Using Asphalt Millings On A Driveway – What To Know
If your driveway or outdoor recreational spaces need updating and you are trying to avoid the high cost of having it paved you may be wondering if asphalt millings are a good alternative. Understanding the pros and cons of various driveway materials can help you decide if asphalt millings are the right path for you.
There are multiple reasons why using asphalt millings for a driveway surface is a good investment, some of which include:
- Budget-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Recycled material
- Weather-resistant
These and other reasons contribute to why asphalt millings are a great alternative to other materials.
To learn more about how you can benefit from using asphalt millings for your driveway surface continue reading for helpful information.
What are Asphalt Millings?
If you have ever been stuck in a construction zone during rush hour you have likely seen enormous lumbering machines that seem to eat the pavement as they slowly chug along.
These machines provide a very important service by grinding the worn-out asphalt road into smaller, gravel-sized bits. Once ground to a more manageable size asphalt millings can be useful for many applications such as:
- Basketball courts
- Driveways
- Pathways
- Patios
- Recreational areas
For the most part asphalt millings are a great substitute for some other more expensive materials such as hot-asphalt paving or gravel.
Generally, asphalt millings are not recommended for high-traffic streets and roads but work perfectly for driveways or small private lanes when properly applied.
How are Asphalt Millings Applied?
If you are the kind of person who likes to DIY then you can certainly lay a new driveway with asphalt millings however you will need to rent a roller to compress the millings to create a nice hard surface that will last for many years.
In addition to a roller, you will need other equipment and tools to get the job done correctly such as:
- A dump truck or tilt trailer
- A skid steer loader
- Shovels
- Tamper
- Wheelbarrows
If you do not have the equipment and/or tools mentioned above you will have to rent or borrow them. Overall it is likely a better decision to hire a professional and save yourself the hassle of getting the equipment and having to do the physical labor yourself.
Continue reading to learn the reasons why asphalt millings are a great choice for your driveway or other outdoor projects.
Reasons to Use Asphalt Millings for Your Driveway
Many materials can be used for driveways and other outdoor areas but this list explains why asphalt millings are a better choice for many situations.
Easier on the Wallet
In this day and age when the cost of everything has gone through the roof saving money is a must. For that reason alone you will likely opt for asphalt millings over the more expensive options such as:
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Pavement
In the United States, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 to have a driveway professionally paved. Compare that to driveways laid with asphalt millings for around $500.00 to $2,000.00if done by a professional.
If you decide to DIY the cost of the asphalt millings can run between $50.00 and $500.00 which is a great savings, but keep in mind you will still have expenses on equipment rentals.
Little to No Maintenance
Life is too busy and short to worry about your driveway all of the time which is why asphalt millings are a great option if you don’t want to constantly maintain your driveway or other outdoor areas.
Over time asphalt millings compact and harden even more to create a super hard and durable surface. You don’t have to worry about raking gravel back into the path, excessive amounts of dust or weeds, and grass trying to poke through.
When done properly a driveway constructed with asphalt millings can add aesthetic value as well as value to the property itself.
Recycled Materials are Better for the Planet
If you are concerned about the footprint you are leaving on the planet then asphalt millings can help you feel like you are making a difference.
Asphalt millings are 100% recycled so you can rest easy knowing that you repurposed something that may have otherwise just been dumped in a hole somewhere.
Weather-Resistant
Driveways made of asphalt millings are more weather resistant than other materials. Especially when it comes to cold temperatures.
A driveway with asphalt millings is easier to plow than one laid in gravel and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a bunch of rocks from the grass the following spring.
Ice and snow melt faster on asphalt millings than on other surfaces which is helpful if you live in an area that experiences cold weather for long periods.
Keep reading for some tips on hiring the right company to update your driveway.
Hiring a Professional Asphalt Company
To save even more money and assure you are hiring a quality professional who is experienced with laying asphalt millings it is recommended that you do some research about the companies that serve your local area.
It is important to compare the following things when researching different asphalt companies:
- How quickly they can complete the task
- The estimated cost of the completed job
- The number of years of experience
- Their local reputation
Many asphalt companies are competitive and may match pricing to obtain the job which can be helpful as well. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and get written quotes.
High-Quality Results for a Fraction of the Cost
If you are looking to add some curb appeal to your home or create a new outdoor space where everyone can gather to relax or play games then consider using asphalt millings to create a professional look for a fraction of the cost. You will be pleasantly surprised years down the road to see that your driveway and outdoor spaces still look beautiful and don’t require any major maintenance.
