Asphalt Micro Milling
Services in Atlanta, GA
What is Micro Milling?
Micro milling is a cold planing process that produces a super-fine-textured road surface using specialized machinery, such as a cutter drum with cutting teeth. These road surfaces can be made coarser or smoother by adjusting the speed of the cutter drum or the overall machine.
Micro milling is typically done on the final surface of the road to improve driveability and uniformity. It can also be used to restore minor pavement distress and is a great way to prolong road longevity.
Key Benefits of Micro Milling
You have most likely already driven on a micro-milled road and noticed how smooth and easy the experience was, compared to traditional road surfaces. Aside from aesthetic purposes, micro milling surfaces offer a range of benefits.
- Gives roadways a finer texture & smoother riding – Micro milling creates a more comfortable driving experience with smoother rides by providing a much more even surface than that of traditional milling.
- Less Expensive – Compared to standard milling, micro milling reduces the amount of materials used for construction, therefore reducing waste and being more cost-effective.
- Less Recycled Asphalt to haul away – Micro milling requires less asphalt removal than standard milling does. Although recycling asphalt is beneficial, reducing the amount of asphalt that needs to be recycled means producing less waste and consuming less energy.
- Less tire noise – Less noise while driving means fewer distractions and unnecessary stress. Tire noise can also be a sign of unwanted stress on your tires. The less stress your tires have, the longer they can take you where you are going.
- Safer for vehicles in wet conditions – Micro milling enhances the frictional properties of the road, making it safer to drive in wet conditions. Extra friction comes in handy when there are signs of pooling water on the road from heavy rain. It can even be the difference between life and death.
The Micro Milling Process
There are three main components of a micro milling machine: the cutting drum, vacuum, and conveyance system. As the milling machine moves across the pavement, the cutting drum rotates to break up existing asphalt. The vacuum sucks up the broken micro milling asphalt pieces and send them to the conveyance system.
From the conveyance system, the picked-up asphalt pieces are sent to a dump truck. This process is carried out simultaneously to minimize waste during production through the reuse and recycling of materials.
Applications of Micro Milling
Several use cases for micro milling also make it a worthwhile investment. Let’s take a look at the many applications of micro milling.
Surface Treatments
It is difficult to correct existing grades and longitudinal smoothness when surface repairs are conducted. Micro milling helps by generating a smoother surface, minimizing potential reflections, and reducing the amount of material used.
Just as micro milling can be used to treat surfaces, it can also be used to remove existing surface treatments. This makes it a versatile and straightforward solution for addressing road surface damage.
Pavement Marking Removal
Micro milling is a common and effective solution for removing existing pavement markings due to its ability to remove only the necessary amounts of asphalt, unlike standard milling. A standard mill is often too rough, generating excess debris and looking less pleasant.
Grade Correction & Bump Removal
Because of the shallower ridges and valleys of micro milling, asphalt has much less of a chance of spalling. This means micro-milled pavements can last for a long time with less road debris when being driven on.
One benefit of micro-milled surfaces is that they can be immediately opened up for driving, if needed, even though the whole installation process may not be complete. This means that micro-milled surfaces can last for long periods, even without surface treatment.
Friction Restoration
Micro milling is also an excellent solution for restoring friction on road surfaces. This can also increase skid resistance, making it an immediate cost-effective alternative to new surface treatment.
Micro milling also ensures more immediate protection against vehicles hydroplaning, making it a viable medium to long-term road solution.
Why Choose Major League Milling for Your Micro Milling Services
Major League Milling offers high-quality, long-lasting pavement and road surfaces through our micro milling services. With micro milling, our construction professionals also perform treatments, removals, and restorations.
Contact us now to get started on timely and cost-saving asphalt construction with our specialized micro milling services.
