More than 25% of your asphalt parking lot is looking rough and you’re wondering whether it can be fixed by resurfacing or if it needs to be completely reconstructed from the base?

The answer lies in whether or not the base course of your parking lot remains in good condition.

If your parking lot has been deteriorating prematurely after several attempts of hot-mix asphalt resurfacing, it is likely that you have a problem with the foundation. In many instances, pavement deterioration occurs in only the top 1 or 2 inches of the asphalt. In that case, Asphalt Milling might be a good choice and will help to save you a lot.

What is Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling is a process in which a large capacity grinder is used to remove only a layer or two of existing pavement prior to re-surface or overlay.  This is a cost-effective alternative to a complete removal and replacement.

Signs for Needing Asphalt Milling:

• Your pavement has started to “unravel” from the top down
• Surface cracking has allowed water to penetrate into the pavement and cause deterioration from the top down
• The top layer of asphalt is shoving (abrupt wave across the pavement surface. The distortion is perpendicular to the traffic direction) in an area where traffic slows down abruptly, such as a bus line or busy parking lot exits.
• The asphalt pavement is in a critical drainage area and drainage swales need to be cut into the pavement so the surface can be reshaped, allowing water to drain properly
• Pavement shows signs of low and moderate severity alligator cracks (Series of interconnected cracks caused by overloading traffic or loss of base, subbase or subgrade support)

Benefits of Asphalt Milling:

Improved Surface

• Restores pavement to a uniform cross-section and longitudinal profile (Bumps, ruts and other surface irregularities are eliminated.)
• Restores drainage flow and provides textured surface for skid control
• Restores curb-reveal for roadways and parking areas that have had numerous overlays

Time Efficient

• Requires minimal traffic interruption to the traffic flow (Under most circumstances, traffic flow is maintained and it is safe to travel on the surface immediately after milling.)
• Some of the larger milling machines, depending on the depth of the cut, can cut close to 15,000 square yards (13,000 m2) a day, at 75 feet per minute. This makes it very cost effective for large surfaces such as streets, highways, runways and large parking lots

A Sustainable Process

• The Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) generated by this process can be used in place of an aggregate in new asphalt material, which makes it an asset with substantial dollar value.

Environmentally Friendly

• The process generates no smoke or flame and the small amount of dust is easily controlled
• Reclaimed material can be retained for future use, providing for a more sustainable environment

Cost Efficient

• And most importantly, this process costs less than reconstruction. Thus, maintenance budgets can cover a larger area quickly.

Contact Us for a consultation on Asphalt Milling and Resurfacing