If you have spent any time on our site or considering installing new surfaces for your driveway there’s a good chance you’ve come across the phrase ‘asphalt millings’ before. If you are not as familiar to the industry as we are (who could blame you?) you are no doubt left wondering what the heck asphalt millings even are! Well, wonder no longer – this time on the Sunrise Asphalt blog we’re answering that question and more!
Asphalt Millings
Milling is the process of grinding up, crushing, or cutting, so when you add that to the word asphalt what you’re looking at is, well, ground-up recycled asphalt!
We’ve talked before about how incredibly recyclable asphalt can be, and asphalt millings are one of those components!
How Are Asphalt Millings Made?
When a paved asphalt surfaces life is over it’s time for it to be replaced or resurfaced. When this happens a crew will take pickaxes, jackhammers, or other equipment to the surface pulling up the big chunks of asphalt. These chunks are taken to a facility where they can be crushed up and converted into smaller pieces – the millings. These recycled chunks have plenty of the same useful traits as other paving materials like fresh asphalt but come with several new advantages as well!
The Benefits of Asphalt Millings
Asphalt Millings Cost
This one is obvious when you think about it, but since asphalt millings are made up of recycled material they’re going to be a cheaper product than something like gravel or new asphalt surface.
That lower cost also extends to the maintenance of asphalt milling surfaces! Asphalt requires regular maintenance. Crack filling, and resealing – but not millings! Once the millings have been compacted down the only maintenance they’re likely to need is recompacting and occasional grading, both of which are typically less expensive than cracks and sealing.
A Green Option
Reduce, reuse, and recycle right? Well, asphalt millings are recycling! The carbon footprint for using asphalt millings is lower than other materials. If you’re concerned about the environmental effects of your materials, millings may be the answer for you.
Stands Up to Weather
Asphalt is a durable, versatile material and millings are no exception! In some regards millings can be even more durable than traditional fresh asphalt. Asphalt millings are more porous than standard asphalt, allowing for better drainage in areas that flood or subject to more snow. Millings are also more durable in extreme temperatures (cold or hot).
A Certain Type of Curb Appeal
We aren’t going to pretend that using asphalt millings look better than fresh asphalt – few things beat that slick jet-black appeal! But, looks and taste are subjective so you just might find you prefer the more rustic look of a driveway made with millings. Millings will have a rustic, worn look, not quite jet black, not quite gravel gray but somewhere in the middle. It’s not for everyone but it’s certainly not ugly!
Asphalt millings are useful in just about any situation where you’re looking for traditional asphalt. So parking lots, paths, driveways, or even hardscape filler in landscapes – all of these are potential milling scenarios!
In the Tucson area and need a new asphalt surface paved? Looking for a free estimate from a reputable paving company? Look no further than Sunrise Asphalt! We’ve been paving the way for over 40 years – decades of experience, quality and craftsmanship go into every job!
