When should you mill and replace asphalt?

Not every failed asphalt surface needs to be completely removed and replaced. Milling is often the right solution when the existing asphalt has reached the end of its serviceable life, has significant rutting, cracking, deformation or surface defects, or when levels need to be corrected before a new asphalt layer is placed. Milling removes the damaged or deteriorated material to a controlled depth while retaining the underlying pavement where it remains structurally sound. It can also be used to correct levels around kerbs, drainage structures and existing tie-ins, providing a suitable profile for the new asphalt.

The key is understanding whether the problem is limited to the asphalt surface or extends deeper into the pavement. If the underlying base or subgrade has failed, simply milling and replacing the asphalt may only hide the problem temporarily. In these situations, deeper pavement rehabilitation may be required, including removal and replacement of failed pavement layers before new asphalt is placed. At Pavements Australia, we assess the condition of the existing pavement, the cause of the failure and the required finished levels before recommending the most appropriate treatment, whether that is milling and resurfacing, patching, or full-depth pavement rehabilitation.