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Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Asphalt Driveway

Are you considering replacing your asphalt or concrete driveway? If you’re in the Minneapolis or St. Paul metro area, you’ve experienced many Minnesota winters. They can easily cause many problems with an asphalt driveway. Maybe you have a cracked driveway, need extensive driveway repairs, or have a driveway that is 15-30 years old.

If you’re a Twin Cities homeowner in need of a new driveway but unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Having your asphalt driveway replaced or fixed is not an everyday occurrence. Most homeowners have never done it before. Even if you have replaced a driveway, building technology and techniques have changed and improved since then.

Here are some questions to ask if you’re thinking about a driveway replacement:

  • Do I need a new sub-base under my driveway? – We will install base up to 6 inches as needed at no additional charge, as it is included in the overall cost.
  • Asphalt DrivewaysWhat happens to my existing driveway? – To remove your existing asphalt or concrete driveway, we’ll use a skid loader or track loader to remove the debris, which is then loaded into dump trucks. Sometimes a jackhammer is needed to begin work on a concrete driveway. The old material is hauled to a recycling facility for processing.
  • Can I simply put a new layer of asphalt over the old one? – In a small number of cases, installing what is called an “overlay” over your existing asphalt can be done. Keep in mind, though, that wherever there are cracks or the asphalt is broken, they will reappear through the new layer, a phenomenon known as reflective cracking. In most instances, fresh, new paving is highly recommended.
  • Will there be any hidden costs not on the driveway cost estimate? – A reputable company, like Richfield Blacktop, will provide an accurate estimate for your project with minimal changes to the total cost. Not all contractors are accurate in their estimates; some may not include all costs in their initial estimate. Richfield Blacktop is extremely careful to include all factors in its original estimate. While adjustments may be made if conditions change or modifications are requested after the estimate, we communicate them immediately. In most cases, our initial estimate is usually the final price for your driveway. We don’t like surprises any more than you do.
  • Driveway ReplacementHow long will the job take from start to finish? – The completion of your driveway typically takes 1 to 4 weeks after signing the agreement, with an average timeframe of 3 weeks. The base work for the driveway usually takes half a day, depending on its size and the sub-grade condition. Paving a 1,000-square-foot driveway typically takes 2-4 hours. Obviously, larger driveways take longer to complete. The time between base work and paving can range from the same day to 3 weeks, depending on weather, schedule, location, and sub-base condition. We’ll discuss the timing of your project in detail with you.
  • How durable will the new driveway be, and is there any type of warranty? – How long the driveway will last depends on several factors. Typically, an asphalt driveway should last between 15 and 30 years with proper maintenance. Factors like sun exposure, harsh winters, sub-grade conditions, and usage all take a toll on the life of your driveway. Although asphalt is strong and durable, it is also somewhat yielding. It will move and flex slightly with seasonal freezing and thawing, and may be damaged by heavy weights or sharp objects. Richfield Blacktop now offers a 5-Year Craftsmanship Warranty (includes repairs).
  • How soon can I use my new driveway? – Asphalt needs time to harden and cure. You can typically drive into your garage after a few days and park in it after 7-14 days, depending on the weather. Even when cured, asphalt can sometimes soften in extremely hot weather and harden as temperatures drop. See our page on Driveway Care & Maintenance for more information.

Richfield Blacktop – Expertise, Quality, and Service in Driveways

At Richfield Blacktop, the key to our legendary reputation over the past 60+ years is our relationship with our customers. We provide accurate estimates, expertly select the right driveway solutions, and ensure high-quality work on every project. At all times, service to our customers is our highest goal. We know that our reputation depends on every job we do, and that keeps us doing our best. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate for your paving project. Compare our service record to any paving contractor in the Twin Cities. Our promise to you is a great driveway at a great price, every time.