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.
"Working with Innovation Landscape, Inc. has been a pleasure, even though I never lifted a finger. Innovation has answered all of my questions and concerns. They are experienced, honest, hardworking people who have made my home so much better. I would definitely use them for future projects."
"Harold and team did an awesome job!! The quality is top notch!! Their price was really good and very competitive and the work comes with a 5 year warranty!"
" All went perfect! The price was slightly higher than a couple quotes I had, but the other guys didn't explain much of anything & seemed impatient about answering questions I had. Now, my roof looks great & since it's properly ventilated, my new shingles will last longer! Mike & his crew did a great job & were wonderful people to get to know. I am very greatful Mike & his crew were willing to drive from Moline, IL to Wilton, IA to do work for me. Talk about going the distance for your customer! Mike was on the job from start to finish. He came to give me an estimate & spent about an hour explaining what he was going to do and what the different products were that I asked about to use. I also asked for his opinion, which he gave & explained why. He was very patient in answering all the questions I had and never acted like he was in a hurry to leave. I am greatful he took the time to explain things to my understanding & satifaction without making me feel rushed. I was also impressed to learn that not only do the shingles have a great warranty on them, but Mike has an 8 yr. warrenty on his work as well! While doing the job, Mike & his crew worked well together & were quick, yet they paid attention to details. I was especially impressed when I looked out my window a few times, and saw that the guys that smoked would put their cigs. out & disposed of them in the trash & not all over my yard! Thanks guys! When the job was finished, Mike went around my home to double check everything to make sure that everything was cleaned up & finished correctly. My yard was as clean when they left as it was before they started! He made sure they got every nail they could find & every little scrap of paper, plastic, shingle, etc. that they could find. They also took extra precautions to check my driveway when ever I left or came home to make sure I didn't get nails in my tires. Job Very Well Done Guys! Any time I talked with Mike or his crew they were always polite & they were very friendly. Mike is a very respectable man & I would trust to hire him again in a heartbeat! I have some projects in the future I plan to do, & will definatly be calling him when I'm ready to do them. Thanks again, Mike! "
"Scott did a great job. The lions share of the work was a new poor in a garage that was dirt and pea gravel. It wasn't easy working in the smaller garage with a low roof. Other work was an alleyway between that garage and my main garage along with a landing from my main garage and having to match up to the ramp up to house along with driveway pavement. So three different levels to match up to and Scott did a great job."
A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It’s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.
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.
While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.
You should contact your driveway installer before winterizing a newly installed driveway. Winterizing it before the asphalt or concrete has fully cured can damage the driveway. But in many cases, you don't need to winterize a newly installed driveway anyway since it's likely freshly sealed and won't have much damage yet.
The material that’s best for your private road depends on your property, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. Gravel is an affordable option, but some homeowners don’t like how it looks. It can be a pain to remove snow from, and it requires more ongoing maintenance than asphalt or concrete. However, while these other options require less maintenance and make snow removal a breeze, they’re more expensive and will need repairs from time to time. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose the road material that suits you and your property best.
The Ladd, 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.
