"A night of 50-60 mph wind had a toll on a section of the house. When I first talked with Scott he asked if I could take a picture of the problem and send it to him. 20 minutes after I sent the picture he called back with an estimate on the siding repair, He arrived the following day ON TIME. He reviewed the repair with me and began work. In no time the siding was repaired and looked as good as the day it was installed. Scott is a pro and I would strongly recommend him for any siding project. Friendly, good price and great work."
Rockhard Construction is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Though it is a young company we were very impressed with the companyâ  s professionalism and leadership. The owner Landon listened to our requests and made it happen. We would definitely use this company for future projects."
"It was one if the most stress free experiences I've had since being a property owner. I will use them for all my properties an refer them to all my friends. Thanks so much Maid Simple."
"I called around to about 4 different roofers and received some pretty good quotes. However, Miza with EMDF Roofing was the fastest to get back to me at every turn. They replaced my roof in the winter time so I knew the weather was a big factor. He found the only 2 dry days in a month and had the roof done. The crew came in and worked non-stop. He came in right on budget. From inspection to clean up I am very impressed with the whole job. Even though there are few reviews I am very glad I chose them and suggest others do the same."
New asphalt goes through two stages: drying and curing. Drying typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the surface is solid enough for light use like walking or careful driving. While you may be able to park on it after 72 hours, the surface is still soft and should be treated gently. Full curing is a much longer process, taking anywhere from 30 days to a full year for the asphalt to reach maximum strength. During this extended curing period, the asphalt is susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, sharp objects, and high temperatures. Factors like weather, the specific asphalt mix, and application thickness all influence drying and curing times. For the most accurate timeline and to ensure the longevity of your new asphalt, it is always best to consult with your installation contractor for their specific recommendations.
Common alternatives to a gravel driveway include concrete, asphalt, brick, stone pavers, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are generally the most affordable options. However, concrete can be prone to cracking in cold climates, while asphalt may soften in areas with high heat and direct sun exposure. For enhanced curb appeal, brick, stone, and permeable pavers are popular choices, though their installation can be more expensive due to intricate designs. Stone pavers offer a natural look and are sometimes installed with gravel around them. Both permeable pavers and brick driveways provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent flooding and reduce water runoff.
There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.
You can expect your asphalt pavement to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, or 25 years on average. The life expectancy of your asphalt driveway depends on the climate, the amount of traffic, and how well you maintain it. While you can’t necessarily control some of these factors, you can control the amount of maintenance effort you put into your driveway.
To prevent your asphalt from deteriorating prematurely, you should follow a good maintenance routine involving regular cleaning, reparation work, and resealing.
Recycled asphalt is not better than gravel, but can be a good alternative. It is inexpensive, but not as low-cost as gravel, and doesn’t tend to last as long. Recycled asphalt isn’t as dusty as gravel and is more environmentally friendly. The black look can be something that homeowners prefer. No matter what, ensure you choose an experienced recycled asphalt contractor.
The Hennepin, IL homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.
