Asphalt Milling & Recycling

What Is Asphalt Milling and Recycling?

Asphalt milling is the process of removing the top layer of an existing asphalt surface using a specialized grinding machine called a milling machine. The process levels out uneven areas, removes damaged asphalt, and prepares the surface for a new layer of pavement or sealant. Asphalt milling is especially helpful when the base underneath the asphalt is still in good condition and doesn’t require complete replacement.

This is not the same as ripping out and hauling away the entire driveway or paved road. Milling allows us to target only the damaged layer while keeping the foundation intact, making it faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective for residential projects.

After the asphalt is milled from your surface, it doesn’t go to waste. Instead, it’s processed and reused to create recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). This reclaimed material is mixed with fresh asphalt binder and re-applied to your surface, producing a durable and eco-conscious result. Asphalt recycling reduces the need for new raw materials and lowers the environmental impact of your project. It’s a sustainable paving option for homeowners who want a reliable surface without excess waste.

When to Choose Asphalt Milling and Recycling Over Other Methods

If your asphalt surface level is worn but structurally sound underneath, milling and recycling can offer a smart alternative to complete replacement. Here’s why homeowners choose this method:

• You Want to Preserve the Existing Base – Unlike a complete asphalt paving project, which removes the surface and the foundation, milling leaves the underlying base intact. If your base layer is stable and undamaged, there’s no need to start over.

• You’re Dealing with Surface Damage Only – If your asphalt has widespread surface cracks, minor uneven areas, or fading, but no deep structural issues, milling is often more practical than resurfacing or full replacement. It directly addresses surface deterioration without disrupting what’s underneath.

• You Want a More Sustainable Solution – Milling and recycling use less new material and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Recycled asphalt is repurposed for your surface or future projects, making this a greener choice than traditional methods.

• You’re Concerned About Drainage or Height Build-Up – When driveways are resurfaced multiple times, the asphalt layers build up in thickness. This can cause water to pool or interfere with transitions to garages, sidewalks, and streets. Milling removes excess height before applying a fresh surface, helping maintain proper drainage and elevation.

• You’re Looking for a Cost-Effective Approach – Because the process reuses materials and avoids the expense of total removal and reconstruction, milling and recycling are usually more affordable than asphalt paving or asphalt resurfacing, especially for larger residential asphalt areas.

When NOT to Choose Asphalt Milling and Recycling

While asphalt milling and recycling offer many advantages, it’s not always the best fit. A full replacement or complete redesign may sometimes be necessary to achieve long-term results. If any of the following situations apply to your property, milling may not be the right solution:

• The Asphalt Base is Unstable or Severely Damaged – Milling only addresses the surface layer. If the foundation beneath is soft, crumbling, or compromised, a full-depth replacement is needed to ensure long-term stability and performance.

• There Are Deep Potholes or Widespread Structural Issues – Surface milling cannot fix damage that extends into the sub-base. In these situations, the structural integrity of the pavement is already compromised and requires a complete rebuild.

• You Plan to Change the Layout or Expand the Area – Milling is best when maintaining the existing footprint. If you want to widen your driveway, reroute a private road, or change the shape of the paved space, a complete repaving project is more appropriate.

• Grading or Slope Issues Are Present – If water pools in the wrong areas or drains toward structures, milling won’t fix it. These issues typically require changes to the underlying grade, which involves excavation and reinstallation.

• The Surface Has Already Been Milled or Resurfaced Too Many Times – Repeated milling and resurfacing over the years can lead to a weakened base and poor bonding. At this point, installing a new asphalt surface from the ground up is the better long-term solution.

Not sure whether asphalt milling and recycling is the right service for you? Contact our team for a complimentary consultation.