Over time, pavement can deteriorate making it a hazardous eyesore. If your paved surfaces look and feel like their best days are behind them, it might be time to consider asphalt milling.
Asphalt milling is the process of breaking down a set depth of old, damaged asphalt to create a smooth surface upon which you can lay a fresh layer of smooth, new pavement. Georgia’s Wildcat Paving (GWP) is here to extend our expertise on this service as we explain how asphalt milling works and why it matters.
What is Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling utilizes machinery to remove and replace the top layer of worn and damaged pavement. The surface layer is typically a few inches thick, but asphalt milling can also address deeper depths of existing pavement. Milling machines grind up old asphalt surfaces so a new layer of asphalt can be paved on the targeted surface. After milling is complete, you’re left with a smooth surface free of cracks, potholes, and other hazards.
The Asphalt Milling Process
Asphalt milling requires the use of specialized equipment and machinery to remove existing asphalt and pave a new layer in its place.
Our comprehensive asphalt milling services include the following steps.
- Determine if Milling Asphalt is the Correct Route
First, we must determine if asphalt milling is the right path to take. The team at GWP will thoroughly analyze your targeted area to assess the full scope of the damage. If most of the deterioration lies at the surface level, we will proceed with milling. However, if your surface’s damage is extensive, we may suggest full depth reclamation, the process of creating a new foundation for fresh asphalt.
- A Milling Machine is Used for Asphalt Grinding
If it is determined that asphalt milling is the best course of action, we won’t waste time getting started. We’ll use our milling machines to dig up the top layer of your paved surface and grind it up for removal.
- Asphalt Millings are Cleaned Up to Be Reused
Once asphalt grinding has been completed, the rubble is cleaned up with a vacuum and placed into a conveyor system. The ground asphalt is placed into a dump truck and transported to a reclaimed asphalt pavement facility for future applications. Because old asphalt is ground up and recycled, milling is considered to be a green construction practice.
Once grinding is complete, we will properly prep the area for new pavement using a sweeper to clean up the remaining milling remnants. This helps ensure the area is as smooth as possible for fresh asphalt to be laid.
- Fresh Asphalt is Laid
GWP will then apply the new layer of fresh asphalt in the target area. The new asphalt is compacted to create a smooth surface. Finishing touches like line striping and road markings are applied to round out the process—making the surface ready for use.
Benefits of Asphalt Milling
Aside from its main benefit of efficient removal of existing pavement without resorting to excavation, opting for asphalt milling includes other benefits such as:
Environmentally-friendly
One of asphalt milling’s biggest advantages is the ability to produce reclaimed asphalt pavement. Once asphalt grinding is complete, the material can be recycled and reused for future pavement applications reducing waste and emissions.
Safer Roadways & Reduced Skidding
Uneven roadway surfaces can be hazardous, leading to problems like skidding. Asphalt milling creates a new and smoother surface without bumps, ruts, cracks, or potholes. Asphalt milling is one of the best ways to create safer roadways and reduce skidding.
Cost Effective
Choosing methods like excavation can lead to a hefty bill. Because asphalt milling only restores the surface layer of your pavement up to a certain depth, it has a quick turnaround and incurs less cost. Asphalt milling is a cost-effective proven alternative to much more expensive services.
Minimal Traffic Disruption
Larger scale projects such as full depth reclamation completely overhaul your entire paved surface, which is time-consuming and requires a lot of space. This can create disruptions to local traffic and roadways for extended periods of time. Asphalt milling is quick and doesn’t require an abundance of space for equipment. Even if traffic has to be altered, the level of disruption is minimal.
Get Expert Asphalt Milling Services from Georgia’s Wildcat Paving
When the time comes to restore your pavement, turn to the experts at Georgia’s Wildcat Paving. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with a caliber of asphalt milling services you won’t find anywhere else in Atlanta, so contact us today. And when you need asphalt paving, sealcoating, or other services, we’re here for you too.
If you aren’t sure what services your commercial business can benefit from, consider our Lunch & Learn program. We’re happy to provide a thorough learning experience on our industry-leading paving solutions, and lunch is on us.
