What a millings driveway is
When a road or a parking lot is resurfaced, the top layer is ground off by a milling machine. That material, also called recycled asphalt or crushed asphalt, still carries some of its original asphalt binder. Spread on a driveway and compacted, especially in Texas heat, the binder softens and the pieces knit together into a surface that is firmer than gravel and throws less dust. It is not as smooth or as tight as new hot-mix, and the edges stay looser, but on a long drive the savings per foot add up.
How we put in a recycled asphalt driveway
- Clear and shape. Grass, topsoil and soft spots are removed, and the drive is graded with a crown or a cross-slope so rain runs off.
- Base where needed. On Garland clay, soft or low areas get crushed stone first, or the millings will rut there after the first wet spring.
- Spread the millings. Recycled asphalt is spread to an even depth, usually four inches or more before rolling.
- Roll it tight. A heavy roller compacts it in passes. A warm day helps the old binder bind.
- Finish the edges. The edges are shaped and packed so they do not spread under tires, and the apron at the road is finished cleanly.
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Where millings make sense around Garland
They suit long drives to homes set back on acreage, barn and shop drives, equipment yards, and overflow parking that gets light use. They are less suited to a short subdivision driveway in front of a garage, where people expect a smooth finish and HOAs may expect a paved surface, or to anywhere cars turn sharply in the same spot every day. Out toward Rockwall and Wylie, where lots are larger, we price millings next to chip seal and hot-mix so you can compare cost and finish.
Upkeep and paving over it later
A millings drive needs a little attention: a top-up and a re-roll where it thins, and keeping water from running down its length. Because it compacts into a firm, stable layer, it also makes a good base if you decide to pave with hot-mix in a few years. Many owners start with millings on a long drive and pave the stretch near the house first. For how a price is built, see the asphalt driveway cost page.