FAQ

Family owned and operated since 1976, Valley Blacktopping, Inc. has more 50 years of experience in the asphalt paving industry. Our owners are present on every job, helping ensure consistent quality and attention to detail from start to finish. We provide honest, professional asphalt paving services at a fair price and maintain an A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau. Valley Blacktopping is fully licensed and insured, and we have been recognized multiple times as a top paving contractor in the United States. From residential driveway replacement to commercial asphalt paving, our focus is on proper preparation, experienced crews, and work built for long term performance.

Valley Blacktopping, Inc. offers a standard two year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. A detailed explanation of our warranty is provided with your proposal. We have been installing high quality asphalt surfaces for 50 years, and customer satisfaction is always our priority. If an issue arises with your new driveway, regardless of its age, we encourage you to give us a call. We will always do our best to be fair and work toward a reasonable solution. After all, a warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it.

A typical asphalt driveway replacement follows a structured process designed to build a strong, long lasting surface. Our base crew begins by removing the existing driveway. We then perform a full sub cut to remove old base material and unstable soils. New aggregate base material is installed, graded for proper drainage, and thoroughly compacted. After preparation, one of our experienced professionals determines how long the new base should sit before paving. In many cases, we allow the base to sit for one to two weeks before installing asphalt. This waiting period helps the foundation firm up, which is critical to the long term performance of the driveway. Once the base is ready, our paving crew installs the new asphalt surface to the proper thickness and completes final compaction and finishing. From start to finish, the process generally takes one to two weeks, though each project is unique and adjustments may be made to ensure the driveway is built correctly.

A typical residential driveway replacement project takes about one to two weeks from start to finish. The first phase involves removing the existing driveway, performing a full sub cut, and installing new base material. The base is graded for proper drainage and compacted. In many cases, we allow the new base to sit for a period of time before paving. This helps the foundation firm up and supports long term performance. Once the base is ready, the asphalt surface is installed. Weather, site conditions, and the scope of work can affect the timeline, but allowing proper time for preparation is an important part of building a driveway that lasts.

You do not need to be home during most of the driveway replacement process, as long as we have clear access to the work area. Before work begins, we will review project details, access needs, and any special concerns. It is important that vehicles are moved and the driveway area is clear. On the day asphalt is installed, we do need access to the garage, so the garage door should be open or arrangements should be made in advance. This allows us to properly tie the new asphalt into the garage floor. If questions come up during the project, we will reach out as needed. Our goal is to keep the process smooth and convenient while keeping you informed.

We understand how important your yard and landscaping are, and we take care to treat every property with respect. Our crews work carefully and plan each project to minimize disruption to surrounding areas. Because asphalt paving involves excavation and heavy equipment, minor disturbance near driveway edges or work areas can occur. However, we make every effort to keep your property looking as neat as possible throughout the project. If you have special concerns about landscaping, irrigation, or other features near the driveway, please discuss them with us before work begins so we can plan accordingly.

The cost of a new asphalt driveway can vary depending on several factors. Every project is different, and pricing is based on the specific conditions of your property and the scope of work required. Key factors that affect cost include: • Size of the driveway • Existing base and soil conditions • Amount of excavation and sub cutting needed • Drainage requirements • Access to the work area • Thickness of the new asphalt surface Driveway replacement is more than just installing a new layer of asphalt. Proper base preparation and foundation work are critical to long term performance, and these steps play a major role in overall cost. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule an estimate. We evaluate your driveway, discuss your goals, and provide recommendations based on what will deliver lasting results for your property.

In many cases, residential driveways are not good candidates for an asphalt overlay. Several factors must be considered before placing new asphalt over an existing surface, including the condition of the current asphalt, the stability of the base, and overall drainage. If the existing driveway has widespread cracking, settling, or base problems, an overlay will not correct the underlying issues. In those situations, full removal and replacement with proper base preparation is typically the better long term solution. If you are considering an overlay, one of our experienced estimators can assess your driveway and determine whether resurfacing is appropriate. It is also important to understand that an overlay is not the same as seal coating. Seal coating involves applying a protective liquid sealer to the surface, while an overlay is the installation of a new layer of asphalt over the existing driveway.

A typical residential asphalt driveway is installed at a compacted thickness of about 2 to 3 inches, depending on the application and site conditions. Thickness alone does not determine strength. The base beneath the asphalt plays a major role in performance. A properly prepared and compacted aggregate base provides the structural support needed to carry vehicle loads and reduce the risk of cracking or settling. Factors that influence the correct thickness include: • Soil and subgrade conditions • Drainage • Type and weight of vehicles using the driveway • Overall driveway design The goal is to install asphalt at the proper thickness on top of a stable, well prepared foundation to ensure long term durability and performance.

A properly installed asphalt driveway can last 15 to 25 years or more, depending on conditions and maintenance. The lifespan of a driveway depends heavily on what is below the surface. A strong, well prepared base and proper drainage are critical to preventing issues like cracking, settling, and premature failure. That is why we focus on full base preparation and structural support during driveway replacement. Other factors that affect longevity include: • Quality of installation • Thickness of the asphalt • Traffic and vehicle weight • Minnesota weather conditions • Ongoing maintenance With proper installation and routine care, an asphalt driveway is a durable and long lasting surface designed to perform well for many years.

Asphalt is a durable paving material made from a mixture of aggregates and asphalt binder. The aggregates typically include crushed stone, sand, and gravel. These materials provide strength and structure. The asphalt binder, a petroleum based product, acts like a glue that holds the aggregates together and gives the pavement flexibility. This combination creates a surface that is strong enough to support vehicle traffic while also being flexible enough to handle temperature changes and seasonal conditions. Proper installation and a stable base beneath the asphalt are just as important as the material itself when it comes to long term performance.

We recommend waiting at least one week before driving on your new asphalt driveway and about two weeks before parking on it. Asphalt continues to cure and harden over time. During the early curing period, the surface is more susceptible to tire impressions and scuffing, especially in warm weather. Giving the driveway time before regular use helps protect the surface and supports long term performance. After you begin using the driveway, avoid turning your steering wheel while the vehicle is stopped and try not to park in the same spot for extended periods during the first few weeks.

Newly constructed asphalt surfaces can be susceptible to tire impressions and scuff marks, especially during the early curing period and in warm weather. These are typically cosmetic blemishes and do not affect the strength or performance of the asphalt. To help reduce scuffing, avoid turning your steering wheel while the vehicle is stopped and try not to park heavy vehicles in the same spot for long periods, particularly during hot conditions. Please review our information on tire scuffing and indentations for more details. If you have concerns about deeper impressions or unusual areas, contact us at 651.452.5845 and we will be happy to help.

Proper maintenance helps extend the life of your asphalt driveway and protect your investment. Key maintenance steps include: • Keep the surface clean by removing dirt and debris • Avoid turning wheels sharply while the vehicle is stopped • Do not park heavy vehicles or equipment in the same spot for long periods • Clean up oil or fluid spills as soon as possible • Fill cracks promptly to prevent water from entering the pavement structure Addressing cracks early is one of the most important maintenance steps. Water that enters cracks can weaken the base and lead to larger problems over time. Taking care of small issues early helps maximize the lifespan and performance of your driveway.

We do not recommend seal coating within the first year after a new asphalt installation. Seal coating is a common asphalt maintenance practice, but it primarily provides a cosmetic benefit and surface protection. It does not improve the structural integrity of the pavement or correct issues related to base conditions or cracking. If you choose to seal coat your driveway, it is generally best to wait as long as possible before applying the first coat. Additional applications should only be done when the previous coat has worn off, rather than on a fixed schedule. Proper installation, good drainage, and timely crack filling are more important to long term performance than seal coating alone.

We accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. Credit card transactions are subject to a 3% processing fee. If you have any questions about payment options, we are happy to review them with you during your estimate.