As a property owner or manager, you understand the importance of keeping your parking lots and roads in good condition. Not only does it improve the aesthetic appeal of your property, but it also ensures safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. People are less likely to visit your business or choose your apartment complex if the parking lot and roadways are full of potholes, cracks, or debris. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize street sweeping before and after milling and paving projects.

What Is Milling and Paving?

Milling is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to repair or replace asphalt’s top layer. Asphalt quickly wears down due to sunlight, traffic, and weather. Professionals use a milling machine to remove the asphalt’s top layer. These machines can reach various depths and remove enough from the top of the asphalt. They then sweep away the rubble and apply asphalt tack emulsion—a heat-activated glue. Workers finally lay a new layer of asphalt down, then compact and stripe it. After that, your parking lot is ready for customers!

Determining if Your Project Needs Asphalt Milling

Milling is an excellent solution for restoring bumpy and uneven pavement, pavement with potholes or ruts, or damaged pavement. What projects should you use asphalt milling for?

• Sidewalks
• Parking lots
• Driveways
• Roads

Milling will address multiple issues.

Raveling

Raveling is when asphalt begins to disintegrate. It makes the asphalt rougher, easier to damage, dislodges materials, and is dangerous to use. Milling removes the damaged surface and transforms the old asphalt into a new layer ready for repaving.

Crackling

Fixing surface flaws is a breeze with asphalt milling. It will fix the cracks where debris or water could become lodged in the pavement. This fix will protect the surface from deterioration.

Bleeding

Bleeding, or flushing, is when an oil-based asphalt binder fills the combined holes. Hot weather and traffic causes an oily film to appear on the asphalt’s surface. Milling will remove this top layer and eliminate the bleeding.

Before Milling & Paving

Before any milling and paving work begins, it’s essential to thoroughly sweep your streets and parking lots. This process will remove any loose debris, dirt, or other materials that can interfere with milling and paving. Ensuring a clean surface sets you up for a successful and efficient project.

Street sweeping before milling and paving also helps to identify any existing issues that you may need to address before the work begins. These issues could include potholes, cracks, or drainage problems. Catching these problems early on can save you time and money in the long run.

During Milling & Paving

Milling and paving involve removing the top layer of old asphalt and replacing it with new material. This removal process can create a lot of dust and debris, which can be hazardous for workers and those nearby. You’re keeping the area clean and ensuring everyone’s safety by continuing to sweep during the milling and paving process.

Regular street sweeping during milling and paving also helps to maintain a smooth surface for the new asphalt. This surface is crucial for ensuring a long-lasting and high-quality result.

After Milling & Paving

You must continue to sweep the street to remove any leftover debris or materials once the milling and paving work is complete. This consistency will not only improve the overall appearance of your property but also prevent potential hazards such as loose rocks or debris on the road.

Regular street sweeping after milling and paving also helps to prolong the life of your new asphalt. Keeping the surface clean reduces the risk of debris damage and maintains a smooth surface for vehicles to drive on.

Sweeping Benefits

We’ve explored how street sweeping helps before, during, and after the milling and paving process. Now, it’s time to discover sweeping benefits.

Improved efficiency: Starting with a clean surface sets the stage for a successful and efficient milling and paving project.

Cost savings: Catching any existing issues before the work begins can save you money in the long run by preventing further damage and repairs.

Safety: Regular street sweeping during the process ensures a safe working environment for workers and those nearby.

Longevity: Properly maintaining the surface with regular street sweeping after the project is complete can extend the lifespan of your new asphalt.

Aesthetics: Keeping the area clean before and after milling and paving improves the overall appearance of your property, making it more attractive for potential customers or tenants.

Milling Benefits

Milling is an excellent option to repair asphalt. What are some of the benefits of milling? It’s environmentally friendly. It requires less processing, which means fewer resources and less energy.

Another benefit is that it’s a cost-effective option. Instead of replacing the structure, you’re changing out the top layer. It won’t disturb the sub-base at all and will fix the problems at a much lower cost.

Milling is quick and minimizes disruptions. That means you’ll have fewer disruptions for your customers and drivers. You can keep traffic away to reduce impact in the least time possible.

You can recycle the milled materials for a future project. Milled asphalt is a material that you can easily reuse. Milling also improves the pavement surface. You’ll find fewer ruts, bumps, and other irregularities that affect the paved surface’s safety. Your customers will thank you tremendously.

Closing Thoughts

Street sweeping before and after milling and paving projects is advantageous because it helps your business maintain a safe and attractive parking lot and road. Not only does it improve efficiency and save costs, but it also ensures the safety of all involved and prolongs the lifespan of your new asphalt. So, don’t forget to include street sweeping as an essential part of the process when planning your next milling and paving project.

Turn to CPM Sweeping if you’re looking for a company that will provide quality asphalt sweeping for your milling project. We’ll ensure your project runs smoothly and leave no trace of dust or debris. Trust CPM for professional and expert street sweeping services that will leave your property looking its best. Contact us today to learn more!