What is Asphalt Milling: Understanding the Asphalt Milling Process
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Asphalt milling is a cost-effective and sustainable method for restoring worn pavement without the need for full replacement. For homeowners and property owners in Atlanta, asphalt milling offers a smart alternative to tearing out old asphalt completely. This guide will provide the details of the milling process, covering what asphalt milling is, how the process works, the benefits it offers, and when it’s the right choice for your property.
What Is Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling is the process of removing the top layer of asphalt pavement while leaving the foundation intact. Unlike asphalt paving, which involves complete removal and replacement, milling grinds down only the damaged surface. This creates a smooth base for a fresh layer of asphalt to be applied on top, without disturbing the structure below.
The material that’s removed, known as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), is collected and recycled. By nature, asphalt milling is both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. Asphalt milling is commonly used for driveways, parking lots, and other roads that show surface damage but still have a solid foundation. For Atlanta property owners, it’s a practical solution to restore function and curb appeal while avoiding the cost of full replacement.
Wondering if your driveway or parking lot is a good candidate for asphalt milling? Contact A&A Asphalt Paving in Atlanta today for a free evaluation.
Understanding the Asphalt Milling Process
The asphalt milling process is designed to efficiently repair surface-level damage while extending the life of your pavement, as it does not remove the base foundation layer. Here’s what the typical asphalt milling process looks like:
Inspection & Planning – Contractors inspect the pavement to assess damage and determine how deep the milling needs to go.
Milling the Surface – A milling machine grinds the top asphalt layer into small, recyclable pieces. The depth can be adjusted depending on damage.
Recycling the Material – The removed asphalt, called reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), is collected and sent to be reused in new asphalt production.
Surface Preparation – After milling, the surface is cleaned of debris to ensure proper adhesion for new asphalt.
Repaving – A fresh layer of asphalt is applied, leaving a smooth, durable surface that looks and functions like new.
What Should I Expect During My Asphalt Milling Project?
If you’ve scheduled asphalt milling, you can expect the project to be faster and less disruptive than a complete asphalt paving replacement project. The process involves heavy equipment, so some noise is to be expected. Most residential driveways or small commercial areas can be completed in a single day, while larger projects may take longer.
During milling, access to your driveway or parking lot may be temporarily limited, but downtime is minimal compared to full paving. Once complete, you’ll immediately notice a smoother, more even surface with improved drainage and renewed curb appeal.
Our team at A&A Asphalt Paving handles the entire asphalt milling process from inspection to final repaving. Contact us today to schedule your asphalt milling project in Atlanta.
Why Choose Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling is an excellent option when the pavement base is still strong and functional, but the surface has visible wear. It’s a common choice for driveways, parking lots, private roads, and other asphalt areas in Atlanta where surface restoration is needed without complete replacement.
The benefits of asphalt milling include:
Cost-Effectiveness – Milling avoids the expense of tearing out the entire pavement structure.
Sustainability – Removed asphalt is recycled, making it an environmentally responsible option.
Preserves the Base – By keeping the foundation intact, the surface remains strong and durable.
Quick Turnaround – Milling projects are completed faster than full-depth replacements, reducing downtime.
Improved Drainage – Milling smooths uneven surfaces and helps prevent pooling water.
For Atlanta property owners dealing with cracked, uneven, or worn asphalt surfaces, milling provides a balance of durability, affordability, and sustainability.
Don’t wait until cracks spread or drainage issues worsen. Schedule your asphalt milling consultation in Atlanta today and extend the life of your pavement.
Asphalt Milling Contractors in Atlanta Near You
If your driveway, road, parking lot, or other asphalt surface has seen better days, asphalt milling may be the perfect solution. By removing only the damaged top layer, asphalt milling restores your surface’s appearance and function while saving you money and time compared to full replacement.
A&A Asphalt Paving has been serving Atlanta since 1986. We are your local experts on asphalt milling and paving services. Our experienced contractors use premium equipment and proven techniques to deliver lasting results.
FAQ About Asphalt Milling & the Asphalt Milling Process
The purpose of asphalt milling is to remove the damaged top layer of asphalt while preserving the strong foundation beneath. This allows for repaving without the cost and time of full replacement. It also provides a smooth surface for new asphalt and helps correct issues like uneven pavement or drainage problems.
Yes, asphalt millings can make a durable and affordable driveway option. When properly installed and compacted, millings create a solid surface that resists erosion and provides good traction. However, they may not have the same polished look as a freshly paved asphalt driveway, so homeowners should weigh aesthetics against cost savings.
The cost of asphalt millings varies depending on the size of the project and location. In most cases, millings are more affordable than new asphalt because they are recycled materials. Homeowners in Atlanta can expect asphalt milling projects to cost significantly less than full asphalt replacement.
“Asphalt milling detail” refers to the technical aspects of the process, such as the depth of milling, the equipment used, and how the surface is prepared for repaving. Depths typically range from a few inches for minor damage to deeper cuts for more extensive wear. Contractors adjust these details based on the pavement’s condition and the project’s goals.
Not always. Milling is best for surface-level damage like cracking, unevenness, or rutting when the base layer is still intact. If the foundation is severely compromised or the pavement has drainage failures, full replacement may be required instead of milling.
When combined with a new asphalt overlay, asphalt milling can extend the life of a driveway, parking lot, or road by 15 to 20 years. The exact lifespan depends on traffic levels, weather conditions, and whether the pavement is properly maintained with services like sealcoating and crack filling.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of asphalt milling is sustainability. The removed material, known as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), is recycled and reused in new asphalt production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Most residential driveways can be milled and repaved in one to two days. Larger projects, like commercial parking lots, may take several days depending on size and scope. Milling is still much faster and less disruptive than full replacement.