Asphalt Paving Blog

Asphalt Pulverizing - An Asphalt Recycling Process

How do you keep roads and parking lots in good condition cost-effectively?  We’ve already talked about many of our routine maintenance suggestions, such as filling in cracks and sealcoating, but sometimes a surface is too damaged for these small actions – in these cases, it would take more money and time to repair than it would to perform a full rehabilitation.  But asphalt pulverizing offers a very economical way to fully rehabilitate a road or lot with minimal traffic disruption. It’s also a great way to save on paving materials. 

What is pulverization?

Asphalt PulverizingPulverizing is a process that grinds up existing surface layers right in place, blending the asphalt layers with any sub-layers, essentially creating a new paving mix using all the old materials. No pavement is hauled away, saving costs on excavating and trucking, and rarely does new material have to be brought in (though sometimes additives or a new overlay are suggested).  Asphalt pulverizing solves most common problems, such as severe cracking and sharp edges created by continuous traffic (called “polishing”). 

What are the benefits?

Pulverizing existing layers has many benefits over excavating and re-paving. 

  • It saves money: old base layers don’t have to be excavated (they’re mixed in during the process) and new material doesn’t have to be hauled in.
  • It’s fast: the reconstruction process goes much more quickly when everything is done right in place.
  • It’s environmentally friendly: since new base materials do not have to be imported to the site and all existing material is recycled into that location, with excess recycled for other uses, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly options available. 

But will it last?

Absolutely. When paving is completed, the newly pulverized/compacted base and pavement should outlast the original parking areas original lifespan. Asphalt pulverizing makes an extremely durable and long-lasting surface.  The intermixing of all the existing materials, including base layers, increases structural strength. In fact, maintenance needs are frequently reduced for pulverized surfaces!

Need help rehabilitating your paving surfaces or considering asphalt pulverizing?  Contact Wolf Paving to discuss the best solutions for your situation.

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Topics: Asphalt Recycling, Asphalt Pulverizing, Asphalt Solutions