How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

• <div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don’t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway’s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn’t drain properly, it’s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you’re seeing dips or uneven patches, that’s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm#:~:text=Replacing%20the%20driveway%20is%20necessary,20%20years%20with%20proper%20maintenance.">time to replace your driveway</a>.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Shafer, MN

Q: When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don&rsquo;t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway&rsquo;s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn&rsquo;t drain properly, it&rsquo;s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you&rsquo;re seeing dips or uneven patches, that&rsquo;s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm#:~:text=Replacing%20the%20driveway%20is%20necessary,20%20years%20with%20proper%20maintenance.">time to replace your driveway</a>.</p></div>

Q: How do I find a reputable paving company near me?

• <div><p>To ensure you hire a reliable and experienced paving company, you should start by finding companies in your area that have at least five to ten years of experience working in your neighborhood. Next, rule out companies with poor reviews online or a series of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Since driveways affect your curb appeal, you should also ask each company for references and pictures of recent work to make sure the work the company does is professional and high quality. Finally, <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">check that the company is licensed</a> and insured.</p></div>

Q: The cost to pour a driveway apron depends on the material and size

• <div><p>The cost to pour a driveway apron depends on the material and size. Concrete costs <b>$3 to $10 per square foot</b>, asphalt ranges from<b> $2 to $5</b>, and pavers are <b>$5 to $15 per square foot.</b> Additional expenses, like excavation, base material, and labor, can increase the total cost. For example, a standard 12x15-foot concrete apron could cost between <b>$540 and $1,800</b>, depending on local rates and additional work required. Always consult a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/driveway-paving/">local driveway paving contractor</a> to get an accurate estimate tailored to your project.</p></div>

Q: How much does 1,500 square feet of asphalt cost?

• <div><p>The average cost of 1,500 square feet of asphalt ranges from about <b>$10,500 to $22,500</b>, depending on location, thickness, base material, and how accessible the job site is to crews and equipment. Keep in mind that your asphalt material cost may vary depending on its type, ranging from porous asphalt to heated blacktop. Standard asphalt costs $7 to $13 per square foot.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Shafer, MN

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Shafer, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Shafer, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on December 14, 2021

Reviewed in December 2021
They got here at the scheduled time, did his work and helped me understand what he was and wasn’t seeing. Had the estimate before he backed down the driveway. No signs of chimney fire, which another provider had said we likely had. Big relief. Also a tip for prior cleaning next year.
Jack Pixley Sweeps Inc
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Reviewed in May 2021
This is a 10-Star Company! In addition to grading and establishing a new lakefront lawn, they have done amazing finish carpentry, painting, structural support work, built a fabulous 12 x 40 ft deck, compacted our driveway, cut down some trees, cut in a new exterior door, and window, and will be...
Total Home & Outdoor Services, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2020
Very professional and wonderful workmanship. Great value. I would recommend Mike and his crew to anyone. My driveway and front sidewalk are absolutely perfect.
Riteway Concrete, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2018
Really appreciated Jeremiah's willingness to answer all my questions and explain his approach to the job. All the work was completed in one day with a professional finish. I especially appreciated the extra steps he took to ensure the new concrete was reinforced into the existing garage/driveway...
JJU Services LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
Very professional, and took the time to answer all questions via phone and in person. Jeremy was efficient and had good time management skills. We requested our lawn to be sprayed by a certain date and he was there the next day. After each snowfall Jeremy was there plowing our difficult driveway...
White Pine Property Management
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Reviewed in August 2016
We have gotten MANY estimates over the years for our basement that has flooded out at least 10 times over the last 14 years. We were hopeful to find someone that was responsive, reliable, and reasonable - as a bonus, we were hopeful to also find someone local if possible. We were THRILLED with...
Adam Mills LLC
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Reviewed in September 2015
Aaron was timely and very considerate with his plowing. Because I have a gravel driveway, he knew that he had to plow a bit higher until we got a hard freeze, so as not to displace the gravel. He showed the same consideration in the spring. <br />
The Masons Touch
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Reviewed in September 2015
<ol> <li> The day after the install i noticed some coloring of the asphalt c</li> </ol> oming off my patio pavers resutling in stained blacktop. I called them to come and take a look and the owners dad said that they never drove on my patio pavers with the roller. This however was a...
BLUHM CONSTRUCTION INC
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Reviewed in August 2014
Installation went well but in the early spring of 2013 discovered that the asphalt mix contained limestone <br /> rock mix in with the asphalt. When washing the driveway with water I noticed cream-colored water streaming <br /> from points all over the driveway. On closer examination, I...
Asphalt Specialties Co
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Reviewed in August 2014
<p>I talked with Jim who is a real straight up guy, I told him what I'd like done, he gave me a price and I agreed to it. His crew showed up on time and I have to say in all my years I've never seen a crew work as hard as these guys did. And I might add it was hot and humid but it did not slow...
Conveninent Paving, Stacy, Mn
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Shafer

JJ Home Services

4.7(

)

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had a great experience with Justin and his crew. Initially we contacted him to replace some 65yr old windows, and he was the only contractor to bring to our attention that we had hail damage on the window wraps, siding, gutters, and roof. His experience really helped us thru the insurance claim process and it ended up being a huge cost savings for us. We were so impressed with his customer service, we decided to have him convert our 1-season porch into a 3-season porch, install tile flooring, replace some doors, and paint the interior and exterior of our home. He listened to our ideas, gave us options and suggestions, and helped create solutions for all of the projects. He's like a fiduciary for home improvement and we relied on his expertise to make some great choices to improve our home."

Ask about or fireplace deal going on now!

Loose attic vents or improperly installed

+79

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Hoffman Weber Construction

4.3(

337

)

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Value I worked with Ryan Youngren at Hoffman Weber Construction for both a full roof replacement and siding. Ryan was personable and very knowledgeable in all aspects, which allowed me to feel confident with my purchase. The process was painless, efficient, and I was pleased with the final look of my home. I couldn't be happier. I will continue to work with Ryan Youngren for all future projects and have passed him off to friends and family!"

CertainTeed Restoration Classic Siding and GAF Timberline HD Roofing

Certainteed Restoration Classic Vinyl Siding and GAF Timberline HDZ Roofing

James Hardie HardiePlank Cedarmill Lap Siding, Hardie Board and Batten Siding, and HardieShingle Siding

+278

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Integrity Exteriors and Remodelers Inc

4.1(

)

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent, will use him again on next project."

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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K John Custom Homes and Remodlers

5.0(

)

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

"Jamey at KAC Construction was great to deal with. The gentleman who did the work on the deck was terrific. The deck looks great."

Recommended by16%of homeowners

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Expert Contractors provides quality Concrete and Masonry work. Our company has a proven history of quality services and outstanding customer service.

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Sherwood Construction

New to Angi

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Sherwood Construction's success is based on superior quality performance. Sherwood Construction's ideas are based on what consumers want. Sherwood Construction's values are based on Sherwood client's needs

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Earthscape stone masonry & landscape design

0.0(

)

Serving Shafer, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

At Earthscape, our uncompromising dedication to quality craftsmanship ensures that every project is approached individually, creating a personal masterpiece that meets the needs and expectations of our clients, from design to completion. We specialize in landscape and architectual stone masonry (interior & exterior). Examples of our work include: Fireplaces(indoor & outdoor), walls, flooring, facing, patios, and pool decks. We also make custom birch and stone furniture and furnishings. Let our team go to work and add the beauty and strength of natural stone to your home and landscape, creating your perfect little corner of the world.\n \n

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don’t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway’s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn’t drain properly, it’s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you’re seeing dips or uneven patches, that’s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it’s time to replace your driveway.

To ensure you hire a reliable and experienced paving company, you should start by finding companies in your area that have at least five to ten years of experience working in your neighborhood. Next, rule out companies with poor reviews online or a series of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Since driveways affect your curb appeal, you should also ask each company for references and pictures of recent work to make sure the work the company does is professional and high quality. Finally, check that the company is licensed and insured.

The cost to pour a driveway apron depends on the material and size. Concrete costs $3 to $10 per square foot, asphalt ranges from $2 to $5, and pavers are $5 to $15 per square foot. Additional expenses, like excavation, base material, and labor, can increase the total cost. For example, a standard 12x15-foot concrete apron could cost between $540 and $1,800, depending on local rates and additional work required. Always consult a local driveway paving contractor to get an accurate estimate tailored to your project.

The average cost of 1,500 square feet of asphalt ranges from about $10,500 to $22,500, depending on location, thickness, base material, and how accessible the job site is to crews and equipment. Keep in mind that your asphalt material cost may vary depending on its type, ranging from porous asphalt to heated blacktop. Standard asphalt costs $7 to $13 per square foot.

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