Richfield Blacktop

Blacktop Driveway Care: Do’s, Don’ts, and Maintenance Essentials

A well-installed blacktop driveway provides years of reliable performance when properly maintained from the beginning. Minnesota weather creates unique risks for asphalt-based surfaces: dramatic freeze–thaw fluctuations, road salt exposure, heavy snow removal equipment, and oversaturated subgrade conditions. Without proper maintenance, driveways deteriorate much sooner than homeowners expect, even when the installation quality is excellent. Today, we’ll explain foundational driveway care principles based on Richfield Blacktop’s 60+ years of experience installing and maintaining blacktop surfaces throughout the Twin Cities. The recommendations below help homeowners prevent avoidable damage, protect long-term performance, and understand when to call a professional. Understanding Your Blacktop Driveway

Asphalt Driveway Installation: Key Prep Tasks Homeowners Forget

A successful asphalt driveway installation requires more than scheduling a contractor. Minnesota homes experience frost heave, water intrusion, vehicle stress, and shifting subsoil conditions. When prep work is overlooked, even premium asphalt mixes and expert workmanship can underperform, leading to early deterioration or avoidable repairs within the first few years. This guide outlines essential but commonly forgotten tasks homeowners need to complete before, during, and after asphalt installation. Drawing on Richfield Blacktop’s 60+ years of Minnesota paving experience, we highlight preparation strategies and homeowner responsibilities that protect long-term driveway value. Why Preparation Matters in Asphalt Driveway Installation A driveway endures

Asphalt vs. Concrete for High-Traffic Driveways in Minnesota

Whether you manage a school campus, warehouse fleet entrance, municipal building, or multi-family housing development, choosing the right paving material is a long-term financial decision. The debate of asphalt vs. concrete is especially relevant for Minnesota properties that support repeated vehicle weight, winter freeze-thaw cycles, and year-round maintenance demands. A high-traffic driveway must withstand more than vehicle load, weather exposure, salt, snow removal blades, drainage patterns, and operational downtime; all must be factored into the choice. Today, we’ll examine how asphalt vs. concrete perform under high-traffic stress in Minnesota, lifecycle cost differences, maintenance considerations, and what commercial property owners should

Is Asphalt Paving the Best Choice for Apartment Complex Parking Lots?

Apartment communities require safe, durable, and easy-to-maintain parking lots that accommodate continuous vehicle traffic and harsh Minnesota weather. Many property managers are now upgrading aging concrete or deteriorating pavement to asphalt paving systems. Before beginning the project, it is valuable to understand the meaning of asphalt paving, what makes it suitable for apartment complexes, and why working with an experienced contractor ensures long-term performance and budget control. Below, we examine why asphalt paving is preferred for apartment complex parking lots, what to consider before installation, and how to plan for long-term maintenance that protects your investment. What Is Asphalt Paving

Cold Patch vs. Infrared: Which Residential Driveway Repair Lasts?

When your asphalt driveway starts to crack or crumble, you don’t need a full replacement; however, you need the correct fix. Two of the most common residential repair options are cold patch and infrared. While both can patch up damaged asphalt, only one offers the long-term performance Minnesota homeowners can count on year after year. We’ve repaired thousands of driveways across the Twin Cities, and we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Below, we break down the differences between cold patch and infrared so you can choose the method that protects your asphalt and your wallet. Cold Patch vs. Infrared:

5 Winter Prep Tasks for Your New Asphalt Driveway in Minnesota

In Minnesota, a new asphalt driveway faces immediate environmental challenges, especially as winter approaches. Cold temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and harsh de-icing chemicals can all take a toll on your freshly paved surface if the proper steps aren’t taken ahead of time. Winter preparation is a vital part of driveway ownership, helping ensure your new asphalt surface performs well through freezing temperatures and heavy snow. Whether your asphalt was installed in late summer or early fall, proactive maintenance will help it last longer and stay smoother through its first, and most critical, winter season. So, if you’ve recently installed a new