Asphalt Milling & Reclamation in Massachusetts & New England

Commercial pavement in New England experiences constant wear and tear from weather, plowing, and heavy traffic. Asphalt milling and reclamation restore these high-traffic areas so they are safe and compliant. With asphalt milling services performed by in-house crews using specialized equipment, U.S. Pavement delivers precise results that keep your property operating smoothly.

What Is Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling is a practical way to remove worn pavement without disturbing the foundation underneath. Through controlled grinding, our crews create a cleaner, smoother surface that is ready for new asphalt installation. By focusing only on the areas that need attention, milling corrects elevation issues, improves drivability, and supports long-term pavement performance.

For commercial properties facing surface cracking, drainage concerns, or uneven wear, our asphalt milling services provide a cost-efficient alternative to full reconstruction.

Our Asphalt Milling Process

Our crews follow a proven milling process designed to strengthen commercial pavement and prepare it for new asphalt. Each step helps create a cleaner, more stable base that can handle New England’s traffic and weather conditions.

Here is our process breakdown:

Preparation

Before work begins, our asphalt milling contractors evaluate the pavement’s condition, surrounding grades, and drainage flow. This helps determine the right milling depth and ensures the finished surface transitions smoothly into curbs, utility structures, and nearby pavement. Clear staging and safety plans are established to limit disruptions to your daily operations.

Milling

Using specialized milling equipment, we remove the top layer of asphalt to the specified depth, typically between 1.5 and 2 inches. The material is collected and taken off-site, leaving behind a consistent surface ready to bond with new asphalt. This removes damaged material and supports long-term pavement performance.

Surface Repair

If milling exposes areas where the base has weakened, our crews address them using the appropriate patching method. Repairing these issues early prevents uneven settlement and cracking, and helps ensure the surface is structurally sound when it’s time to install new asphalt.

Application

Once the milled surface is clean and stable, we apply a hot tack coat to create a strong bond between the existing pavement and the new asphalt. This supports proper adhesion and long-term durability under heavy traffic.

Finishing & Marking

Once the new asphalt is installed and compacted, our contractors stripe the pavement according to the existing layout or a refreshed design. This includes parking stalls, ADA-compliant areas, traffic markings, and any custom layout needs. With our precise striping, your commercial space maintains a clean appearance and smooth traffic flow.

What Is Asphalt Reclamation?

Asphalt reclamation is a smart way to rebuild pavement structure that has worn down over time. Instead of removing damaged asphalt and hauling it away, the process pulverizes the existing materials in place to create a strong new base. This approach works well for commercial properties facing widespread cracking, surface fatigue, or deeper pavement failures.

For busy sites with steady traffic or older pavement, reclamation helps reduce trucking, speeds up the construction process, and delivers a stronger foundation for new asphalt. It is an efficient way to restore large commercial areas with minimal interruption to customers and day-to-day operations.

The Full Depth Reclamation Process

Our self-performing crews follow a consistent multi-step process to ensure that each reclaimed surface delivers lasting value and improved performance for commercial sites. Our process consists of:

Determining the Right Depth

We begin by assessing the pavement to understand how far the deterioration extends. This helps us determine the correct reclamation depth, ensuring that all weakened or damaged layers are included in the rebuild. Establishing the right depth is essential for creating a stronger base that will support the new asphalt.

Pulverize & Preparation

Next, our specialized equipment pulverises the existing asphalt and underlying base materials. These materials are then blended to form a consistent and workable foundation. If needed, stabilising agents or additional aggregate are introduced to improve strength and durability. This step eliminates problem areas caused by old cracking or settlement and sets the groundwork for a long-lasting pavement structure.

Grade, Shape, and Compact

After pulverisation, the material is graded and shaped to establish proper drainage and smooth transitions across the site. Compaction then strengthens the base and prepares it for the new asphalt layer. This step is critical for achieving uniformity and ensuring the finished pavement will perform well under commercial traffic loads.

Cure & Cover

Once the reclaimed base has been compacted, we allow it to completely cure before receiving new asphalt. When the base reaches the required stability, a new asphalt surface is installed. The combination of a strengthened base and fresh asphalt creates a durable pavement system designed to withstand daily commercial use and seasonal temperature changes.

Why Businesses Choose U.S. Pavement for Milling & Reclamation

Commercial properties need pavement solutions that are reliable, efficient, and long-lasting. As one of the region’s leading asphalt milling contractors, U.S. Pavement manages every stage of milling and reclamation with in-house crews, specialized equipment, and clear communication from start to finish. This ensures consistent quality and predictable scheduling across busy commercial sites in Massachusetts and New England.

Businesses rely on our experience with high-traffic environments, complex pavement layouts, and the region’s unique weather conditions that shape pavement performance. Whether improving surface conditions through milling or rebuilding deeper pavement layers through reclamation, our team is committed to doing the job right the first time.

Key Benefits of Asphalt Milling

Our asphalt milling services offer several practical advantages for commercial properties looking to restore pavement without a complete reconstruction. Some of the most valuable benefits for facility managers and property teams include:

Smoother Surface

Milling removes worn or uneven sections of pavement, creating a clean and consistent surface for new asphalt installation. This helps correct drainage issues, eliminates rough areas, and improves the overall driving experience across your property. With a smoother surface, your commercial space also supports better striping visibility and safer traffic flow.

Cost-Efficient

Because milling targets only the damaged top layers, it reduces the amount of material that needs to be removed and replaced. This makes the process more cost-effective than full reconstruction and helps extend the life of your pavement investment. It’s a practical way to restore large commercial areas without unnecessary expense.

Environmentally Friendly

Milling reclaims existing asphalt material rather than sending it to a landfill. Recycled asphalt can be reused in future projects, reducing waste and lowering the environmental impact of the paving process. This approach supports sustainability goals while still delivering high-quality results on commercial sites.

Easy Installation

Milling is a straightforward process that prepares your pavement for new asphalt quickly and efficiently. Because the existing base remains intact, installation time is reduced, which means less downtime for properties. This makes milling a strong option for businesses that need improvements completed on a tighter schedule.

Top Causes of Pavement Deterioration

Understanding what damages pavement helps businesses stay ahead of repairs and avoid more costly issues later. Below are some of the most common causes of deterioration on commercial properties.

Heavy Traffic Loads

Commercial parking lots and roadways experience constant stress from delivery trucks, service vehicles, and daily traffic. Over time, repeated weight and movement weaken the pavement surface, leading to rutting, cracking, and structural fatigue. High-traffic sites benefit greatly from milling or reclamation when these signs begin to appear.

Drainage Problems

Poor drainage allows water to collect under and around the pavement. When moisture penetrates the base, it compromises the structure and accelerates cracking. In New England, standing water also contributes to freeze–thaw damage. Addressing drainage issues early supports better long-term performance.

Oil and Gas Leaks

Leaks from vehicles can soften pavement and break down the asphalt binder. These weakened areas are more likely to crack or develop potholes if not repaired quickly. Regular cleaning and routine maintenance help to clear up these messes before they can snowball into some major surface damage.

Irregular Maintenance

While routine maintenance can feel like another chore, skipping it can risk much larger repairs down the road. Services such as patching and crack filling help stop damage early, while sealcoating protects asphalt from drying out, fading, and surface wear.

Extreme Weather

Snow, ice, summer heat, and rapid temperature changes place constant stress on pavement. Freeze–thaw cycles lead to cracking and separation, while salting and plow activity wear down the surface. When this weather-related damage begins to spread, milling or reclamation can help restore the pavement’s structure and support long-term performance.

Shifting Soil

Changes in the soil beneath your pavement can cause uneven settlement, cracks, or surface depressions. If the base becomes unstable, localized failures may develop and spread. When these conditions reach a larger scale, reclamation is often the most effective way to rebuild the foundation.

Our Service Areas

The Nation’s Leading Pavement & Concrete Service Provider

Offering national coverage under one management team and one brand, you’re guaranteed unparalleled service. As part of a partner community under the Pave America brand, you can find top-tier pavement and asphalt repairs and maintenance across the United States.

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U.S. Pavement Milling Videos

Watch U.S. Pavement Services, Inc. in-house milling crews in action – part of our Paving & Milling overview video series. See unique perspectives, angles, and footage related to our milling & reclamation division. For more information about our parking lot services, please call 1-800-PAVEMENT.

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Why Choose U.S. Pavement for Your Next Asphalt Milling Project in New England

When pavement begins to decline, you need a partner that understands how to restore it the right way. U.S. Pavement brings a self-performing team, specialized equipment, and decades of commercial experience to every milling and reclamation project. We know how to work in busy environments, keep projects on schedule, and deliver consistent quality across properties throughout Massachusetts and New England, no matter how complex the job.

Stronger pavement starts with the right approach. Whether you’re restoring surface quality or rebuilding deeper layers, U.S. Pavement delivers results that support safer traffic flow and smoother operations across your property. Reach out to our experts to get started on your milling or reclamation project.