Asphalt milling is an affordable solution for asphalt pavement restoration and is frequently used as a cheaper and simpler option to complete demolition and repaving. It enables the recycling of old asphalt as aggregate, also called millings. It is often required to resurface roads, parking lots, and commercial and residential paving.
How it works
The process requires removing the top layer of asphalt to a specific and even depth without disturbing the underlying subbase.
There are two common methods of removing asphalt. The first is full-depth removal which involves ripping and breaking the entire pavement before loading the uncrushed materials into trucks for haulage to a RAP processing facility. Asphalt milling is a great way to cut costs by recycling the old material and creating effectively a brand-new paved area.
The second is asphalt milling using a cold milling machine, which has the capability to remove up to 2 inches from the surface in a single pass.
Although the milling process is fairly new, pavement milling began in the mid-1970’s and as the equipment has developed, so has the method. It’s now a reliable, affordable, and sustainable way to carry out pavement restorations for any project from businesses, governments, and homeowners.
Asphalt milling uses specifically designed equipment to pick up, compact, and move asphalt. You need these crucial pieces of kit:
- Milling machines
- Haul trucks
- Water trucks
- Sweepers or power brooms
Benefits of Asphalt Milling
- Improved Surface
A huge benefit of asphalt milling is that it clears the surface of bumps, ruts and other irregularities. It removes pavement layers to the correct depth so that it is level with the rest of the pavement, creating a smoother surface.
- Durability & Low-Maintenance
Asphalt hardens over time, strengthening the surface of your road. Recycled asphalt is durable against harsh weather which can be a great positive when you live in harsher climates. Saving you time and money fixing it repeatedly.
- Weather Resistant
The versatility of asphalt is unmatched, it becomes brittle during extreme cold and soft during extreme heat. This makes pavement milling extremely valuable in places where extreme temperatures make new asphalt more susceptible to damage.
- Cost Efficient
Once compacted, asphalt millings require only sporadic grading and re-compaction. This is a less expensive upkeep process. Therefore, recycled asphalt is a perfect choice if you want less costly upkeep.
- Environmentally Friendly
Milling can be a great green substitute as it doesn’t generate smoke or flame. Recycled asphalt can be retained for future use making it the most environmentally efficient option.
Signs for Needing Asphalt Milling:
- Your pavement has started to “unravel” from the top down
- Surface cracking has allowed water to seep into the pavement and cause deterioration from the top down
- The top layer of asphalt is shoving 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
- The pavement starts to show signs of alligator cracks.
At Omnia Machinery we can appreciate both names and know they have different benefits to offer which is why we sell both among many other big names in road construction. At Omnia Machinery we pride ourselves in offering quality used machinery to suit a variety of jobs. We have a fantastic range of pavers in all sizes and weights to meet your requirements. We can supply both wheeled and tracked pavers in all size widths to suit your project. As with all of our machines, our pavers are fully inspected before being prepared for shipment.