If you’re in the market for a new asphalt driveway or commercial parking lot, you may wonder if asphalt millings are the right choice for your project. Millings are recycled asphalt from an older project. They can be used as the base of a new asphalt project or mixed in with fresh asphalt to create a more environmentally-friendly mix. Let’s look at some pros and cons of using asphalt millings in your next project!
What Are Asphalt Millings? Why Use Them?
Asphalt millings are a recycled product made from old asphalt. When a paving contractor removes an old asphalt surface, they save the chunks of asphalt for recycling.
An industrial milling company grinds down used asphalt into smaller pieces, making them ideal for some projects.
Millings can be the base of a new asphalt project or mixed in with fresh asphalt to create a more environmentally-friendly mix. There are pros and cons to using asphalt millings in your next project, so let’s look at those now!
PROS:
- Asphalt millings can be a more environmentally conscious choice
- Generally cheaper than other paving options
- They can help to extend the life of your asphalt by filling in cracks and holes
- Millings can act as a base for your new asphalt driveway or parking lot
- Millings can work in place of gravel for some projects
CONS:
- If not properly installed, millings can wash away
- They can be more challenging to work with than other paving options
- Millings can track into your home or business and be challenging to clean up
- Millings may not work well in your area if your climate needs exact specifications for the asphalt mix
- Using millings for an entire asphalt project can leave you with a lumpier look
Are Millings Right for My Project?
So, how do you decide if millings are the right choice for your next project? If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option or a cheaper alternative to other paving options, millings may be a good choice for you.
However, other options are available if you’re not willing to take on the extra challenge of working with recycled materials.
“New” Asphalt Mixes
When your contractor works on your project, they choose an asphalt mix that will work best in your climate and stand up to the test of time. Some of the mixes available use recycled materials in them. These are called RAP mixes. Using one of these RAP mixes lets you use recycled asphalt without the risk of using raw millings.
However, depending on where you live, your best choice asphalt product may need an exact mix of fillers and binders. If you live in a hot sticky climate, your contractor may advise you to stick with a tried and true asphalt mix to keep your driveway or parking lot strong and like-new longer.
What is RAP?
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) comes from the reprocessing of asphalt pavement. According to The United States Federal Highway Association (FHA), RAP comes from:
- Reconstruction
- Resurfacing
- Gaining access to buried utilities
The US annually produces 45 million tons of RAP. This recycling means that asphalt is the green choice for roads, driveways, and parking lots. Paving contractors use RAP repeatedly. Asphalt never needs to go into our landfills or water sources!
Asphalt Millings
If you decide that asphalt millings are the right choice for your next project, the next step is to talk with your asphalt pavement contractor about what options are available in your community. They may even have leftover millings from a previous job that you can buy. However, raw asphalt that has not gone through a cleaning and milling process is not what you are looking for.
Millings can sometimes work well as a gravel surface or as a base for a newer asphalt mix. The key is talking with your asphalt contractor about what will work best for your project.
Where to Find Millings Near You
If you’re not sure where to start looking for millings, your asphalt contractor may be able to help. If they don’t have any on-hand, they likely know where to find some in your area. You can also check with local paving companies or even construction sites.
Another option is contacting a milling company directly that specializes in the removal and reuse of millings. They may have some available that you can purchase for your project.
Reusing millings can be a great way to be more environmentally conscious while also saving money on your next asphalt project. However, it’s essential to do your research and talk with your contractor before making a final decision. With a bit of planning, you can end up with a high-quality asphalt surface that you’re happy with for years to come.
We Can Help
At AMP Paving, we take your environmental concerns seriously and keep our minds open to new ways of completing well-made asphalt projects for you!
We’re happy to help you decide what type of asphalt mix is best for your next project. Find out how we can help you plan a sturdy new asphalt driveway or parking lot. Give us a call today!