What is Asphalt Milling?

08 Mar What is Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling is a process through which a paved surface, such as a road, driveway or parking lot, is removed. The process is sometimes referred to as cold planing, and it is used to remove anywhere from just the top of the pavement, down to its entire depth. Milling can be used for several projects, including pavement repairs, replacement and upgrades. Do you require asphalt milling work in Jacksonville?  If so, keep reading this blog.

How Does It Work?

Asphalt milling is conducted using a piece of heavy machinery known as a cold planer or milling machine. This machine will use a large, rotating drum that has carbide cutters on its surface to grind away the asphalt bit by bit. The cutters are also arranged in such a way that the accumulated debris is swooped to the center of the drum, where it is picked up by a conveyor belt. On most machines, this conveyor system is front loaded.

The final important element of the milling machine is the cooling system. Due to the massive amount of friction generated during a milling operation, the drum can heat up to very high temperatures. In order to counteract this, the milling machine contains a water distribution system that cools off the drum. The water system also helps reduce the amount of dust generated by the milling process.

Micro Milling

Micro milling is a specialized technique in which a drum with many more cutters is used to generate a much finer result. While regular milling is used to make deep ridges into the asphalt, micro milling is intended to smooth the surface of the asphalt, and to add the finishing touches for a project.

Why Use Asphalt Milling?

There are a number of uses for asphalt milling. One of the most common applications of this technique is in asphalt recycling, where a worn-down or out of commission road is milled up, melted and then reused for a different project. This has a very positive impact on the environment, eliminating the need to waste additional resources on creating fresh asphalt.

Milling can also help with uneven or bumpy asphalt surfaces, and surfaces that have been damaged by fires or accidents. Over time, the binding and aggregates that keep asphalt together may deteriorate. This is where pavement milling comes in. Milling can be used to strip and replace these components, eliminating the need for more extensive projects. Other uses include the creation of rumble strips, which can be added to the top of existing roads.

The Average Cost of a Milling Project

With that being said, how much does a milling project usually cost? The price will fluctuate based on the depth of the milling, and it generally ranges from $0.25 to $0.60 per square foot.

Is Asphalt Milling Right for Your Project?

If you have a project that requires asphalt milling in Jacksonville, give All Asphalt Services a call to request a free estimate. If you have a damaged or cracking asphalt surface—whether it is a driveway, parking lot, or road—milling is essential for a quality repair project. Sure, you could just overlay asphalt on top of a damaged surface, but you’re only pushing back the deadline of a much more expensive repair. With milling, the damaged surface is removed, and a fresh layer of asphalt is added for a higher grade, and much longer-lasting finish.

We will recommend the procedure on a case by case basis, so do not hesitate to contact us with any issue you may have regarding your project. We also offer a warranty on our full spectrum asphalt services in order to ensure that each of our clients is fully satisfied with the finished project!