Why should I choose Driveway Envy? As a consumer, you have options — we know that. What sets us apart is our people, our process, and our products. We're a family-owned company that answers the phone, stands behind our work, and treats every customer with the same care and respect we'd want for ourselves. We use the highest quality commercial-grade products available, the same ones we've trusted for 17 years. If you want a company that operates with integrity from the first interaction to the final invoice, that's us.

How are you different from other asphalt companies? We're locally and family owned — not a franchise. That means competitive pricing, direct accountability, and genuine quality control on every job. We use industrial and commercial-grade products for all of our work, we communicate proactively, and we don't disappear after the check clears.

Do you offer group rate discounts? Yes — for sealcoating and crack filling, apron replacements, and paving projects. Our most popular group rate program is the Tar Party, which brings neighbors together for a discounted sealcoating and crack filling day in the same neighborhood. The more participants, the better the deal for everyone.

What products do you use? For sealcoating, we use a commercial-grade asphalt emulsion containing sands, silicas, and polymers that bond to the surface to seal out the elements and add a layer of durability. It dries to a deep, rich black — not blue or gray. It has no strong odor and is not harmful to the environment. We've worked with our supplier to continuously refine this product over the past 17 years.

Our crack filler is also commercial grade, applied at 400 degrees to create a watertight, flexible rubber seal that holds up through freeze-thaw cycles. Sealcoat is then applied over the top.

For paving projects, we source high-quality aggregate and asphalt from one of the leading suppliers in the Twin Cities metro — a supplier that follows strict quality standards and invests heavily in recycled materials.

Why should I sealcoat my driveway? The cost of a full asphalt replacement can be up to 30 times more expensive than routine maintenance. Regular sealcoating and crack filling can effectively double the life of your driveway. Beyond longevity, sealcoating protects against road salt, anti-freeze, gasoline, oil, and UV damage — while restoring the deep black finish that gives your home's exterior a polished, well-maintained look. Crack filling is equally important: left untreated, cracks allow water beneath the surface, which accelerates pavement failure from the inside out.

When should I sealcoat a new driveway? Wait at least 12 months after installation before your first sealcoating service. New asphalt needs time to fully cure and harden. Sealing too soon can interfere with that process and cause problems down the road. After the first application, plan to reseal every 2 to 3 years.

How is sealant applied? We never spray residential driveways. Spraying increases the risk of overspray onto surrounding surfaces and doesn't work the product into the asphalt as effectively. Instead, we apply the sealant using a hose and wand, then use specialized brooms to spread it in an overlapping pattern — ensuring full, even coverage that bonds properly to the surface.

Is two coats better than one? Not for residential driveways. The emulsion we use is on the thicker side and is designed to bond directly to porous asphalt. Applying sealant on top of sealant — rather than on top of asphalt — prevents proper adhesion and leads to surface cracking, peeling, and flaking over time. One well-applied coat is the right approach for residential surfaces.

What's the difference between sealcoating and resurfacing? Sealcoating is not resurfacing. It bonds to the existing surface, sealing and protecting it — think of it like a protective layer that conforms to every texture and irregularity on the driveway. It doesn't fill voids, level bumps, or change the surface profile. An asphalt overlay, on the other hand, involves paving a thin new layer of asphalt over the existing surface and is a separate, more involved process.

What does your quoting process look like? Once you submit a request, our team reviews and routes it to the right person. Depending on the project, we'll either quote it using our asphalt quoting software or schedule an on-site visit. If you'd prefer someone to walk the property with you in person, we're happy to accommodate that.

Do I need to be home for the quote? Not usually. For most standard sealcoating and repair quotes, an on-site visit isn't required. If you're looking to extend your driveway, change the shape, or have specific questions about scope — we'd prefer to meet in person to make sure we're fully aligned before putting a proposal together.

How long does it take to receive a quote? Turnaround times are posted on our Get a Quote page and included in the automated confirmation email you receive after submitting a request. We always aim to move faster than the posted estimates.

How do I approve my quote? You'll receive access to your personalized client hub where you can review the full quote details. When you're ready to move forward, click "Approve" and follow the prompts.

When is a deposit due? Deposits are due at the time you approve your quote. This secures your dates on our calendar and allows us to plan materials, crew, and equipment for your job.

How does scheduling work for sealcoating? We build our schedule in the order quotes are approved — first in, first out — while also factoring in crew logistics and route efficiency to keep operations running smoothly and costs manageable. Schedule updates go out every weekend via email.

Can I request a specific date? We do our best to accommodate preferences, but ask that you remain flexible. Weather, volume, and logistics all affect the schedule, and we can't always guarantee specific dates. The sooner you approve your quote, the earlier your place in the schedule.

Do you work on weekends? Yes. Our season is short and we make the most of every available day. Your service may be scheduled on a weekend.

How do I confirm my appointment? When you're assigned a service date, you'll receive a detailed email and/or text message outlining exactly what's needed to confirm. Read it in full — including any linked information. If the date doesn't work, reply directly to that email or call us right away so we can find an alternative.

How does paving scheduling work? For paving projects, we work with you to find mutually agreeable dates. Your deposit holds those dates on the calendar. Most paving projects take one to two days to complete.

How do I prepare? Everything you need to know is outlined in your appointment confirmation document. Please review it fully before your service date.

Do I need to be home? No — most of our customers aren't. If you'd like to be present, that's completely fine, but we can only provide approximate arrival windows, not guaranteed times.

When will the crew arrive? Crews don't operate on time-based appointments. They typically start their first job around 7AM and work their route from furthest to closest to the shop throughout the day. We can provide a rough window, but arrival times will vary based on how the day unfolds.

How long does the service take? A standard sealcoating service on a typical residential driveway takes approximately 45 minutes, though this varies based on driveway size, condition, and the scope of work involved.

How does weather affect my service date? We monitor weather closely throughout every day. For sealcoating services, temperatures need to be consistently above 50 degrees during and for 8 to 12 hours following the service. Extreme heat can also be a factor — flash drying in high temperatures can compromise application quality and create unsafe working conditions for our crews.

Rain is the biggest variable. Driveways need to be at least 90% dry with no standing water at the time of service. If there's any meaningful chance that rainfall could compromise the quality of the application, we won't proceed. We'll communicate a rescheduled date as quickly as possible.

When is payment due? Payment is due on the date of service, as outlined in your Terms and Conditions. Late fees apply to invoices not paid within 14 days of the due date.

How do I pay? You can pay by cash or check at the time of service, or by credit or debit card through your client hub after you receive your invoice. If you won't be home and plan to leave cash or a check, let us know in your confirmation email where the crew should collect it.

Why is a deposit required ? The deposit confirms your commitment to the project and allows us to plan our resources and calendar accordingly.

Do cash payments receive a discount? No. All payment methods are processed and recorded the same way by our accounting team. We do things by the book.

Will I receive a receipt? Yes. We're paperless — invoices and payment receipts are available in your client hub at any time. If you need a copy sent directly, just reach out and we'll take care of it.

How do I tip the crew? Tips are never expected, but always appreciated — and crews keep 100% of what they receive. You can tip with cash, include it in your check, or add a tip amount when paying online.

When can I use my driveway after sealcoating? Stay off the driveway and keep the tape up for a minimum of 24 hours. 48 hours is ideal when possible.

Why doesn't my driveway look smoother after sealcoating? This is one of the most common questions we get. Sealcoating emulsion bonds to and seals the porous asphalt surface — it isn't thick enough to fill in surface texture or level irregularities. Think of it as a protective wrap over the existing surface, not a resurfacing layer. In the weeks after service, you may actually notice more surface detail than before — that's a sign of how clean and uniform the fresh sealant has made the surface.

How do my filled cracks look after the service? Crack filler is applied at 400 degrees and starts as a liquid before setting into a solid, flexible rubber as it dries. How the product settles depends on the depth and width of the crack beneath the surface — something we can't fully assess until it's dry, often long after our crew has left. The filler doesn't need to sit flush with the surrounding asphalt to be effective. If you have cracks that need a touch-up, reach out and send a photo — we'll get a crew back out.

It's also worth knowing that once a crack forms, it's permanent. What we can do is seal it to prevent water from getting underneath and causing further damage. Cracks that were filled last season may reopen slightly over winter due to ground movement — that's normal, and it's exactly why routine maintenance matters.

I'm noticing tire marks and scuffs — is that normal? Yes, especially in warm weather. Your driveway has likely never been cleaner than immediately after sealcoating, so anything on your tires shows up more visibly. Turning your wheels while stationary also scuffs the fresh surface. None of this affects the sealant's ability to do its job, and any marks will fade within a few weeks.

How often should I reseal? Every 2 to 3 years is our recommendation for most driveways. Higher traffic, aggressive snow removal, or heavier vehicle use may warrant resealing on the earlier end of that range.

What causes the most wear on a sealcoated surface? Traffic volume is the primary factor — more vehicles, more wear. Snow removal methods, salt use, consistent water drainage patterns, and heavy equipment like trailers or RVs all accelerate wear as well. Every driveway is different, which is why we evaluate each one individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.