Asphalt Paving and Milling Explained and Its Benefits

Have you ever seen a road crew grinding up the surface of a street and wondered what exactly they were doing? It might look like simple demolition, but it’s actually a sophisticated and highly beneficial process called asphalt milling. When paired with fresh asphalt paving, it’s one of the most effective ways to restore a road or parking lot.

Many property owners assume that a failing asphalt surface needs to be completely torn out and replaced from the ground up. While that’s sometimes necessary, the combination of asphalt milling and paving offers a smarter, more efficient, and cost-effective paving solution for many situations. Let’s dive into what these processes involve and why they are a go-to choice for commercial paving projects.

What is Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling, sometimes called cold planing, is the process of removing the top layer (or layers) of an existing asphalt surface without disturbing the underlying sub-base. It’s essentially a way to give your pavement a fresh start without the cost and time of a full reconstruction.

The Milling Process

The process is carried out by a specialized piece of equipment called a milling machine. This heavy-duty machine uses a large, rotating drum fitted with carbide-tipped cutting teeth to grind up the asphalt to a specified depth. As the machine moves forward, it grinds the surface, and a conveyor system collects the crushed asphalt and loads it into a waiting dump truck.

The goal is to remove surface-level damage like cracks, ruts, and other irregularities. This creates a clean, textured, and uniform surface that is perfectly prepared for a new layer of asphalt.

One of the most significant parts of this process is what happens to the old material. The ground-up asphalt, known as Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), isn’t just discarded. It’s a valuable resource that can be recycled and reused.

Did You Know? Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is the most recycled material in the United States, by weight. Each year, over 100 million tons of RAP are reused, which significantly reduces the need for new oil and aggregates.

What is Asphalt Paving?

Once the milling process is complete and the surface is prepared, it's time for the asphalt paving. This is the part of the process where a new, smooth, and durable surface is applied.

The Paving Process

Hot-mix asphalt, a combination of aggregates and a petroleum-based binder, is brought to the site in heated trucks. It’s then fed into a paving machine, which spreads the asphalt evenly over the milled surface at a specified thickness. Following the paver, heavy rollers move back and forth across the new asphalt to compact it, creating a dense, smooth, and durable surface that bonds tightly to the layer beneath it.

The result is a brand-new surface that looks and performs like a completely reconstructed road or parking lot but at a fraction of the cost and with much less disruption.

The Powerful Benefits of Combining Milling and Paving

When you use asphalt milling and paving together, you unlock a range of benefits that make it a superior choice for many commercial properties.

• It's Highly Cost-Effective

One of the biggest advantages is the cost savings. Milling and repaving are often much cheaper than a full-depth reconstruction because you are preserving the existing sub-base. Additionally, recycling the RAP and incorporating it into new asphalt mixes reduces the cost of raw materials, and those savings can be passed on to you.

• It's an Environmentally Friendly Choice

Sustainability is a growing concern for many businesses. The milling and paving process is an eco-friendly option. By recycling existing asphalt, you reduce the amount of material going to landfills and conserve natural resources like stone, sand, and gravel. The process also requires less energy compared to demolishing and hauling away old materials and producing all-new asphalt from scratch.

• It Dramatically Improves Road Quality

This process is excellent for fixing a variety of surface issues. It eliminates ruts, bumps, and cracks, creating a smooth, level surface. A smoother ride is not only more comfortable for drivers but also safer, as it reduces wear and tear on vehicles.

• It Enhances Drainage and Safety

Over time, pavement can settle and develop low spots where water collects. Asphalt milling corrects these surface irregularities, restoring the proper slope and improving water runoff. Better drainage is key to preventing water from penetrating the sub-base and causing further damage. It also reduces the risk of hydroplaning for vehicles, making your property safer.

• It Extends the Life of Your Pavement

By removing the damaged top layer and replacing it with a fresh one, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your pavement. A properly milled and repaved surface is a valuable long-term investment that protects the structural integrity of your entire paved area.

• The Process is Time-Efficient

Compared to a full-scale replacement, which can take days or even weeks, an asphalt milling and paving project can often be completed much faster. This means less disruption to your business operations, employees, and customers.

Did You Know? The rotating drum on a typical milling machine can spin at over 150 rotations per minute, allowing it to grind away acres of asphalt in a single day, making it an incredibly efficient process.

• It Restores Proper Road Geometry

Sometimes, years of repaving can raise the height of a road or parking lot, causing issues with curbs, gutters, and manhole covers. Milling allows you to remove excess layers of asphalt and restore the surface to its original height, ensuring proper clearance and a seamless fit with existing structures.

Choosing the Right Partner for Your Paving Project

To reap all these benefits, you need to work with experienced commercial paving companies that understand the nuances of asphalt milling and paving. The right equipment, a skilled crew, and deep knowledge of materials are essential for a successful project.

The Paving Guys: Experts in Asphalt Restoration

At The Paving Guys, we are leaders in the commercial paving industry with over 25 years of experience serving the Metro Atlanta area. We specialize in both asphalt paving and milling, using state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality materials to deliver exceptional results.

Our team understands that every project is unique. We provide thorough evaluations to determine if milling and paving is the right solution for your property. We are committed to providing cost-effective, sustainable, and long-lasting solutions that enhance the safety, appearance, and value of your commercial property.

Conclusion

Asphalt milling and paving is a powerful combination that offers a smart, efficient, and responsible way to restore your pavement. It’s more than just a repair; it’s a strategic investment in the longevity and quality of your property. By removing the old, damaged surface and replacing it with a fresh, durable layer, you get a like-new road or parking lot without the high cost and environmental impact of a complete reconstruction.