Milling and Pulverizing Services

Cost-Effective Milling and Pulverizing Services

Asphalt is the most widely used material for parking lots, driveways, roadways, and curbs. It is durable, can withstand multi-ton loads, and endure extreme temperatures. Milling and pulverizing are processes used to improve asphalt and repair existing asphalt surfaces.

Asphalt Pulverizing Explained

Asphalt pulverizing (or reclaiming) is the initial stage of pavement renovation. This process should not be confused with milling, as milling involves removing the existing asphalt layer, while pulverizing focuses on grinding and removing the asphalt layer without full removal. Asphalt pulverizing is a sophisticated method in which the existing pavement is ground up and reused to form a new, stable base for fresh asphalt.

How Does It Work?

Specialized machinery grinds the asphalt surface, including the base layers, into granular material. This pulverized material is then mixed with stabilizing agents to create a solid base for new asphalt or other surfacing materials.

What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Pulverizing?

• Cost-Effective:
  It's more economical than removing and replacing asphalt, as existing materials are reused. This method conserves resources, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact.
• Environmentally Friendly:
  Reduces the need for new materials, minimizes waste, and promotes recycling.
• Time-Efficient:
  The process is often faster than traditional methods, minimizing disruption to traffic and operations.
• Improved Pavement Quality:
  Pulverizing and stabilization can enhance the structural integrity and longevity of the pavement.

What Are the Applications of Asphalt Pulverizing?

• Roads: Repairing and resurfacing roadways.
• Parking Lots and Driveways: Improving the surface of parking lots and driveways.
• Airports: Maintaining and repairing asphalt runways and taxiways.
• Commercial Areas: Revitalizing asphalt surfaces in shopping centers, industrial areas, and other commercial spaces.

What Are the Factors to Consider Before Pulverizing?

• Thickness of Existing Asphalt:
  The thickness of the asphalt layer will determine the type of equipment needed.
• Condition of the Existing Asphalt:
  The extent of deterioration and damage will affect the process and the outcome.
• Subgrade Conditions:
  The underlying soil and base layers must be suitable for pulverizing and stabilization.
• Project Requirements:
  The desired thickness and type of new pavement will influence the pulverizing process.

Asphalt Milling Process

Asphalt milling, also known as pavement milling, cold planning, or profiling, is a cost-effective method of upgrading a weathered parking lot or roadway.

The milling process, which originated in the mid-1970s, involves removing either the full depth of asphalt or one to two inches of asphalt layers in need of repair, without disturbing the sub-base. The removed asphalt is then recycled and ground into gravel for future use. With the damaged pavement removed, new asphalt is laid down and leveled.

Easier on the Environment

Environmental impacts can vary based on local conditions, but asphalt milling projects generally use less aggregate. This results in reduced noise, less dust, and a more environmentally friendly surface than simply tearing up existing asphalt pavement.

Additionally, milled asphalt is easier on the environment. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, it’s recycled into new asphalt products through a process known as material reclamation. With all these benefits combined, asphalt milling is an obvious choice for pavement renewal.

Benefits of Using Asphalt Milling

In addition to its time-saving and budget-friendly nature, other significant benefits of the milling process include:

• The Most Cost-Effective Option:
  Asphalt milling is the most cost-effective solution for your commercial parking lot. Since only the affected surface layers are replaced, additional costs—including trucking charges and labor—are substantially reduced.
• The ‘Go Green’ Initiative:
  Using asphalt milling helps preserve limited resources, such as stone, sand, and gravel, from quarries.
• The Best Bet for Older Lots:
  Asphalt milling is ideal for older parking lots, especially those that have been resurfaced with new layers without any prior removal. These lots don’t have the necessary space on the curb face for another layer of asphalt.

How Long Does Resurfaced or Milled and Paved Asphalt Last?

With proper surface maintenance and seal coating every two years, a milled and paved parking lot can last an average of 10 to 20 years. Milling and paving is the longest-lasting option compared to resurfacing.

If you own a commercial parking lot, contact the experts at New England Paving today. We can help you with commercial paving and more!