What Is Asphalt Milling (Cold Planing)?

Asphalt milling—also called cold planing—removes a precise thickness of the existing asphalt surface (often 1–2 inches) with a drum fitted with carbide teeth. The milled material is conveyed into trucks for recycling, and the textured surface that remains is cleaned and tack-coated so a new asphalt lift bonds securely. Milling lets us correct bumps, ruts, and drainage without tearing out the entire pavement structure.

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Why Mill Instead of Just Overlay?

Overlay-only adds new asphalt over the top. It’s fast, but it raises elevations and doesn’t fix profile or drainage. Milling first solves the root issues:

• Restores proper grades: Re-sets cross-slope so water sheds to drains and edges.

• Fixes height mismatches: Lowers high spots and ties cleanly into curbs, aprons, ramps, and door thresholds.

• Improves bond and ride: Removes oxidized, slick, or cracked surface before paving a dense, smooth lift.

• Recycles material: Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) goes back into new mixes—smart and sustainable.

If base failures are widespread, we’ll spot repair those areas and then mill and overlay to deliver long-lasting results.

When Milling Is the Right Choice

Choose milling if you’re seeing:

• Surface distress: raveling, rutting, shoving, polished slick surface, or shallow alligator cracking.

• Drainage issues: birdbaths, ponding near entrances, or water trapped against curbs.

• Trip hazards & transitions: overlays that raised the surface too high over time.

• ADA or profile corrections: you need to hit specific slopes and tie into ramps or sidewalk transitions.

Milling vs. Overlay vs. Full-Depth Reclamation

• Mill & Overlay: Remove distressed surface, correct grades, and install a new asphalt lift. Best for surface-level issues with a sound base.

• Overlay Only: Fastest initial option, but it raises elevations and won’t fix drainage or profile.

• Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR): Pulverizes asphalt and base together for a rebuild. Best for deep structural failures or saturated subgrade.

Our Process (What to Expect)

1. Site Walk & Plan
   We document distresses, elevations, drainage paths, and utility iron. Grade-critical areas are marked for precision.

2. Traffic Control & Phasing
   Cones, signage, and flaggers keep vehicles and pedestrians moving safely. We phase work to minimize downtime for businesses and residents.

3. Precision Milling
   We set the milling depth (commonly 1–2 inches; deeper where needed), remove past overlays, correct cross-slope, and create smooth transitions at tie-ins.

4. Detail Work Around Utilities
   Iron (manholes, valves) is trimmed and, if needed, adjusted or ring-raised to finish flush with the new pavement.

5. Sweep & Clean
   Mechanical sweeping and blowers remove dust and fines so tack bonds perfectly.

6. Tack Coat Application
   A uniform tack coat ensures a strong chemical and mechanical bond to the new asphalt lift.

7. Pave & Compact
   We install the specified mix (residential surface, commercial surface, and/or binder where required) and compact to density for a smooth, durable finish.

8. Joints, Tie-ins & Edges
   Longitudinal and transverse joints are built correctly; edges are neat; concrete tie-ins are feathered as needed.

9. Striping & ADA Markings
   Layout per plan, including stalls, ADA symbols, fire lanes, directional arrows, stops, and signage.

10. Final Walkthrough & Care Guide
    We review the work with you, create a punch list if needed, and share care instructions for best results.

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Typical Specs & Options

• Milling depth: 1–2 inches typical; deeper passes for rutted lanes or multiple past overlays.

• Overlay thickness:

  • Residential drives: ~1–1.5 inches surface course

  • Commercial lots/streets: ~1.5–2+ inches, with binder lifts where traffic loads demand

• Mix designs: Tennessee-approved surface mixes; polymer-modified options available for high-traffic or high-heat sites.

• Grade targets: Restored cross-slope for drainage; ADA slopes at ramps and accessible routes; smooth curb, apron, and drain tie-ins.

• Recycling: RAP is hauled for reuse—lower environmental impact and controlled material costs.

Project Types We Serve

• Residential: Long driveways, private roads, shared lanes, community drives.

• Commercial: Retail centers, office parks, medical campuses, industrial yards.

• HOAs & Multi-Family: Community streets, alleys, parking courts.

• Municipal: Streets, intersections, bus routes, turn lanes.

Service Areas

D. Lee’s Paving crews cover the entire state of Tennessee—from West to Middle to East Tennessee. We mobilize statewide to plan, mill, pave, stripe, and deliver ADA-compliant results for homes, HOAs, businesses, and municipalities. If you’re in Tennessee, we can schedule you—one-day turnarounds for smaller projects and phased plans for larger sites.

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Aftercare & Timelines

• Open to traffic: Many projects allow light traffic the same day after rolling; heavy loads and striping follow our guidance.

• Cure behavior: Asphalt cools and stiffens quickly. Avoid tight turning or scuffing in hot weather for 24–48 hours.

• Maintenance: Keep oil off the surface; keep drains clear; address cracks early to protect the new lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need milling instead of a simple overlay?
If you have ponding, ruts, height problems at curbs/doors, or multiple past overlays, milling is the smarter first step. It corrects grades and removes failed material so the new lift bonds and drains properly.

What milling depth is typical?
Most projects remove 1–2 inches. Heavier rutting or thick overlays may require deeper passes to reset the profile.

Will milling damage my base?
No. Milling targets the surface layer. If base issues are present, we spot repair those areas first, then mill and overlay.

Can milling fix drainage and birdbaths?
Yes. We re-establish cross-slope and tie into drains and edges so water runs off instead of sitting.

Why do you apply a tack coat?
Tack creates a strong bond between the milled surface and the new asphalt, preventing slippage and delamination.

How long does a mill & overlay take?
Small drives and lots can be completed in a day; larger centers are phased across days to keep businesses open.

Do utility covers end up too low after milling?
We adjust or ring-raise castings so finished elevations are flush and safe.

What thickness of new asphalt will I get?
Residential surfaces commonly receive ~1–1.5 inches; commercial lots ~1.5–2+ inches depending on traffic and specification.

Can you phase work to maintain access?
Absolutely. We’ll build a traffic plan with clear phasing, signage, and safe pedestrian routes.

Do you warranty the work?
Yes. We stand behind our materials and workmanship. Warranty terms vary by scope and specification—ask us for project-specific details.

Get a Grade Review & Estimate

Ready to solve ruts, bumps, and ponding the right way? Request a free site walk and milling + overlay estimate today. We’ll confirm the right depth, set proper slopes, and deliver a smooth, long-lasting surface.

Call or Text Today (615) 579-1766