Asphalt milling is an affordable solution for asphalt pavement restoration and is often used as a cheaper alternative to complete demolition and repaving.
The process involves grinding up an asphalt surface (anywhere from a couple of inches to a full-depth removal) to provide a smooth and even surface for repaving.
Though asphalt pavement is one of the oldest urban development technologies still in use, asphalt milling is a process that’s relatively new to the industry, only beginning in the mid-1970’s. As the equipment has evolved, it has become a reliable way for paving contractors to provide pavement restorations for business owners and municipalities in an affordable and sustainable way.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the benefits of asphalt milling for commercial and municipal pavements.
Affordable Pavement Restoration
Asphalt milling is most appropriate for pavements which have widespread surface damage like cracking, raveling, or uneven slope. Because the sub base is intact, there’s no need to conduct a full demolition and repaving. Instead, the affected layers can be removed with a milling machine and replaced with new hot-mix.
Milling also helps address a number of other issues.
Pavement Height and Drainage
Another solution to restore a pavement’s surface is to apply an overlay. Because the overlay is a new layer applied to the existing asphalt, each time this procedure is performed it raises the height of the pavement. Think of it like repainting the walls in your home. Do it enough times, and you’ll need to chip the old paint off first.
When a paved structure has had multiple overlays, you will no longer be able to add height to the surface without creating other issues. Asphalt milling allows you to restore your pavement while maintaining its original height.
Environmentally Friendly
When asphalt is milled from the surface, it is collected and transported to a recycling facility where it is used as aggregate in new hot-mix asphalt. Because of this process, asphalt has become one the nation’s most recycled materials.
Milling can Address Specific Problem Areas
If your parking lot or other asphalt structure has significant damage that is limited to specific areas of the structure, asphalt milling allows you to correct that damage without repaving the entire area.
Asphalt milling can be used to remove the asphalt to an appropriate depth and be replaced so that at the same level as the rest of the pavement.
Find Out if Asphalt Milling is Right for You
Since it began over 30 years ago, asphalt milling has become one of the quickest, easiest, and most affordable ways for business owners and installation managers to maintain safe, attractive, and healthy pavements. In many cases, milling is a better alternative to complete demolition or other costly pavement removal processes.
If you’re unsure if pavement milling is the right solution for your property, NVM paving is happy to conduct a free, on-site evaluation. Just give us a call or fill out our contact form. We’re pleased to answer any questions or give you a no-cost, no-obligation quote today.
