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.
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Step 6
Use a shop vacuum to remove all loose debris from cracks. These must be very clean and dry before filling.
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Step 7
Let the driveway dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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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