What to Expect During a Professional Asphalt Milling Job: Step-by-Step Guide

If your asphalt surface is worn, uneven, or clearly past its prime, asphalt milling is often the smartest fix. It’s efficient, cost-aware, and avoids full tear-out when you don’t need it. At Asphalt Express, milling is usually the first move to bring parking lots, roadways, and paved surfaces back to life across Michigan.

Here’s a simple, straight-talk guide on what happens during a professional asphalt milling job—and why it works.

Step-by-Step Asphalt Milling Process

Step 1: Site Evaluation and Planning

Every milling job starts with boots on the ground. The Asphalt Express team reviews the existing pavement to check surface damage, cracking, and wear depth. The goal is to confirm milling is the right solution—and that the base below is solid enough for resurfacing or overlay.

Planning also covers traffic flow, access points, and scheduling. For busy properties, especially those using our commercial parking lot solutions, this step keeps business disruption to a minimum.

If the damage runs deeper than expected, full asphalt removal and replacement may be recommended instead.

Step 2: Preparing the Work Area

Before machines roll in, the site gets cleaned and prepped. This includes removing debris, marking utilities, and identifying features like drains, curbs, and manholes.

Good prep equals clean edges, consistent milling depth, and fewer surprises later. It also sets the stage for smooth follow-up services like asphalt paving or resurfacing.

Step 3: Asphalt Milling in Action

This is where the real work happens. Specialized milling machines remove the damaged top layer of asphalt with precision. The depth is tightly controlled—only the problem layer comes off, not the healthy base underneath.

Milling restores proper surface height, which matters around curbs, entrances, and drainage areas. Uneven pavement causes water issues fast, especially in Michigan weather.

Using professional-grade equipment, Asphalt Express delivers a smooth, even surface ready for the next phase. You can see examples of finished results in our project gallery.

Step 4: Handling and Reusing Asphalt Millings

The removed material—called millings—is collected as the job progresses. Asphalt Express offers recycled asphalt millings for various applications, helping reduce waste and keep job sites clean.

Millings are often reused for access roads, base layers, and other paving needs. It’s practical, efficient, and just makes sense.

Step 5: Post-Milling Surface Inspection

Once milling wraps up, the surface gets a full inspection. The team checks for uniform depth, smoothness, and readiness for the next step.

At this point, the pavement is perfectly prepped for asphalt resurfacing or a mill-and-overlay approach. Milling improves bonding, removes flaws, and sets the foundation for long-term performance.

If you’re comparing options, our blog on asphalt resurfacing vs. mill and overlay breaks it down clearly.

Step 6: Resurfacing or Paving the Final Layer

Most milling projects move straight into resurfacing or new paving. With the damaged layer gone, new asphalt installs evenly and efficiently.

Asphalt Express handles everything—from milling to parking lot resurfacing—so you get one team, one timeline, and consistent results.

Why Asphalt Milling Makes Sense in Michigan

Michigan weather is tough on pavement. Freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and traffic all take a toll. Milling targets surface damage without overcorrecting, which saves time and budget.

To extend pavement life even further, many property owners pair milling with routine care like seal coating and asphalt maintenance. Our blog on why sealcoating before winter matters explains why timing is everything.

You can also learn more about common issues in our guide to asphalt damage caused by Michigan weather.

Why Choose Asphalt Express

With decades of hands-on experience, the team at Asphalt Express knows Michigan pavement inside and out. We focus on smart solutions that last—not quick fixes that fail early.

From planning to final paving, we work closely with property owners and facility managers to deliver clean results with minimal downtime. Learn more about our team and approach on our About Asphalt Express page.

Final Thoughts

A professional asphalt milling job is a strategic move. It removes surface damage, preserves the base, and sets your pavement up for success—without unnecessary reconstruction.

If your lot is showing wear, cracking, or uneven areas, milling may be the right call. Reach out to Asphalt Express today to schedule an evaluation and keep your pavement working as hard as your business does.