"The normal lifecycle of working with anyone who does work on your house is: they do work, you inspect work, you see there's an issue, you bring the issue to the person doing the work, they try to convince you it's not a problem (even though it obviously is), you argue back and forth painstakingly until they finally fix what you asked them to, The lifecycle of working with South Shore Excavation is: they do amazing work, you feel fantastic about it. I have never worked with anyone who took such pride in their work as Matt and John. They were extremely hardworking, transparent on their progress and pricing throughout the project, and provided incredible customer service. I would recommend South Shore Excavation to anyone looking for any of the work they handle. I legitimately can't say enough great things about this company."
"ASHPHALT DRIVEWAY, CONCRETE WALKWAY AND FENCE!! These are just three of the services we hired Gill Services for and did we hit the jackpot with them! Gill is multitalented and offers so many services, so don't be afraid to ask if he can add additional services to whatever you are thinking about. Gill and Isabela were a joy to work with! Hardworking, conscientious, responsive, GREAT listener, talented, efficient, creative and reasonably priced are just a few descriptions that come to mind immediately! Already have future projects lined up! If you don't contact them for a site visit and quote you will be the one missing out! Thank you to Gill, Isabela and your amazing crew!!"
"Henry did a great job clearing snow for me, including shoveling walks and stairs. He took care to protect my stone walls. He was very professional and timely."
"They are courteous and dedicated to the work they perform. Great communication skills and attention to the customer's needs and requests!!! We would definitely use their services again!!!"
If you wish to break up a cracked or broken paver for removal, you can use a hammer or mallet and a chisel to fragment the paver. As you’re working, be careful not to disturb surrounding pavers; the key is to work slowly and steadily and remove the broken pieces gently. You should also wear a mask and goggles to ensure that no dust gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth as you work.
If your new pavers look dull or unclean, it is likely due to efflorescence, a chalky, white powder that forms when lime in the pavers gets wet. This condition often resolves on its own, as rain will naturally wash it away within about a year. For faster results, you can use a pressure washer to clean the pavers. Alternatively, consider using cleaning products specifically designed to remove efflorescence or applying sulfuric acid crystals.
Chip seal layers gravel and a liquid bitumen one at a time on-site, while asphalt directly pours a pre-combined mixture. Asphalt must be sealed, but it will last up to four times as long as chip seal driveways. Aesthetically, chip seal has a natural, rustic look compared to the traditional asphalt slab.
Wet cutting is usually the preferred method. It controls dust, which helps protect your lungs and makes for a cleaner working environment. Plus, the water cools the blade, preventing overheating and prolonging its life while providing smoother, more precise cuts. The downside is the mess—water and asphalt sludge can be messy to clean. Dry cutting, though convenient if water isn’t available, creates a lot of dust, which can be harmful. This also increases the risk of blade damage due to overheating. So, if you have the option, wet cutting is the better method for most asphalt jobs.
If you notice minor cosmetic problems with your driveway, you should seal it. Look out for cracks and holes on the surface, faded asphalt or concrete, and stains from oil and other chemicals. Replacing your driveway may be necessary if you’re dealing with significant problems—¼-inch cracks, large potholes, and puddles from drainage issues. The cost to install an asphalt driveway typically ranges between $4,200 and $9,000, significantly more than resealing. Consider talking to a professional to discuss whether resurfacing your driveway—a midway project between resealing and replacing—is a better option for you.
The Somerset, MA homeowners’ guide to paving services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a tar and chip driveway falls between gravel and asphalt. Is this unique process the happy medium you've been looking for? Let's take a look.
Get proactive with marketing for your paving contractor business. Use these paving marketing ideas (ranked by budget and experience level) to grow your business, get more leads, and earn more money.