When your asphalt driveway shows signs of age — like widespread cracks, surface wear, or drainage issues — you might assume full replacement is the only fix. But there’s another option that could save time and money: driveway milling.
Milling is a common step in professional asphalt maintenance and repair, especially when the base layer of the driveway is still in good condition. It removes the damaged top layer of asphalt while preserving the foundation underneath, creating a solid surface for repaving.
What Is Driveway Milling?
Driveway milling is the process of grinding up the top layer of an existing asphalt surface without disturbing the base underneath. Specialized milling machines remove the surface asphalt to a set depth — usually 1 to 3 inches — leaving a clean, level surface ready for new paving.
Milling is often used as a prep step before resurfacing but can also be used to correct specific issues like height transitions or
drainage problems.
How the Milling Process Works
- Assessment: The driveway is inspected to determine if milling is appropriate — mainly whether the base layer is stable.
- Set Milling Depth:
Contractors set the milling machine to remove just the right amount of asphalt (usually 1–3 inches).
- Grinding:
A large milling machine grinds up the old surface layer. The ground-up material (called millings) can often be recycled.
- Surface Prep:
The milled surface is cleaned and checked for any additional repairs needed before resurfacing.
- New Asphalt Layer:
A new layer of hot-mix asphalt is applied and compacted over the milled surface, restoring the driveway’s function and appearance.
Benefits of Driveway Milling
- Cost Savings: Milling is more affordable than full removal and repaving because the base isn’t disturbed.
- Faster Turnaround: Milling and resurfacing can often be done in just a few days, reducing downtime.
- Eco-Friendly: The old asphalt that’s milled off can be recycled and reused.
- Improves Drainage: Milling allows for adjustments to slope and grading, improving water runoff.
- Creates a Smooth, Even Surface:
Prepares the driveway for a fresh asphalt layer that looks and performs like new.
When Is Milling the Right Choice?
Milling is ideal if:
- The top layer is
cracked or worn, but the base is solid
- You need to adjust the height of your driveway (for garage transitions or walkways)
- You want to extend the life of your current driveway without starting from scratch
It’s not the right solution if the driveway has deep structural damage or a failing base layer — in that case, full-depth repaving is usually required.
Other Factors to Consider
- Drainage: If water pools or runs toward your home, repaving lets you correct the slope and grading.
- Long-term value: Resurfacing is more affordable now but may lead to repaving later if underlying issues aren’t addressed.
- Timing: Resurfacing can usually be done in a day or two. Repaving takes longer and requires more planning and curing time.
What This Means for Maintain It All Customers
At Maintain It All, we bring years of experience and specialized equipment to every milling project. We’ll assess your driveway to see if milling and resurfacing will solve your issues or if a different solution is better.
If milling is the right fit, we’ll handle the full process — from grinding to resurfacing — using top-quality materials, proper grading, and clean finishing work. You’ll get a driveway that looks brand new at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.
Ready to explore whether driveway milling is right for your property? Contact Maintain It All for a free evaluation and expert recommendation today.
