The Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Milling Over Gravel; Insights from a Gainesville Asphalt Paving Company

24 Jan The Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Milling Over Gravel; Insights from a Gainesville Asphalt Paving Company

Gravel will often be used during an asphalt construction process, but it is not without its drawbacks. Still, many property owners will choose gravel as their building material because they are not really familiar with the alternative: asphalt milling. Asphalt milling is a process where a machine is used to strip away the existing asphalt, then it’s recycled in order to add a new upper layer. So, what exactly are the benefits of asphalt milling in Gainesville, Florida?  This Gainesville asphalt paving company will provide some answers.

1. Affordable Pricing

Asphalt milling is fairly different than other asphalt maintenance and repair procedures. The process uses recycled materials, and no additional processes are required to obtain the necessary materials. As you can imagine, this drives the overall cost down by a fair degree. Compared to gravel, which has to be obtained through certain industrial processes, asphalt milling is very affordable.

2. Minimal Ecological Impact

Because asphalt milling uses recycled asphalt, the ecological impact of the project will be minimal. Not only that, but asphalt milling can earn you LEED credits, and it can even make your paving project eligible for certain tax credits. This is especially true for parking lots that use asphalt milling materials during their construction.

3. Limited Maintenance

An asphalt-milled surface will generally become harder over time, strengthening the surface. It also doesn’t have to be replaced, resurfaced, or refinished as often, which translates into savings over time. This increased durability is particularly important for property managers that are working with a tight budget.

The Disadvantages of Using Gravel

When used on roadways, gravel is a material that has a tendency to move and slide around fairly easily. It will generally scatter over time, reducing the depth of the paving. This is even more likely if you have used gravel in order to fill a pothole in the surface, for example. Water that has settled in a graveled surface will also have a more difficult time evaporating, and the asphalt installation will be more prone to rutting. To make matters worse, during the summertime, the gravel generates more dust as it sees traffic. This can make driving conditions much more hazardous.

What Goes into the Asphalt Milling and Paving Installation Process in Gainesville?

The installation process for asphalt millings is pretty much the same as the installation process for hot asphalt paving. The surface will need proper excavation and grading in order to ensure that it has adequate water drainage. Contractors will generally use power paving machines during the process to make sure that the material gains a degree of consistency and uniformity. A vibratory roller will then be used to create a smooth, level surface. The millings also have the added advantage of retaining much of the asphalt’s original oils, which will melt under the heat of the sun and bind the surface, making it much more durable.

Find Out More About Asphalt Milling and Asphalt Paving in Gainesville Today

Asphalt milling comes at a lower cost, and it has better attributes than gravel. You can purchase asphalt milling materials from several contractors and have them used in your projects. Some contractors will also use the millings they generate on the spot, if the project allows for it. If you would like to find out more about your options when it comes to material and installation processes, contact All Asphalt Services today. We offer a series of services, including asphalt paving, asphalt repairs, asphalt sealcoating, and asphalt milling in Gainesville, designed to help you get the most out of your investment. Contact us today to request a free quote!