Asphalt milling has become one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable methods for restoring paved surfaces. Whether you’re managing a commercial property in New Jersey, maintaining an industrial lot, or overseeing municipal infrastructure, understanding how asphalt milling works and when to use it can save time, reduce costs, and improve surface longevity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything property owners need to know about asphalt milling—from what it is and how it works, to the advantages it offers and when it’s the right solution for your pavement needs.
What Is Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling, also known as cold planing or profiling, is the process of removing the top layers of asphalt from a paved surface without disturbing the underlying sub-base. This is done using a specialized milling machine that grinds up the old asphalt into small, reusable pieces. The resulting surface is then prepared for a new layer of fresh asphalt, effectively renewing the pavement without the need for complete excavation.
How Asphalt Milling Works
Milling involves the use of heavy-duty machines called cold planers or milling machines. These machines use rotating drums fitted with cutting teeth to shave off the surface layer of asphalt at a controlled depth. The removed material, known as RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), is collected and can often be recycled and reused in future paving projects.
Step-by-step process:
- Site inspection and depth planning
A paving contractor assesses the area to determine how deep the milling needs to go. Depths typically range from 1″ to 4″. - Grinding the asphalt
The milling machine moves over the surface, grinding the asphalt in passes until the specified depth is achieved. - Hauling away milled asphalt
The RAP is loaded into dump trucks and transported to an asphalt plant or recycling center. - Surface cleaning and prep
The milled surface is cleaned and prepared for new asphalt to be laid on top. - Resurfacing
A new layer of asphalt is applied over the milled base, creating a durable, smooth, and long-lasting surface.
When Should You Consider Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling is ideal for a variety of property types and use cases. Here are some scenarios where it’s often the most effective solution:
- Widespread surface cracking or raveling
- Shallow potholes or surface deformities
- Uneven surfaces or drainage issues
- Preparing for parking lot resurfacing
- Removing old pavement markings before restriping
- Meeting ADA compliance through slope correction
If the pavement is structurally sound but visually deteriorating or uneven, milling is typically recommended over a complete tear-out.
Key Benefits of Asphalt Milling
1. Cost-Effective
Full pavement replacement can be expensive. Asphalt milling offers a more affordable option by preserving the existing base and only replacing the worn surface layer.
2. Environmentally Friendly
The reclaimed asphalt is recyclable and often reused in future paving projects, significantly reducing the need for new raw materials.
3. Time-Efficient
Milling allows for faster turnaround times, especially for commercial or municipal projects that can’t afford prolonged downtime.
4. Improved Surface Quality
The process results in a clean, level surface that is ideal for new overlays, ensuring enhanced traction and safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
5. Customizable Depths
Contractors can adjust milling depths based on the pavement’s condition, which helps tailor the repair to the unique needs of each property.
Commercial and Municipal Applications
Asphalt milling is widely used across different sectors in New Jersey:
- Parking lots for shopping centers, office parks, and warehouses
- Roadways and streets for townships and cities like Burlington, Bordentown, Moorestown, and Cinnaminson
- School campuses, where downtime and cost management are crucial
- Industrial yards requiring strong, level surfaces for trucks and heavy equipment
- ADA compliance upgrades for sloped surfaces and entrances
Whether you manage a business or municipality, milling can help restore surfaces efficiently without complete reconstruction.
Milling vs. Resurfacing vs. Full Replacement
It’s easy to confuse milling with other paving services. Here’s how they compare:
| Service | What It Involves | Ideal When |
| Milling + Overlay | Remove top layer, install new asphalt | Surface is deteriorated, base is solid |
| Resurfacing | Add new asphalt layer over existing surface | Surface has minor issues, needs fresh look |
| Full Replacement | Excavate down to subgrade, rebuild entirely | Base is failing or unstable |
How Long Does Asphalt Milling Take?
Project timelines depend on the size of the area and the depth of milling. A standard commercial parking lot can typically be milled and overlaid in 1 to 3 days. For roads or larger industrial areas, timelines may extend to a week or more, especially if weather or traffic control are factors.
How Long Does Milled Asphalt Last?
With proper installation and maintenance, a newly overlaid surface after milling can last 15–20 years. This longevity makes it a worthwhile investment for long-term property management and value retention.
Why Choose Stanley Paving for Asphalt Milling in New Jersey?
At Stanley Paving, we bring over 70 years of experience delivering high-quality asphalt solutions across Burlington, Camden, Mercer, and surrounding counties. We specialize in commercial, industrial, and municipal paving services, including expert asphalt milling for:
- Parking lots
- Roadways
- Industrial yards
- Private roadways
- Drainage correction projects
Our equipment is modern, our crews are highly trained, and we prioritize minimal disruption to your property and operations.
Areas We Serve
If you’re a property owner or manager looking for asphalt milling services in New Jersey, Stanley Paving proudly serves:
- Burlington, NJ
- Bordentown, NJ
- Moorestown, NJ
- Cinnaminson, NJ
- Mount Laurel, NJ
- Willingboro, NJ
- Hamilton Township, NJ
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- And surrounding areas
We’re local, fast, and experienced in handling jobs of all sizes with professionalism and results you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is asphalt milling messy?
A: It can generate dust and debris during the process, but professional contractors use sweepers and cleanup tools to leave the surface ready for overlay.
Q: Can asphalt milling fix drainage problems?
A: Yes. Milling can help correct slope issues that cause water pooling or runoff problems by adjusting elevations before resurfacing.
Q: Will milling affect curbs or sidewalks?
A: No. One of the advantages of milling is its precision. We can mill around structures like curbs, drains, and sidewalks with minimal disruption.
Q: Is milling loud?
A: Yes, the process generates noise due to grinding machinery, but it’s relatively quick and often completed within a day or two, especially for commercial lots.
Final Thoughts: Is Asphalt Milling Right for Your Property?
If your asphalt surface is cracked, uneven, or fading—but the base layer remains strong—then asphalt milling is a smart, strategic solution. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and delivers long-lasting results without the higher costs and longer timelines of full replacement.
Book Asphalt Milling Services in NJ Today
Ready to restore your asphalt the right way?
📍 Visit us at 1518 Jacksonville Road, Burlington, NJ 08016
📞 Call 866-938-6736 to speak with our team
📩 Or request your free estimate online today
Let Stanley Paving help you bring your surfaces back to life with professional asphalt milling across New Jersey.