When it comes to your home, few things make a stronger first impression than a smooth, durable asphalt driveway. If you live in Burnsville, Minneapolis, St. Paul, or surrounding Twin Cities suburbs and are considering a new asphalt driveway, you probably have questions. At J&W Asphalt, we’ve been family-run since 1976, and we’ve helped thousands of Minnesota homeowners install driveways that last.

Here are straightforward answers to the top five questions we hear most about asphalt driveway installation and replacement.

1. What Happens During the Asphalt Driveway Installation Process?

A high-quality asphalt driveway starts with a strong foundation. Here’s the step-by-step process we follow:

  • Remove the existing driveway completely.
  • Repair minor frost blocks (using 1–6 bags of Sakrete) under the front edge of the garage floor if needed.
  • Remove contaminated or faulty base material.
  • Sub-cut the driveway, haul away, and install new base at no extra cost if necessary.
  • Add Class 5 base material to ensure at least 4 inches of compacted base.
  • Grade and roll the base to achieve proper slope, drainage, and compaction.
  • Pave with 3 inches (after compaction) of MV4 Hot Mix Asphalt.

This thorough process ensures your driveway is built to handle Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy vehicle use.

2. What’s Included With Professional Driveway Replacement?

When you hire J&W Asphalt, you get a full-service replacement — not a patch job. Our driveway services include:

  • Complete removal of old materials
  • Base repair and preparation for long-term durability
  • Professional paving with high-quality asphalt
  • Grading and sloping for proper drainage
  • Clear, upfront pricing with no deposit required — you only pay once the job is done

3. How Soon Can I Use My New Asphalt Driveway?

  • Walking: After 24 hours
  • Driving & parking: Wait 5-10 days for proper curing
  • Heavy vehicles: Allow a little longer in cooler weather

This wait time ensures your asphalt reaches maximum strength and longevity.

4. Do I Need Permits, and How Does Payment Work?

  • Permits: Some cities in the Twin Cities metro (including Burnsville) may require driveway permits. Our team will help guide you through this process.
  • Payments: We never ask for deposits. Payment is due after your driveway project is complete.
  • Timing: Asphalt season runs through late fall in Minnesota. Summer is ideal for faster curing, but we work with you to schedule at the best time for your project.

5. When Should I Replace My Driveway in the Overall Home Project Timeline?

Here’s an expert tip: make your asphalt driveway the last step in your outdoor projects. Complete landscaping, patios, or exterior renovations first. This prevents heavy equipment or construction traffic from damaging your fresh asphalt.

Your driveway should be the final detail that ties your curb appeal together.

Get It Done Right the First Time

If you’re searching for “asphalt driveway replacement near me” in Burnsville or the Twin Cities, J&W Asphalt is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with cracks, potholes, or a driveway that needs full replacement, our experienced team delivers honest estimates, clear communication, and beautiful results that last.

👉 Contact J&W Asphalt today for a free, no-obligation driveway replacement estimate in Burnsville & across the Twin Cities.