Why Edge Milling is important
Edge milling is the process of removing the existing asphalt along the edges of pavement before resurfacing, but why does that matter?
Properly preparing an asphalt road, parking lot, driveway or pathway prior to resurfacing ensures the asphalt surface can function properly.
Why are asphalt edges more likely to crack or break?
The edges of asphalt are more likely to crack or break than the rest of the pavement surface due to several reasons:
- Lack of support: The edge of asphalt pavement are not supported by adjacent surfaces like curbs, sidewalks, or other structures. This makes them more vulnerable to damage caused by vehicles and heavy equipment that travel close to the edges of the pavement.
- Expansion and Contraction: asphalt pavement expands and contracts with temperature changes, and the edges are the mot susceptible to these changes. This is because the edges are exposed to greater temperature variations than the center of the pavement. As the asphalt expands and contracts, it creates stress on the pavement edges, which can cause them to crack or break.
- Water Infiltration: The edges of asphalt pavement are more likely to be exposed to water infiltration, which can weaken the pavement structure and cause cracking or breaking. Water infiltration can occur when the pavement surface is not sloped properly to allow for proper drainage or when cracks develop in the pavement surface, allowing water to seep in.
- Aging and wear and tear: Over time, asphalt pavement will naturally deteriorate due to aging and wear and tear. The edges of the pavement are more susceptible to damage caused by traffic, weather, and other factors, which can accelerate the aging and deterioration process.
To prevent cracking or breaking of the pavement edges, it’s important to take preventative measures, sure as proper edge milling prior to asphalt resurfacing.
Edge milling helps with drainage
Proper drainage is critical to the performance and longevity of asphalt pavement surfaces.
When water is allowed to pool or accumulate on the pavement surface, it can seep into cracks and joints, causing damage to the pavement and weakening its structure. This can lead to potholes, cracks, and other defects, which can be costly to repair and can create safety hazards for drivers.
To ensure proper drainage, the pavement surface must be graded and sloped correctly to allow water to flow off the surface an into designated drainage areas.
Resurfacing involves adding an additional layer of asphalt, if the new asphalt was added, but nothing milled off before hand, the surface may be too tall to properly drain.
As a general rule n asphalt parking lot should have a minimum slope of 1% for water to drain properly. This translates to roughly 1% of fall for every 10 feet of pavement.
By milling the edges of existing asphalt below the level of adjacent concrete, the new asphalt can be installed at the same level as the concrete, preventing water from becoming trapped between the asphalt and concrete.
Without edge milling, the new layer of asphalt will sit one and a half to two inches higher than the adjacent concrete, increasing water damage to your pavement.
Edge milling helps eliminate trip hazards
When asphalt pavement is not even, it can create a variety of irregularities in the surface, such as bumps, depressions, or cracks. These irregularities can be difficult to see and can catch people off guard, especially if they are not paying close attention to the ground.
Milling before resurfacing helps create a smoother surface and reduces tripping hazards.
Rely on Smooth Paving for asphalt edge milling
At Smooth Paving, we own our own fleet of milling resurfacing machines to ensure your entire milling and resurfacing project goes smoothly. Our curb-line edge milling helps ensure new asphalt will lay flush with the existing elevation of curbs and gutters and help extend the lifespan of your asphalt.