When looking for new employees, J&W Asphalt is not only looking for folks who will thrive in our sometimes rugged work conditions, but also those who will fit into our working family.

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Every year, out-of-state, illegitimate, blacktop contractors drive up to Minnesota to rip people off on their driveways.

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Are you looking for an alternative to college that offers good pay and job security? Consider the construction industry!

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Asphalt is made from natural materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, and it does not contain harmful chemicals. In fact, asphalt is one of the most recycled products in the world, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice.

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One of the most common questions J&W Asphalt team members get is ‘how much does a driveway cost?’ In many ways, this question is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is.

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Despite its rugged exterior, asphalt is somewhat of a sensitive guy—to heat that is. But thankfully there are methods to grapple with this. Like many construction materials, common types of asphalt have a goldilocks temperature zone within which it is optimal to shape. Most asphalt is best laid and compacted between 180 degrees to 225 degrees. But the hotter the better when it comes to compaction, the process that squeezes asphalt’s aggregate materials together with its binder to give it shape and rigidity. If the substance gets cooler than 180 degrees, it will merely flatten out when rolled and will not become denser like it should. This means it will not properly compact and its structural integrity should be called into question. For the best application, J&W likes to stick to days when weather is cooperating if possible. Rain and heavy wind and the direction of sunlight are at play, particularly in the colder months of the operation season—October and November. To combat these challenges (year-rou ...

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Sealcoating is the right hand man to asphalt in that any job worth asphalting is worth sealcoating.

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One of the best parts about Minnesota is the clear separations of the four seasons. But for as beautiful as the seasonal changes are, they bring with them some unique challenges for paving companies like J&W Asphalt, and for most of the year, paving isn’t even an option. But all is not lost, and in this article, we’ll explore the right conditions for paving and when it’s time to jump on a project so you can plan your next project with confidence. When is it time to Repave? Picking the right time to repave depends on a number of factors including the age of the lot or driveway in question and how much traffic it receives. In general, a well-applied asphalt lot should last for 20 years. But, if you’re noticing potholes and cracking covering a substantial portions of your project, it is likely time for repaving if you want to avoid damaging your or your customers’ vehicles. Alligator cracks—named for their resemblance to the animal—can be the first sign that re ...

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As our world emerges from the pandemic, many young people are left wondering about their futures in the workforce. Well, some recent numbers might help paint a clearer picture. 

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Find out why women working in the asphalt industry are leading the way for a bright future in this post from the asphalt pavement contractors at J&W Asphalt in Minnesota.

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