Let's talk about Asphalt Milling. You have probably heard this term. You might have even seen the big machines working on roads around Duluth. What does Asphalt Milling really mean for your driveway? As a local contractor, Fortune Asphalt Duluth gets a lot of the same questions from folks looking to fix up their pavement in Duluth. Fortune Asphalt Duluth will lay all of this out for you. We will give you just the facts you need to make smart decisions for your home.
What exactly is Asphalt Milling?
You can think of Asphalt Milling as a precise shave for your pavement. We do not rip out your entire driveway. Ripping out your entire driveway is a big job. It is messy as well as expensive. Fortune Asphalt Duluth uses a specialized machine to grind off just the top layer of old, damaged asphalt. This machine has a rotating drum with many cutting teeth. This machine essentially shaves off the surface to a controlled depth. The material that comes off is called 'millings' or 'Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement' (RAP). This material gets collected as well as recycled. This leaves you with a fresh, even surface. This surface is then ready for a new layer of asphalt. It is a way to renew your pavement without disturbing the base underneath.
Why would I choose Asphalt Milling over a full tear-out and replacement?
There are a few important reasons to choose Asphalt Milling. This is especially true here in Duluth. First, it is usually a lot cheaper. You are not paying for the full excavation. You are also not paying for the disposal of all that old material. In addition, you are not paying for all brand-new asphalt. Asphalt Milling costs can be much less than full repaving. It can sometimes be as much as 10% of the cost. Second, Asphalt Milling is faster. Fortune Asphalt Duluth can get in, mill the surface, and get it ready for a new layer quicker than a full tear-out. This means less disruption for you as well as your family. Third, Asphalt Milling is environmentally friendly. This is because we are recycling the old asphalt. For us up here in Duluth, Asphalt Milling allows us to maintain the existing grade of your driveway. That is a big deal when you have established drainage patterns. This is especially true with our heavy spring thaws as well as lake-effect snow. We can even adjust the milling depth to fix drainage issues or uneven spots. This is very handy for homeowners in Duluth.
What kind of condition does my driveway need to be in for Asphalt Milling to be an option?
Asphalt Milling is good for driveways that have surface issues. These driveways must also have a solid foundation underneath. If you have widespread cracking, Asphalt Milling can be a good fit. If you have potholes that are not too deep, Asphalt Milling can also be a good fit. If your surface is just generally rough as well as showing its age, Asphalt Milling is often a good option. It is perfect for fixing things like raveling. Raveling is when the aggregate starts coming loose. It also fixes surface cracks that let water in. If your driveway is completely falling apart, then a full reconstruction might be the only way to go. This includes major structural failures. It also includes deep heaving from our freeze-thaw cycles. A really compromised base also means a full reconstruction. Fortune Asphalt Duluth will always assess the subgrade. We do this to see if Asphalt Milling is truly the best solution for your property in Duluth.
How long does a milled and resurfaced driveway last?
A properly installed and maintained asphalt driveway here in Minnesota can last a good 20 to 30 years. This is true even with Asphalt Milling as a base. The key is that underlying base. If that base is solid, and Fortune Asphalt Duluth does the Asphalt Milling and new overlay right, you are looking at decades. For just millings used as a surface, without a new asphalt layer on top, they can last 10 to 30 years. This depends on the installation quality as well as maintenance. It also depends on how much traffic it sees. The millings themselves contain residual tar and oil. This helps them bind and harden over time. This happens especially with sun as well as compaction. A new layer of asphalt over the millings definitely extends that lifespan. It also gives you a smoother finish for your Duluth property.
Is Asphalt Milling a DIY job, or do I need a professional?
For a homeowner, milling your own driveway is usually not a realistic DIY project. These are not small garden tools we are talking about. Asphalt Milling machines are heavy-duty, specialized equipment. They take skill to operate correctly. You need to know how to set the depth precisely. You also need to make sure of proper grading for drainage. In addition, you need to handle the removal as well as recycling of the millings. You can buy asphalt millings for your own project. You can also spread them. Getting them properly compacted into a durable surface requires heavy equipment. This includes a vibratory roller. If you do not get the compaction right, you will end up with a loose, shifting surface. For a lasting, quality job, especially with our challenging climate in Duluth, you really need a professional. Fortune Asphalt Duluth has the equipment. We also have the know-how to do it right the first time.
What are the environmental benefits of using asphalt millings?
This is an important benefit. It is also something Fortune Asphalt Duluth is proud of. When we mill asphalt, we are taking old pavement. This old pavement would otherwise end up in a landfill. We are giving it a new life. The reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can be reused in new asphalt mixes. It can also be used as a base material for other projects. This includes driveways as well as roads. This reduces the demand for virgin materials. It also saves natural resources. In addition, it cuts down on waste. It is a truly sustainable approach to pavement repair as well as construction. You are getting a durable surface. You are also doing something good for the planet at the same time in Duluth.
How does the cost of Asphalt Milling compare to a brand new asphalt driveway?
Asphalt Milling is almost always more cost-effective than a full tear-out and new asphalt. For the material itself, asphalt millings can cost around $10 to $20 per ton. New hot-mix asphalt can range from $90 to $190 per ton. That is a big difference. For an installed driveway, millings might run you $3 to $8 per square foot. New asphalt could be $7 to $13 per square foot or more. The savings come from not needing to produce as much new material. There is also often less labor for the initial removal. Project size will influence the final cost. Milling depth will also influence the final cost. Any necessary site preparation will also influence the final cost. If budget is a primary concern, Asphalt Milling offers a good way to get a solid, refreshed surface. It does this without breaking the bank for your Duluth property.