Asphalt millings are a reused type of material manufactured by grinding and reprocessing old asphalt roadway. This material can be reused in several applications—instead of being dumped into landfills—which makes it more environmentally friendly and also cost effective. When deciding to use asphalt millings to fix your driveway, parking lot, or road, it is important to know what asphalt millings are and how they work. This guide will help you to know more about asphalt millings, their applications, advantages, and why they are the choice of many paving projects.
What Are Asphalt Millings?
Asphalt millings are the by-product of the asphalt recycling process which involves the grinding up of old asphalt pavement, typically found on roads, highways, or parking lots. When a road is resurfaced or repaved, the asphalt on the top is usually milled away to make room for the new layer. This is then crushed into small, tiny pieces called asphalt millings.
These millings are small pieces or chips of the old asphalt with small quantities of the underlying roadbed material. After grinding up the material, it can be reused in different construction and paving works.
How Are Asphalt Millings Made?
The manufacturing of asphalt millings starts with the removal of old asphalt pavement by milling, which is normally done with a large milling machine. The top layers of asphalt are ground up into smaller pieces by the milling machine. These pieces are then gathered and cleaned of any debris, dirt, or contaminants.
Once asphalt millings are cleaned, they can then be reused in construction or resurfacing jobs. They may be left in their natural, crushed form or processed further to make them applicable for specific uses depending on the project.
Common Uses for Asphalt Millings
Asphalt millings are multi-purpose and may be utilized in numerous applications.
Some of the most common uses include:
Driveways
Asphalt millings can be utilized in residential and commercial driveways. They provide a long-lasting and economical substitute for new asphalt. When compacted and sealed adequately, asphalt millings can form a smooth and stable surface that resembles traditional asphalt driveways.
Parking Lots
Asphalt millings are also used as a base material in parking lots that are resurfaced or need to be expanded. The reused material is also a good base that can support the weight of vehicles; it is also less expensive to use as compared to using new asphalt.
Road Repairs
Asphalt millings can be used in road repairs, especially in low-traffic areas, rural roads, or temporary repairs. They may be applied and compacted into the surface to provide temporary restoration of the road before a more permanent solution is implemented.
Pathways and Trails
Another popular application of asphalt millings is the construction of walking and bike paths and other recreational surfaces. They are smooth and solid, offering a good surface to pedestrians or cyclists and are less expensive compared to using conventional asphalt or concrete.
Erosion Control
The millings can also be applied on slopes or places with high rates of water runoff to act as erosion control. The material is used to stabilize the surface and prevent erosion at the same time allowing water to pass through.
Benefits of Using Asphalt Millings
Asphalt millings have several benefits, which explains why they are commonly used in a variety of projects.
Some of the most important advantages of using this recycled material are:
Cost-Effective
Cost savings is one of the greatest reasons why people prefer to use asphalt millings. Asphalt millings are recycled and, as such, they are significantly more affordable than buying new asphalt. This qualifies them as a perfect option to homeowners and companies with a tight budget.
Eco-Friendly
Using asphalt millings is an environmentally friendly option. Recycling of old asphalt will minimize the use of raw materials, conserve resources, and reduce waste. Recycling asphalt millings will also reduce the environmental cost of producing new asphalt.
Durability
Asphalt millings form a long-lasting surface when well compacted. They resist weathering, and thus, can be used in a number of applications, such as driveways, parking lots, and roads. They are also good at withstanding wear and tear due to traffic, and they can last many years.
Low Maintenance
Asphalt millings require low maintenance as compared to traditional asphalt surfaces. Although they might need some occasional maintenance or topping to ensure that they have a smooth surface, they are easy to maintain. Regular compaction and sealing can help extend their lifespan.
Quick Installation
Asphalt millings are easy to install and are thus suitable in projects that require a short time to complete. It is possible to spread the material and compact it with a relatively low amount of labor and time.
Things to Consider When Using Asphalt Millings
Although asphalt millings are very beneficial, there are a couple of things to consider before using them on your project.
Surface Appearance
Asphalt millings are stable and durable, but may not appear as smooth and polished as new asphalt. The surface can be a bit rugged and the color can be different depending on the proportion of old asphalt and base material. However, this can be improved by applying a sealant.
Compaction Is Key
The compaction should be done properly so that asphalt millings can form a solid and stable surface. When the millings are not compacted properly, they can move with time resulting in uneven surfaces or potholes. Make sure you use the right equipment or employ the services of experts to carry out the compaction process.
Dust Control
Asphalt millings are dusty, particularly during spreading or compacting. This is not normally a significant concern when applied to residential use, but it can be a problem in large, heavy-traffic areas. Dust control may be required, e.g., by using water or dust suppressant.
Longevity and Sealing
Asphalt millings are long-lasting but they might require sealing to retain the appearance and performance. Sealing serves to protect the surface against the elements, erosion, and cracking.