FAQ: Image

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW IS FAIRFAX ASPHALT DIFFERENT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?

We are a family-owned and operated paving company serving the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis including Anoka, Ramsey, Elk River, Rogers, Otsego, St. Michael, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Champlin and beyond. We have been in business for over 50 years. Our customers love us!

WHAT'S THE FAIRFAX GUARANTEE?

Our standard guarantee for a new residential driveway installation is 5 years. If you feel like you have an integrity problem with your driveway, we will meet with you to discuss the issue and come up with a solution to satisfy the concern.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY NEW DRIVEWAY TO LAST?

With proper construction, we have seen our installed driveways last from 20-35 years. The life expectancy of your driveway will vary greatly depending on the soil it is built on and general homeowner maintenance. We also offer sealcoating services to help extend the life and look of your driveway.

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF REPLACING MY DRIVEWAY LOOK LIKE?

The first day the Fairfax crew comes to tear out the existing driveway. Then, we install Recycled Class #5 base. We let the base settle for approximately one week, weather and soil dependent. In situations where the subsoil is soft or extra saturated we prefer to let it set an extra 1-2 weeks. During this time, you can drive and park on the driveway as normal. When the driveway is done settling, we will come back to install the asphalt. We recommend keeping as much traffic off the driveway as possible for 2-3 days, along with not parking on the driveway for approximately one week. It does take asphalt 2 years to fully cure so ensure proper use and care of the new driveway is critical.

HOW MUCH BASE DO I NEED AND WHAT TYPE DO YOU USE?

In sandy soil, 4-5" of compacted base is recommended. In clay soil, 6-8" of compacted base is recommended.

We use a recycled base called class #5; it's a mixture of recycled asphalt and recycled concrete. The recycled parts are crushed to create a 3/4" gravel base.

HOW THICK SHOULD THE ASPHALT BE AFTER IT IS COMPACTED?

The Minnesota Builders Association recommends 2 - 2 1/2" of well compacted asphalt for a residential driveway. If you prefer more, it should be done in 2 layers to obtain proper asphalt density.

ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE KINDS OF ASPHALT USED FOR DRIVEWAYS? WHAT IS RECOMMENDED?

For most residential driveways, an aggregate mix is usually preferred consisting of 1/2" or smaller bituminous mix, giving the asphalt a smoother looking finish. For driveways with higher traffic or heavier vehicles, such as an RV or boat, we recommend using a coarser mix consisting of 3/4" rock mixture. This mix will still have a smooth texture, however, it will appear rockier and will withstand the weight and traffic better.

WILL MY ASPHALT DRIVEWAY CRACK?

Yes-it is inevitable. When the ground freezes and thaws it causes expansion and contraction, the ground movement will cause surfaces to crack. Asphalt cracking is not a sign of an improperly installed driveway. Cracking asphalt can also be a result from edges not being properly enforced, pressure from every day use and driving, along with natural elements such as tree roots.

WHEN WILL MY ASPHALT CRACK?

We live in Minnesota and some winters will be harder on your asphalt driveway. Anytime during those cold winter months, the ground freezes and when it thaws it causes the ground to shift. This shifting will cause the surface to move and cause asphalt cracking. Maintaining and caring any cracks before winter is critical to help protect the asphalt. Our sealcoating services can provide this care for you. We recommend sealcoating your driveway every 3 years.

IS BACKING UP THE EDGES OF MY NEW DRIVEWAY IMPORTANT?

Edges are the weakest part of the asphalt driveway so reinforcing them is critical to maintaining the strength and looks of your driveway. Make sure your yard is the same height as the driveway. Protect those edges!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY NEW ASPHALT DRIVEWAY?

Cleaning your driveway with a stiff broom to remove all debris when needed and rinse with water. Automotive or other spills should be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed with water. Cracking will happen and when it does, make sure you fill them before winter. Call us if you have any questions related to maintaining your new driveway!

WHAT DO I DO IF MY ASPHALT CRACKS?

Get the cracks filled before winter! Hire us to sealcoat and repair any damanges! Filling cracks will help prevent moisture from getting underneath and will help prevent further damage.

WHAT CAN CAUSE MARKS OR PUNCTURES ON MY DRIVEWAY?

Marks and punctures are often attributed to tires and sharp objects, such as kickstands, ladders, ramps, and jacks. These defects will occur especially in hot weather. To avoid this, minimize constant or heavy loads to the surface.

YOU TRUSTED US AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

We are always available to answer any questions you may have! We want your driveway to last and we are the experts on how to care for asphalt. You can reach us by phone, email, or through any social media. We thank you for your support in us!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW IS FAIRFAX ASPHALT DIFFERENT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?

WHAT'S THE FAIRFAX GUARANTEE?

Our standard guarantee for a new residential driveway installation is 5 years. If you feel like you have an integrity problem with your driveway, we will meet with you to discuss the issue and come up with a solution to satisfy the concern.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY NEW DRIVEWAY TO LAST?

With proper construction, we have seen our installed driveways last from 20-35 years. The life expectancy of your driveway will vary greatly depending on the soil it is built on and general homeowner maintenance. We also offer sealcoating services to help extend the life and look of your driveway.

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF REPLACING MY DRIVEWAY LOOK LIKE?

HOW MUCH BASE DO I NEED AND WHAT TYPE DO YOU USE?

In sandy soil, 4-5" of compacted base is recommended. In clay soil, 6-8" of compacted base is recommended.

​

We use a recycled base called class #5; it's a mixture of recycled asphalt and recycled concrete. The recycled parts are crushed to create a 3/4" gravel base.

HOW THICK SHOULD THE ASPHALT BE AFTER IT IS COMPACTED?

The Minnesota Builders Association recommends 2 - 2 1/2" of well compacted asphalt for a residential driveway. If you prefer more, it should be done in 2 layers to obtain proper asphalt density.

ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE KINDS OF ASPHALT USED FOR DRIVEWAYS? WHAT IS RECOMMENDED?

WILL MY ASPHALT DRIVEWAY CRACK?

WHEN WILL MY ASPHALT CRACK?

IS BACKING UP THE EDGES OF MY NEW DRIVEWAY IMPORTANT?

Edges are the weakest part of the asphalt driveway so reinforcing them is critical to maintaining the strength and looks of your driveway. Make sure your yard is the same height as the driveway. Protect those edges!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY NEW ASPHALT DRIVEWAY?

WHAT DO I DO IF MY ASPHALT CRACKS?

Get the cracks filled before winter! Hire us to sealcoat and repair any damanges! Filling cracks will help prevent moisture from getting underneath and will help prevent further damage.

WHAT CAN CAUSE MARKS OR PUNCTURES ON MY DRIVEWAY?

Marks and punctures are often attributed to tires and sharp objects, such as kickstands, ladders, ramps, and jacks. These defects will occur especially in hot weather. To avoid this, minimize constant or heavy loads to the surface.

YOU TRUSTED US AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

We are always available to answer any questions you may have! We want your driveway to last and we are the experts on how to care for asphalt. You can reach us by phone, email, or through any social media. We thank you for your support in us!