"Brady and his crew did a fantastic job! We love our new driveway and will definitely be calling him again for more concrete work. Highly recommend Brady’s Concrete and Construction!"
"Contacting them after seeing their ad in the Angie's List magazine. John was great to work with and he and the team did a great job. Consulted with me throughout the entire process and we're very happy with the result. Leveled and graded our backyard (~4,000 feet) and laid new sod."
"Great Job! Happy with the work that was done on this project. Bravos Flatwork did more than just pour concrete, work including Bobcat work preparing the sight and re landscaping the area when the concrete was complete."
"Wanted to wait to see how things settled/ weathered, prior to writing a review. They were very nice and professional, cleaned the edges of the driveway, and put a thin layer of sealant on. Looked great at first, but over time (six months ) wore down .... maybe it needs to be an annual thing, or they should put two coats on. "
"In Spring 2012, we obtained quotes from three companies to tear out two existing retaining walls along the driveway and re-build them using Versalok, excavate and grade the backyard, and build a 3.5 - 4 foot retaining wall in the backyard using the stone from the old retaining walls. Genadek had the middle quote; they were also the only company to follow up with a phone call. The whole job took about 4 1/2 weeks. Stan, Mike, Tim, Rob and Andrew were very professional and friendly; our neighbors even raved about them. They cleaned up the job site at the end of each day and communicated frequently so there were no surprises. My only recommendation to those interested in hiring Genadek is to get on their schedule early. Their calendar books up fast! "
"Due to a family emergency, my husband and I decided to sell our house this year. We asked Justin to come over and walk through the house with us and give his opinion on things that should be done before putting it up for sale. He gave us a reasonable quote, and let us decide what we wanted him to do, and what we thought we could tackle ourselves. He knew our goal, and wanted to make sure we got what we wanted and were satisfied. Justin and his crew painted the main living areas of the inside of the house (walls and ceiling), remodeled the main floor bathroom, fixed and repainted some siding around the house, and poured a cement apron and re-sealed the driveway. He was always in contact with us on the progress of the projects (as we had already moved out). If we had questions or concerns, he would respond quickly. As many times as we contacted him, he was always very nice and professional."
"They did a beautiful job. It was spendy. It was a lot because it was all cedar and it was kind of custom done. It is very pretty. Their pricing was not inexpensive, but I think the quality of their work and the value were there."
"Project Manager Curt did a great job making sure materials and people were delivered on time and ready to work. The roofing crew was great. Curt drove down on a snowy January day to address a concern, fully explaining why I was seeing what I was seeing. When snow melts and the shingles warm, the issue should resolve itself without any intervention necessary. They have a good warranty, and Curt was very clear about rectifying any problems that may show up. I believe him."
A driveway's lifespan varies by material. Asphalt driveways typically last 15 to 30 years, while concrete driveways last longer, between 20 and 50 years. The longevity of any driveway is affected by factors like extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, and the quality of maintenance. Regular upkeep, such as filling cracks, resealing the surface, and ensuring proper drainage, can help extend its life. For gravel driveways, regrading to fill in uneven areas every year or two is recommended.
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.
The three most common types of asphalt are hot asphalt, MC cold mix, and UPM asphalt.
Hot asphalt is used most often for paving and patching roadways while it’s hot and workable. MC cold mix asphalt cures more slowly than hot asphalt, but it can be used for temporary patches and repairs in low-traffic areas. UPM is also used cold, but it can be used as a longer-term fix, usable in almost any conditions at almost any temperature.
Gravel is the most economical and least expensive driveway material, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. This is significantly cheaper than alternatives like asphalt or concrete. However, it's important to consider long-term costs, as gravel driveways require regular maintenance. You will likely need to add new gravel filling once or twice a year and regularly rake it to keep it level, which can add to the overall cost over time.
Your driveway contractor will probably recommend that you avoid driving on your new millings driveway for up to a week. Keeping pressure off the freshy applied millings will help the driveway to bind together. While the sun is helpful for binding millings, hotter weather can actually make the curing process take longer.
The Le Sueur, MN 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.