Frequently Asked Questions About Blacktop Asphalt Driveways in Minnesota

• What’s the best time to install a new asphalt driveway? – The driveway construction season generally runs from early May through October. Within that period, choosing a time is up to you, but some periods are busier than others.
• How much will my new driveway cost? – The typical driveway for Minnesota homeowners costs between $5-$7 per square foot. A number of factors affect the cost of a new or replacement driveway, and each influences the total.
• How long will it take to complete my driveway? – Once the construction process begins, the project should take less than two weeks. Scheduling your driveway project at different times of the year may affect the start date, so you’ll want to order your new driveway early if you need it by a specific date.
• What preparations are needed for a blacktop driveway? – How much preparation is needed before your new driveway is paved depends on many factors, but the primary factor is the nature of the soil underneath your driveway and the sub-base under your current driveway.
• How thick should the asphalt be? – This is a common question. For asphalt, thicker is not necessarily better. More important factors include the quality of the base beneath the driveway and the degree of compaction of the new asphalt. Asphalt for residential driveways is typically paved at a 3″ depth and then compacted to be 2.5″ thick.
• How will the driveway look when it is finished? – After paving, your driveway will be smooth and very dark in color. Some variations in its appearance and texture are normal. Over time, your driveway will become lighter in color, and its texture will change.
• How long will my new driveway last? – Properly installed and maintained residential driveways should last from 15-30 years. The actual time will depend on many factors, including subsoil conditions, use, drainage, and more.
• Will my driveway crack? – In time, all asphalt driveways will develop cracks. Age has no bearing on when and how much it may crack. That depends on several factors, such as subsoil type, drainage, and more. Fortunately, cracks in asphalt driveways can be repaired quite easily.
• What warranties do you offer for blacktop driveways? – Most paving companies offer warranties for 1-2 years for asphalt driveways. At Richfield Blacktop, our standard limited warranty against driveway failure, workmanship, and drainage is 5 years. Our driveway warranty is fully outlined in your estimate document. Above and beyond, our warranty is our Asphalt Protection Plan. You can read more about that here.

At Richfield Blacktop, we aim for complete satisfaction with every job. Our dedication to complete and accurate information for every customer, along with expert, professional installation using modern paving equipment, has been our hallmark for over 60 years of serving customers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Contact us soon for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your driveway and an estimate. Let us show you why we’re the Twin Cities Paver of Choice.