Are you noticing cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces on the pavement of your commercial property? These unsightly signs of wear and tear not only pose safety hazards but also lead to costly repairs.

But before you rip everything out and start fresh, there’s a smarter, more sustainable option: asphalt milling.

This innovative technique isn’t just about patching up imperfections. It can save you money, extend the life of your pavement, and even help protect the environment. Let’s discuss these benefits in detail below:

Understanding Asphalt Milling

Asphalt milling, known as cold planing, is crucial in sustainable pavement management. It involves removing a specific layer of deteriorated asphalt from an existing road surface using specialized machinery. The outcome is a smooth, level base for applying new asphalt that can effectively rehabilitate the pavement without complete reconstruction.

The milling process itself is precise and efficient. A milling machine equipped with rotating cutting drums travels across the designated area. As it moves, it shaves off the predetermined depth of asphalt.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), the removed material, is then collected and stockpiled. It may be reused in new pavement mixtures or other applications.

Depending on the project schedule and specifics, milling can occur in full-depth sections or specific layers for targeted repairs. Either way, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some key situations where it’s necessary:

• When your pavement experiences cracking, rutting, or potholes
• In cases with deeper structural issues
• Minor imperfections on the pavement that are yet to escalate
• When you want to reduce reliance on virgin materials and minimize landfill waste

Proper maintenance is essential to ensuring your newly milled pavement performs optimally. Have a professional apply a sealant shortly after milling to protect the fresh asphalt from moisture infiltration and premature degradation. Crack filling, regular inspection, and professional paving are also important.

Six Powerful Benefits of Asphalt Milling

By now, you know that asphalt milling is crucial to sustainable pavement management. Ready to explore how asphalt milling can transform your commercial pavement and contribute to a greener future? Here are six benefits you’ll reap from this investment:

1. Cost Effective Rehabilitation

Cracked, rutted, or potholed pavement can drain your wallet. Replacing the entire surface might seem like the only solution. But you should consider a smarter, more cost-effective option: asphalt milling.

Instead of removing and disposing of everything, milling targets only the damaged areas. It only removes the worn-out top layer of asphalt. This means significantly less material needs to be hauled away and replaced, slashing material costs.

Since a smaller area is involved, milling requires less labor than full-depth paving. This translates to lower labor costs and faster project completion times. Proactive repairs can also save you from bigger costs down the line.

2. Extended Pavement Life

Think of your commercial pavement as an investment. With milling, you preserve the good parts. The healthy underlying asphalt remains intact when milling removes only the damaged top layer.

By proactively addressing problems with milling, you avoid the need for frequent, smaller repairs and patches. This translates to less disruption and a longer-lasting pavement surface. It’s like a preventative maintenance measure with a higher sustainability rating.

3. Sustainable Choice

In today’s world, being “green” is a smart business. When you pave your commercial property sustainably, you help the planet and boost your image. You also attract eco-conscious customers who appreciate your commitment to the environment.

Recycling isn’t just for plastic bottles and newspapers. It also applies to pavements. Asphalt milling helps promote environmental responsibility in several ways.

The removed material is recycled and incorporated back into new pavement mixtures. Recycled materials reduce the need for non-renewable resources like gravel and stone. It reduces mining activity, protects natural landscapes, and conserves precious resources.

4. Reduced Traffic Disruption

Bad pavement disrupts traffic flow, making deliveries difficult and discouraging customers from visiting. Customers might hesitate to navigate potholes, leading to lost sales and frustration. The paving issue is a great barrier in your sales funnel since it drives potential business away.

Asphalt milling is a focused repair that targets only the damaged areas. Unlike complete reconstruction, it involves smaller work areas.
This reduces disruption and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

Milling projects typically take less time than full-depth paving because they involve a smaller area. Professionals spend less time navigating detours, allowing you to access your commercial property more quickly. As such, you can resume your day-to-day activities more quickly.

5. Improved Safety

Milling removes bumps, ridges, and potholes, creating a smooth and level surface. This provides better traction for vehicles. It also lowers the risk of accidents caused by uneven terrain.

Milling improves road visibility by addressing cracks and uneven patches, especially during rain or low-light conditions. It allows drivers to navigate more safely. This way, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility.

Standing water on uneven pavements can cause vehicles to hydroplane, leading to dangerous situations. Milling creates a smoother surface that allows water to drain properly. It reduces the risk of hydroplaning and improves overall driving safety.

6. Enhanced Aesthetics

Cracked and uneven asphalt gives a bad first impression of a commercial property. Luckily, milling can give your pavement a facelift and boost curb appeal. It removes imperfections and creates a level, smooth, visually appealing surface.

A well-maintained pavement improves the overall aesthetics of your property. The pavement can also increase your property’s value and marketability. It also extends the lifespan of your pavement.

This means you enjoy the aesthetic benefits for a longer period. There won’t be a need for frequent repairs or replacements. You get to enjoy the beauty for years to come.

Schedule Your Free Sustainable Asphalt Milling Consultation Today

So, is asphalt milling a solution in sustainable pavement management? Milling offers a powerful tool for eco-conscious property owners. It contributes to a greener future and saves you money in the process.

Need a custom paving solution that fits your budget to transform your property? Heartland Paving Partners – the Upper Midwest’s go-to asphalt and concrete experts – is here to help. Get a free consultation today and see why we’re the trusted choice for commercial properties.