If you have a project coming up that requires gravel, you might want to consider using asphalt millings instead. Asphalt millings is the name for the top layer of asphalt roadways that has been removed and pulverized to a small material as part of an asphalt roadway’s maintenance process. Sometimes, those asphalt millings—essentially rocks made of asphalt pavement—are reused in the new layer of asphalt roadway, but not always. There are many advantages to using asphalt millings over gravel in your next project.
Benefits of Using Asphalt Millings
The advantages of using asphalt millings are numerous. Whether you need them to replace gravel in a driveway, landscaping project, or as part of new asphalt pavement, you should consider using asphalt millings. The benefits include:
- It’s Less Expensive. Using a recycled product like asphalt millings is less expensive than buying new materials. New gravel is sourced from gravel mines, cleaned, and transported, which all costs money. Utilizing asphalt millings rather than gravel can lower the cost of your project.
- It’s Durable. Asphalt millings stand up to heat and cold as well or even better than gravel.
- It’s Lower Maintenance. Gravel tends to shift over time, or even disappear due to erosion. Asphalt millings will harden over time and stay put much better than gravel. That also means it is less likely to need to be repaired or replaced in the future, no gravel driveways with deep ruts, and less maintenance than alternatives.
- It has a Lower Environmental Impact. Because using recycled materials is better for the environment than using new materials, using asphalt millings can help your project qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Some projects may even qualify for a tax credit due to using asphalt millings.