sidewalk repair Bronx is a simple project that most people can do to improve the safety of your driveway Queens. When completed, the strength of the sidewalk or flagstone will be restored, though signs of the patching will remain. Here are some items you will need to complete your crack repair Bronx:
Cracks are unattractive, usually and create a tripping hazard. Sidewalk repair Bronx is a simple project that most people can do to improve the safety of your driveway Queens. When completed, the strength of the sidewalk or flagstone will be restored, though signs of the patching will remain. Here are some items you will need to complete your crack repair Bronx:
- Push broom
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Face mask
- Angle grinder
- Crack chaser blade
- Wire brush
- Power washer
- Concrete crack filler
- Caulking gun
- Putty knife
- Epoxy gel adhesive
- Paintbrush
- Joint repair compound
- Step 1
Sweep the surface of the concrete clean using a push broom. Remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
- Step 2
Don the safety gear including the safety goggles, face mask and the work gloves. Locate the larger cracks, those greater than 1/4-inch wide, and prepare them for repair. Route out the crack using an angle grinder with a crack chaser blade attached. Go over the edges of the crack until they are vertical with a slight tilting in the bottom of the crack so that the bottom is larger than the top. Level out the floor of the crack up to one-inch in depth. The tilted sides of the crack will make the repairs more effective, providing a ledge of sorts to hold the patch in place.
- Step 3
Clean out all cracks with a wire brush, and then wash the entire surface of the concrete or flagstones with a power washer. Wash the cracks especially well. Make sure to wash in a single direction so as not to refill cracks with debris. Allow the cracks to dry completely before proceeding.
- Step 4
Repair the smaller cracks using concrete crack filler. Place a tube of the filler into a caulking gun. Cut off the tip of the tube and then fill the cracks with the material until it slightly overflows onto the surface of the concrete. Scrape away the excess using a putty knife and allow it to set according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Step 5
Repair the larger cracks using a combination of epoxy adhesive and joint repair compound. Take the adhesive and apply a layer of the gel to the sides and bottom of the larger cracks using a paintbrush. Allow the adhesive to dry to the point of being tacky to the touch, but no longer wet. Fill the cracks with the joint repair compound to overflowing. Use the putty knife to pack the cracks with the compound and then scrape away the excess. Allow the compound to dry as per manufacturer's suggestions.
Sealing Your Asphalt Driveway
At A Real Advantage Construction, we will help you repair your Asphalt Drive driveway New York if it needs sealing, resurfacing or patching. If you would like to try doing this work yourself, here are a few tips. Asphalt driveways Queens posses a number of benefits over gravel and dirt driveways. One of the most important benefits is durability. To maximize this benefit it is important to protect your driveway. By sealing and filling your asphalt driveway regularly you can properly protect your asphalt driveway and keep it looking its best.
Here are some things that you'll need: 1) Acrylic driveway sealer or filler 2) Brush or squeegee applicator tool.
First, Use a host to get your asphalt driveway Queens slightly wet using a light mist of water. Do not overwater the driveway. When it is slightly wet, you can pour a one foot strip of acrylic driveway sealer or fill down the middle of the driveway. Then, use a squeegee applicator to spread out the product about 3 feet across the driveway. Working your way down the asphalt driveway Bronx use a squeegee to remove all excess sealer from your asphalt driveway. Do this by pulling the brush or squeegee tool towards you.
Later, when you notice holes that require patching, fill them with rubberized asphalt to keep your driveway maintained before it can erode and damage the rest of your driveway. Spills and contaminates will also erode the sealant over time, so be sure to clean them up as they occur.
Here are some things that you'll need: 1) Acrylic driveway sealer or filler 2) Brush or squeegee applicator tool.
First, Use a host to get your asphalt driveway Queens slightly wet using a light mist of water. Do not overwater the driveway. When it is slightly wet, you can pour a one foot strip of acrylic driveway sealer or fill down the middle of the driveway. Then, use a squeegee applicator to spread out the product about 3 feet across the driveway. Working your way down the asphalt driveway Bronx use a squeegee to remove all excess sealer from your asphalt driveway. Do this by pulling the brush or squeegee tool towards you.
Later, when you notice holes that require patching, fill them with rubberized asphalt to keep your driveway maintained before it can erode and damage the rest of your driveway. Spills and contaminates will also erode the sealant over time, so be sure to clean them up as they occur.
Taking Care of Your Asphalt Driveway
At A Real Advantage Construction, we recommend you take care of your asphalt driveway to avoid excessive repairs. In a previous post, we focused on how to seal your driveway. This post covers some other asphalt driveway repair tips.
The first thing to remember is that your driveway will take up to 12 months to harden and cure after it is installed so it is important to "tread" carefully on your asphalt driveway Queens during this 12 month period. You should also remember that asphalt becomes soft in hot weather and is therefore more easy to damage during this time. A few tips to remember during the initial period is that you shouldn't park in same spot every time, before it is fully cured and when you are turning your wheels, keep the vehicle moving. Obviously, heavy objects such an RV can do damage over time. You can moderate this risk to your asphalt driveway Brooklyn by laying down some plywood or boards to park on. If you can keep heavy vehicles such as concrete an garbage trucks of the asphalt driveway Bronx, that is for the best.
Another thing to consider is the probability of puncturing the blacktop with sharp or jagged objects. So don't wear too many high heals while it's curing!
The edges of asphalt, even old asphalt driveways, tends to get ragged over time. You can minimize this problem by filling in around the edges with dirt or gravel. This also keeps water from eroding underneath the asphalt. You should also try to avoid driving off the edges.
Chemicals are another destroyer of asphalt. Gas, oil, grease and other car chemicals should be removed ASAP.
After about 6 months, your driveway will start to turn gray. After this time, you can seal your driveway to keep it looking nice and keep chemicals and wear from eroding your asphalt driveway New York.
Contact us at arealadvantageconstruction.com if need help making a repairs. Despite your efforts, it is natural that your asphalt driveway will erode over time.
The first thing to remember is that your driveway will take up to 12 months to harden and cure after it is installed so it is important to "tread" carefully on your asphalt driveway Queens during this 12 month period. You should also remember that asphalt becomes soft in hot weather and is therefore more easy to damage during this time. A few tips to remember during the initial period is that you shouldn't park in same spot every time, before it is fully cured and when you are turning your wheels, keep the vehicle moving. Obviously, heavy objects such an RV can do damage over time. You can moderate this risk to your asphalt driveway Brooklyn by laying down some plywood or boards to park on. If you can keep heavy vehicles such as concrete an garbage trucks of the asphalt driveway Bronx, that is for the best.
Another thing to consider is the probability of puncturing the blacktop with sharp or jagged objects. So don't wear too many high heals while it's curing!
The edges of asphalt, even old asphalt driveways, tends to get ragged over time. You can minimize this problem by filling in around the edges with dirt or gravel. This also keeps water from eroding underneath the asphalt. You should also try to avoid driving off the edges.
Chemicals are another destroyer of asphalt. Gas, oil, grease and other car chemicals should be removed ASAP.
After about 6 months, your driveway will start to turn gray. After this time, you can seal your driveway to keep it looking nice and keep chemicals and wear from eroding your asphalt driveway New York.
Contact us at arealadvantageconstruction.com if need help making a repairs. Despite your efforts, it is natural that your asphalt driveway will erode over time.
How to Repair an Asphalt Driveway
At A Real Advantage Construction, we specialize in New York exterior repairs, including asphalt driveway repair. If you prefer to do it yourself, here are some ways to achieve your goal.
For smaller cracks from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, you can use a crack filler that is rubberized asphalt-emulsion. This is either poured or applied with a calk gun. Try to just get it in the crack and not on the surface and smooth it inside the crack with a putty knife.
The process is slightly different for sidewalk repair Queens of wider cracks and holes. For this, you can shovel in packaged cold-patch blacktop. After shoveling it in, level it with an iron rake. Compact it with a rented tamper or a 4x4 end. You want to add material until the hole is slightly overfilled. Then, cover it with scrap plywood and drive over it. When you are finished with either size of project, mist the driveway with water and seal your driveway Brooklyn (see my post on driveway sealant).
For smaller cracks from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, you can use a crack filler that is rubberized asphalt-emulsion. This is either poured or applied with a calk gun. Try to just get it in the crack and not on the surface and smooth it inside the crack with a putty knife.
The process is slightly different for sidewalk repair Queens of wider cracks and holes. For this, you can shovel in packaged cold-patch blacktop. After shoveling it in, level it with an iron rake. Compact it with a rented tamper or a 4x4 end. You want to add material until the hole is slightly overfilled. Then, cover it with scrap plywood and drive over it. When you are finished with either size of project, mist the driveway with water and seal your driveway Brooklyn (see my post on driveway sealant).
How to Clean Your Driveway Before Making Repairs
At A Real Advantage Construction, it is important to us that we start your asphalt repair right and this process includes cleaning your driveway before any repairs are started. Here are a few steps we take to clean the driveway, something that you can do at home if you are making your own asphalt repairs Brooklyn.
Start by finding an appropriate tool for getting the weeds off the driveway and out of the cracks. You can use a lawn edging tool or a spade. Then, room any loose asphalt from the cracked or damaged portion of the asphalt driveway Brooklyn. To do this, you can use your garden hose or, if available, compressed air. Finish the removal by sweeping the asphalt driveway Queens. Your next step is washing the driveway by scrubbing it with a diluted cleaner that removes oil and dirt. If there is any oil remaining, you can use an oil-spot primer on them. After you have removed the dirt and oil, hose down or pressure wash the driveway. Then, use a shop vacuum to remove any loose debris. Wait for everything to dry. Now, you are ready to start your repairs!
Hose the driveway with as much pressure as possible. Start on the uphill and rinse toward the sides.
#
Step 6
Use a shop vacuum to remove all loose debris from cracks. These must be very clean and dry before filling.
#
Step 7
Let the driveway dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
Start by finding an appropriate tool for getting the weeds off the driveway and out of the cracks. You can use a lawn edging tool or a spade. Then, room any loose asphalt from the cracked or damaged portion of the asphalt driveway Brooklyn. To do this, you can use your garden hose or, if available, compressed air. Finish the removal by sweeping the asphalt driveway Queens. Your next step is washing the driveway by scrubbing it with a diluted cleaner that removes oil and dirt. If there is any oil remaining, you can use an oil-spot primer on them. After you have removed the dirt and oil, hose down or pressure wash the driveway. Then, use a shop vacuum to remove any loose debris. Wait for everything to dry. Now, you are ready to start your repairs!
Hose the driveway with as much pressure as possible. Start on the uphill and rinse toward the sides.
#
Step 6
Use a shop vacuum to remove all loose debris from cracks. These must be very clean and dry before filling.
#
Step 7
Let the driveway dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
The importance of Edging Your Driveway
At A Real Advantage Construction, we specialize in exterior repairs such as New York Driveway Repair and Installation. In addition to making your driveway look like new, we also suggest that you consider adding a edging to your asphalt driveways. An asphalt driveway often looks a little ragged around the edges, especially after a season's worth of snow, salt, and shoveling. You can improve the appearance of your asphalt driveway Bronx by edging it with stones. One type of driveway edging used frequently is Belgian Block stones, but you can also you artificial materials such as pavers Queens to create a similar effect. Adding a row of blocks to each side will improve the overall curb appeal as well. Installing the blocks is quick and affordable. Installing the blocks requires just a few basic tools and a rented saw for cutting through the asphalt. Call us at A Real Advantage Construction if you would like some help with your paver installation Brooklyn.
Flat Roof Construction
Our specialty at A Real Advantage Construction is New York roof installation and repair. In this post I'd like to talk about flat roofs. Why do we even have flat roofs? They aren't logical - that is - rain and snow don't shed off them as well as a sloped roof. Yet, they are common, particularly for commercial buildings.
It isn't just commerical buildings or that have flat roofs. There are also traditional homes with flat roofs Bronx. Traditional homes sometimes have sections of flat roof over shed dormers, above porches, garages, decks and balconies.
Yet, they don't last as long as sloped roofs because they can't handle the weather as well. Fortunately, modern materials partly make up for the deficit of flat roofs Brooklyn. They frequently carry warranties up to 20 years, similar though slightly less than sloped roofs.
The important factor is how the roof is constructed, regardless of whether it is a flat roof Bronx or a sloped one. It is important to seal them correctly because they don't drain as well. If you would like help with installation or repair of a flat roof, contact us at arealadvantageconstruction.com
It isn't just commerical buildings or that have flat roofs. There are also traditional homes with flat roofs Bronx. Traditional homes sometimes have sections of flat roof over shed dormers, above porches, garages, decks and balconies.
Yet, they don't last as long as sloped roofs because they can't handle the weather as well. Fortunately, modern materials partly make up for the deficit of flat roofs Brooklyn. They frequently carry warranties up to 20 years, similar though slightly less than sloped roofs.
The important factor is how the roof is constructed, regardless of whether it is a flat roof Bronx or a sloped one. It is important to seal them correctly because they don't drain as well. If you would like help with installation or repair of a flat roof, contact us at arealadvantageconstruction.com
Paver Installation
Installing pavers, rather than grey concrete, can make an enormous impact on the curb appeal of your home. New York paver installation is one of our specialties. Call us about paver installation today so that we can help you to plan your project. In today's blog post, I will talk about some of the steps we take to ensure that your project is planned and installed properly.
First, we will talk to you about your needs and provide you with an estimate when we are clear about your needs, especially your material choice and placement of the pavers Queens. When you have selected a paver choice, we will determine the materials you need, such as pavers, paver base, substrate (sand), and edging.
Then, we will lay out the edges of the project and ask you to evaluate our layout before proceeding further. As soon as we get your approval, we begin to excavate by digging out loam and finding undisturbed, stable soil. Sometimes, we need to provide extra drainage if your soil is clay.
Next, we lay the base. The paver base is then followed by a layer of concrete sand. During this time, we set the edge with metal or plastic edge to keep pavers Bronx together. Finally, we are ready to lay the pavers Brooklyn. We set the pavers in a pattern that we have discussed with you prior to the install. When you are satisfied with the appearance and quality of the layout, we spread mason's sand over the surface, and work it into the joints with a vibrating plate compactor. Now, it is time to sit back and enjoy a job well done.
First, we will talk to you about your needs and provide you with an estimate when we are clear about your needs, especially your material choice and placement of the pavers Queens. When you have selected a paver choice, we will determine the materials you need, such as pavers, paver base, substrate (sand), and edging.
Then, we will lay out the edges of the project and ask you to evaluate our layout before proceeding further. As soon as we get your approval, we begin to excavate by digging out loam and finding undisturbed, stable soil. Sometimes, we need to provide extra drainage if your soil is clay.
Next, we lay the base. The paver base is then followed by a layer of concrete sand. During this time, we set the edge with metal or plastic edge to keep pavers Bronx together. Finally, we are ready to lay the pavers Brooklyn. We set the pavers in a pattern that we have discussed with you prior to the install. When you are satisfied with the appearance and quality of the layout, we spread mason's sand over the surface, and work it into the joints with a vibrating plate compactor. Now, it is time to sit back and enjoy a job well done.
Stucco Repair - Best Left to the Professionals
A couple years ago, I attempted to do my own stucco repair on a large area that I had cut out for a door. I soon realized that I should have called the experts to help me out with Queens stucco repair because getting the new stucco to match the old stucco proved to be impossible. To this day, I find myself looking at the spot that I finished and grumbling to myself about there being a time and a place for professional contractors. So, contact the experts at ARealAdvantageconstruction.com to do your stucco repair right if you have a large area of damaged or removed stucco. If the area is smaller than your fist, you can try doing it yourself and hope for the best! Here's some instructions for the stucco do-it-yourselfer:
First - the stucco recipe:
•½ bag (47 lbs.) portland cement
•6 shovels brick or mason's sand, slightly damp
•1 shovel hydrated lime
•½ cup acrylic bonding agent
You can also use a ready-made mix for your stucco repair Bronx. Use your wheelbarrow to blend the ingredients together with a shovel or mortar hoe. Add the acrylic bonding agent, then stir with water. The mix should reach the consistency of frosting - any more and you will find it unworkable. Once you add the water, you have about 60 minutes before it hardens, depending on the temperature - so work fast!
Wait until the spring for your New York Stucco repair because nighttime freezes will ruin your work. Alternately, hot and dry weather will suck the moisture out of your stucco repair, creating cracks from fast curing. So, work in the shade and mist the stucco with water frequently.
It's important to wear gloves for your stucco repair Queens. The alkalis in cement are hard on the skin.
Now - to the difficult part. It is nearly impossible to match the exact color of the old stucco. To make this happen - you'll likely have to pain or stain the entire area around the repair You can cover the patch with acrylic elastomer as well to seal any developing hairline cracks. Whatever product you use to cover the patch, make sure it was made for stucco, which means it is alkaline tolerant and permeable to water. Otherwise, it'll have to be redone in short time.
First - the stucco recipe:
•½ bag (47 lbs.) portland cement
•6 shovels brick or mason's sand, slightly damp
•1 shovel hydrated lime
•½ cup acrylic bonding agent
You can also use a ready-made mix for your stucco repair Bronx. Use your wheelbarrow to blend the ingredients together with a shovel or mortar hoe. Add the acrylic bonding agent, then stir with water. The mix should reach the consistency of frosting - any more and you will find it unworkable. Once you add the water, you have about 60 minutes before it hardens, depending on the temperature - so work fast!
Wait until the spring for your New York Stucco repair because nighttime freezes will ruin your work. Alternately, hot and dry weather will suck the moisture out of your stucco repair, creating cracks from fast curing. So, work in the shade and mist the stucco with water frequently.
It's important to wear gloves for your stucco repair Queens. The alkalis in cement are hard on the skin.
Now - to the difficult part. It is nearly impossible to match the exact color of the old stucco. To make this happen - you'll likely have to pain or stain the entire area around the repair You can cover the patch with acrylic elastomer as well to seal any developing hairline cracks. Whatever product you use to cover the patch, make sure it was made for stucco, which means it is alkaline tolerant and permeable to water. Otherwise, it'll have to be redone in short time.
How to Install Cobblestone Edging
One of the most straightforward exterior projects is cobblestone edging New York. If done right, it can be a very attractive addition to your yard. If done, without good design sense, it can sometimes look a bit unprofessional if not trashy. At Arealadvantageconstruction.com, we can help you with this project or you can work on it yourself with a little preparation and the right equipment.
In either case, you will need a landscape plan. The plan should show the dimensions of your garden and the proposed structures. Cobblestone can be used as edging for flower gardens, grass areas, walks and patios, driveways and more. The landscape will help you to calculate the quantities of material you need. In addition to the size and type of cobblestone you select for this project, you will also need to measure the amount of stone dust needed for the base.
You need to calculate the quantity of cobblestone needed by measuring the length of the area to be edged and dividing by the length of the individual cobble. In addition, you need to calculate the material quantities needed for your base, which will most likely be stone dust. Approximately one ton of processed gravel or stone dust will be needed for every 100 linear feet of edging installed.
When you have ordered or picked up your materials, you are ready to begin excavation. Set up a string line along stakes to establish your cobblestone Edge Queens. Then, remove enough soil to place 2" of gravel or stone dust, plus one third of the cobble below grade. Position the cobbles on the base, close together. A rubber mallet helps to move things back an forth for positioning of the cobblestones Brooklyn. You can either fill your cobbles with stone dust, or mortar them together. Top it off with gravel or loam for plantings.
In either case, you will need a landscape plan. The plan should show the dimensions of your garden and the proposed structures. Cobblestone can be used as edging for flower gardens, grass areas, walks and patios, driveways and more. The landscape will help you to calculate the quantities of material you need. In addition to the size and type of cobblestone you select for this project, you will also need to measure the amount of stone dust needed for the base.
You need to calculate the quantity of cobblestone needed by measuring the length of the area to be edged and dividing by the length of the individual cobble. In addition, you need to calculate the material quantities needed for your base, which will most likely be stone dust. Approximately one ton of processed gravel or stone dust will be needed for every 100 linear feet of edging installed.
When you have ordered or picked up your materials, you are ready to begin excavation. Set up a string line along stakes to establish your cobblestone Edge Queens. Then, remove enough soil to place 2" of gravel or stone dust, plus one third of the cobble below grade. Position the cobbles on the base, close together. A rubber mallet helps to move things back an forth for positioning of the cobblestones Brooklyn. You can either fill your cobbles with stone dust, or mortar them together. Top it off with gravel or loam for plantings.
DOT Violations for New York
Department of Transportation's sidewalk violation and repair process
At A Real Advantage Construction, we will help you with DOT violations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues DOT violations Bronx to homeowners under certain circumstances when a sidewalk is defective, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make repairs. DOT contractors Queens will fix the sidewalk and bill the homeowner if repairs are not started within 45 days of the violation being issued. If you have received a DOT violation Brooklyn or want more information about this process, call 311 or visit the department online at www.nyc.gov/dot. If you contact us, we will fix your violation and work with DOT to fix your sidewalk in keeping with DOT standards at a much lower price than what your bill from the DOT would be.
At A Real Advantage Construction, we will help you with DOT violations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues DOT violations Bronx to homeowners under certain circumstances when a sidewalk is defective, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make repairs. DOT contractors Queens will fix the sidewalk and bill the homeowner if repairs are not started within 45 days of the violation being issued. If you have received a DOT violation Brooklyn or want more information about this process, call 311 or visit the department online at www.nyc.gov/dot. If you contact us, we will fix your violation and work with DOT to fix your sidewalk in keeping with DOT standards at a much lower price than what your bill from the DOT would be.
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