Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer a comprehensive range of asphalt services for both commercial and residential properties, including:

• Sealcoating: Protects your pavement from weathering, UV damage, and wear, extending its lifespan.
   
• Crack Sealing: Prevents further damage by filling cracks to prevent water infiltration and expansion.
   
• Pothole Repair: Fixes damaged asphalt through cold patch or infrared heating methods.
   
• Line Striping: Professional marking of parking lots, roads, and driveways.
   
• Paint Marking Removal: Using scarifiers/planers or black paint to remove outdated or incorrect markings.
   
• Trip Hazard Removal: Eliminates trip hazards from uneven pavement, improving safety and accessibility using scarifiers/planers. Works on concrete and asphalt.

We proudly serve most of Dakota County, Rice County, and Scott County in Minnesota. Our team typically travels 30 to 45 minutes for residential services, and we extend our commercial services to businesses within a one-hour radius of Northfield. Our main cities and towns include:

• Dakota County: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul
   
• Rice County: Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale, Dundas, Morristown, Nerstrand, Warsaw, Webster, Shieldsville, Cannon City
   
• Scott County: Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, Jordan, Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, New Prague (Scott County portion), Credit River, Spring Lake Township, Louisville Township

We also serve rural residences and business!

Yes, we offer free, no-obligation estimates for all our services, both commercial and residential. We’ll assess your pavement’s condition and provide a detailed quote for sealcoating, repairs, or other services based on your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate. We also offer free pavement assessments for commercial properties.

A pavement assessment is a professional evaluation of the current condition of your asphalt or concrete surfaces. For commercial properties, this includes checking for cracks, potholes, drainage issues, surface wear, trip hazards, and other signs of deterioration. The goal is to identify problem areas early—before they turn into costly repairs or safety liabilities.

Regular pavement assessments help business owners stay ahead of maintenance, budget more effectively, and ensure their property remains safe for customers, employees, and visitors. Addressing issues like trip hazards and uneven surfaces also reduces the risk of slips, falls, and potential liability claims. It’s a proactive way to protect your investment and maintain a clean, professional appearance.

When you receive your free, no-obligation estimate, you'll get the list of services for your job with clear and transparent pricing. You'll also get our Terms and Conditions and Certificate of Insurance. We also add a Services Information sheet that explains what the services are, their limitations and other considerations. You will also get photographs of the repairs and conditions for your pavement. When you receive your estimate, you're encouraged to read these attachments.

Sealcoating provides many benefits, including:

• Enhanced Durability: It protects against cracking, fading, and oxidation caused by UV rays and weather.
   
• Improved Appearance: A fresh coat of sealant gives your pavement a smooth, clean, and professional look.
   
• Cost-Effective: Regular sealcoating helps prevent the need for expensive repairs or resurfacing by addressing small issues before they become major problems.

Typically, we recommend sealcoating every 2-3 years for residential driveways and every 3-5 years for commercial properties. However, this may vary based on traffic levels, weather conditions, and the condition of your asphalt. Our team can assess your pavement and provide personalized recommendations during a free assessment. 

The answer is Yes.

Dripping Sap, Acids, and Enzymes
Many trees release sap, organic acids, and enzymes that can drip onto the surface of your driveway. These substances are naturally corrosive and, over time, they break down the protective sealant layer. This chemical interaction can lead to early deterioration of the sealer, causing it to wear unevenly or develop blotchy, discolored patches.

Prolonged Moisture from Shade
The shade provided by overhanging trees keeps certain areas of the driveway cooler and damp for longer periods, especially after rain, morning dew, or snowfall. This prolonged moisture slows down the drying and curing process of the sealer, weakening its bond to the asphalt. A driveway that stays wet is far more susceptible to cracking, flaking, and premature wear.

Physical Debris
Leaves, sticks, seed pods, and other natural debris often fall onto the driveway from nearby trees. If this debris lands on freshly sealed asphalt, it can leave behind stains, impressions, or embedded particles. Even after the sealer has cured, ongoing accumulation of debris causes friction as it’s walked or driven over, gradually wearing down the sealer’s surface.

Trim Overhanging Branches
One of the most effective ways to reduce tree-related damage is by regularly trimming back branches that hang over your driveway. This minimizes the amount of sap, leaves, and debris that can fall directly onto the surface and also helps improve sunlight exposure and airflow.
 

Clean the Surface Regularly
Make a habit of sweeping or blowing off the driveway, especially under trees. Removing leaves, twigs, and other organic debris prevents stains, reduces friction, and keeps the surface looking clean. During fall or after storms, you may need to do this more frequently.
 

Rinse the Driveway Occasionally
Lightly rinsing the driveway with a garden hose can help wash away tree sap, pollen, and other residues that may not be visible but can still break down the sealer over time. Avoid using high-pressure washers unless the sealer has fully cured, as too much pressure can strip the coating.

Regular Cleaning
Sap can gradually eat away at the sealcoat if left on the surface, so it’s important to clean it off as soon as possible. A simple rinse with a garden hose or a soft broom wash can help, especially after days when sap or pollen is visibly present. For stubborn spots, use a mild degreaser or asphalt-safe cleaner with a soft brush—just avoid anything too abrasive. Prompt Sap Removal
If you notice fresh sap drops, remove them right away using warm, soapy water or a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. For thicker, dried-on sap, a commercial asphalt-safe sap remover or even a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a rag can help loosen it—just test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t dull the finish.

Stay Off It for 24–48 Hours (or as recommended)
Give the sealer enough time to cure fully before walking or driving on it. Foot traffic is usually okay after 12 hours, but wait at least 36 hours before parking vehicles. In cool or humid weather, cure times may take longer.

Avoid Sharp Turns and Heavy Equipment
Tight turns, spinning tires, or using heavy trailers or equipment can scuff or damage the sealcoat—especially in the first few weeks. Try to make wide, gentle turns when pulling in or out, and avoid parking large machinery on it if possible.

Keep It Clean
Sweep or blow off debris regularly, especially leaves, sticks, and gravel. These can stain or scratch the surface if left to sit. A clean surface also prevents water from pooling around debris, which can wear down the sealer faster.

Rinse Off Oil and Chemicals Immediately
Spilled motor oil, gasoline, or other chemicals will break down the sealcoat if left too long. Use a degreaser or mild detergent with water to clean spills as soon as you notice them. Avoid pressure washing unless the sealer is fully cured and in good condition.

Watch for Water Pooling
Standing water can soften the sealant over time. If you notice low spots where water regularly pools, you may want to discuss minor leveling or patching solutions to improve drainage.

Trim Back Trees and Bushes
Overhanging branches drop sap, leaves, and acids that wear down the sealer. Trim them back to let in more sunlight and reduce shade-related moisture that slows drying and promotes mildew or moss.

Reseal on a Proper Schedule
Even with great care, sealcoat wears over time. Resealing every 2–3 years (depending on traffic and exposure) helps maintain that protective layer and keep your driveway looking fresh.

The timeline for your project will depend on the size and scope of the work. For smaller projects like residential driveways, sealcoating or repairs can typically be completed in a few hours. For larger commercial projects, the process may take one or more days. We always strive to minimize disruption to your daily routine and will work with you to schedule the project at the most convenient time.

Infrared pothole repair is an advanced method that uses infrared heating to soften and rework damaged asphalt. Once the surface is heated to the proper temperature, the damaged area is regraded and compacted for a seamless repair. This technique is faster and more cost-effective than traditional patching methods, especially for smaller or shallow potholes.

Crack sealing is the most effective way to repair cracks in your asphalt. This involves cleaning and filling the cracks with high-quality sealant to prevent water from entering and causing further damage. Crack sealing is a relatively low-cost method for extending the life of your pavement and preventing larger issues like potholes.

We use two main methods for paint marking removal:

• Scarifiers/Planers: These machines grind down the old markings, leaving a smooth surface without damaging the underlying asphalt or concrete.
   
• Black Parking Paint: In some cases, we apply black paint to cover old lines or stencils as a temporary solution, followed by new paint or sealcoating to restore the surface to a clean, professional look.
   

Both methods are effective, depending on the condition of your surface and your specific needs.

Line striping is the process of applying paint to pavement to create clear, visible markings such as parking spaces, traffic arrows, and lane dividers. It's crucial for both safety and organization in parking lots and commercial spaces. Well-marked lines ensure efficient traffic flow and reduce confusion, helping to avoid accidents and improving accessibility for customers and employees.

The frequency of restriping depends on various factors, such as traffic volume, weather conditions, and how visible the markings are. On average, you may need to restripe your parking lot every 1 to 2 years. If your lines are faded or hard to see, it’s a good time to schedule a restripe to maintain compliance with ADA guidelines and keep your lot looking professional.

A re-stripe involves refreshing existing parking lot markings to restore their clarity and visibility. This service is typically used when the layout remains the same. A new layout involves altering or creating a completely new design for your parking lot markings, which may be necessary if you’re optimizing space or reconfiguring parking spots, traffic flow, or pedestrian areas.

Yes, we provide stenciling services for parking lots and other paved surfaces. Stencils are commonly used to mark specific areas such as handicap parking spaces, fire lanes, no parking zones, directional arrows, and other essential markings. Stenciling ensures your parking lot complies with local regulations and offers clear guidance for drivers.

Removing trip hazards—like uneven surfaces, cracks, or raised edges—not only improves safety for pedestrians, but also protects you from liability. For businesses and property owners, this means reducing the risk of injuries and potential lawsuits. Addressing these issues can keep your pavement looking clean, level, and professional and safe.

For residential property owners, this could be useful for your driveways where your shovel or snow blower gets hung up on when clearing snow.