Asphalt milling and paving services are two of the most common services provided by professional paving companies. The milling process is done before the asphalt pavement is applied to ensure all significant damage or issues are addressed. The asphalt milling process prevents further damage or corrosion of the parking lot or road due to existing issues with the composition of the current asphalt.
Asphalt milling has been regularly used on highways and commercial properties for the past 50 years. The process, and equipment used, has evolved since the 1970s to extend the lifespan of the asphalt product, becoming more cost-efficient and more eco-friendly.
What Is Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling is the removal of the top layer of pavement for internal repair of the road or parking lot. This process can be done to repair a single lane of a road, or it can be done to completely remove/repave an asphalt paved parking lot. Most notably, the layer removed is crushed and reused as recycled material for other pavement projects.
What Is Asphalt Milling Used For?
Typically, projects that require asphalt milling across the GTA have severe damage to the asphalt and ground in which simple patch jobs or repairs cannot be done. Wear and tear by heavy vehicle use and environmental factors can cause surfaces to develop cracks and/or see the composition of the existing asphalt deteriorated.
What Is the Asphalt Milling Process?
With an asphalt milling project, the surface of the targeted ground is cleared of any debris or damage such as potholes, bumps, or cracks. The superficial layer is removed with an asphalt milling machine to a specific depth. The surface is then cleaned before any resurfacing is started. The top layer that has been removed is normally recycled for other uses.
How Do Asphalt Milling Machines Work?
The equipment involved with an asphalt milling project include milling machines, haul trucks, water trucks, and sweepers to collect, compact, and restructure the asphalt. The milling machines are used to rip up the targeted ground surface. The attached rotating cutter drum has rows of “teeth” to remove the intended material of a depth of two inches.
As the material is removed, it passes through a grinder of the machine to be pressed, or crushed, before being screened to a size of 1.25 inches. The material is then transferred for disposal into a separate truck. The crushed material is then stored for later use as road gravel or to be sold as recycled material.
How Thick Should Asphalt Milling Be?
During the asphalt milling process, the amount, or thickness, of the material depends greatly on the intended use. Residential driveways, industrial parking lot, roads, and commercial parking lots all require various levels of application. For most parking lots, two to three inches of asphalt milling will suffice with an aggregate base of 6-8 inches thick.
Is Asphalt Milling Bad for the Environment?
It’s actually quite the opposite. Asphalt milling may be the most eco-friendly choice when repaving a surface because the recycled asphalt can be used again. Furthermore, the asphalt milling process is considered as a green initiative as there is no smoke or flames involved. It requires less resources and energy to produce, as well as less energy during the application.
Is Asphalt Milling Good for Parking Lots?
Asphalt milling is applied to parking lots to provide a smooth and professional driving surface for tenants, employees, customers, and other visitors. The adaptability to the fluctuating temperatures of Ontario protects the composition during extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Can Asphalt Millings Be Sealed?
Yes, the surface of an asphalt milling parking lot can be sealed by a professional asphalt contractor. Due to the composition of an asphalt milling project, any sealing to be done requires a sealcoat spray system to offer an evenly covered area.
Can You Pave Over Asphalt Milling?
With any project involving asphalt milling in Toronto, it is important to understand time strengthens the surface, preventing the need for refinishing. This process can provide a sustainable surface much like a regular asphalt paving service can. For some property owners, using the asphalt milling process as a base foundation for tarring, chipping, or mixed asphalt application helps to save time and money for businesses in the years to come.
How Long Does It Take for Asphalt Milling to Harden?
Once the asphalt milling process has been completed, it is important to allow the surface to cure for at least 24 hours. This is the initial stage of the curing process at which time the material begins to harden but continues to harden for a short period of time in the coming days. Allowing the surface to be left without use will extend the life of the composition. Some companies may use an asphalt sealer to speed up the curing process.
How Much Does Asphalt Milling Cost?
Similar to other paving services, the cost for asphalt milling depends on the condition of the parking lot and the size. It is important to have a professional estimate before any work is to begin as there may be other asphalt services needed before the asphalt milling can be performed. The average cost of asphalt milling services ranges from $0.75 to $1.25 per square foot.
How Do You Know if You Need Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt pavement repair is a major factor in protecting your parking lot composition. Having a thorough inspection by a reputable paving professional can help you determine if asphalt milling services is the proper undertaking for your situation. Any signs of damage or disarray should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the asphalt.
Parking Lot Milling Services Offered by Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc.
Protect your parking lot with Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc.’s asphalt milling and paving services. With more than 24 years of helping property owners extend the lifespan of their commercial properties and parking lots, we guarantee superior products and services.
Contact us today at 416-410-3705 for a complimentary on-site inspection for cost-effective solutions for your parking lot needs.