Comparisons · 6 min read

Milled Driveway vs. New Asphalt Overlay: What NoHo Homeowners Need to Know

When you are thinking about fixing up your Asphalt Driveway in North Hollywood, you have got choices. Understanding the difference between using Asphalt Millings as a surface or doing Milling for a fresh Asphalt Overlay can save you problems and money. Midway Asphalt Solutions knows that homeowners and businesses in North Hollywood want reliable information about their paving options. Asphalt Millings are basically recycled asphalt pavement. These Millings come from old asphalt surfaces that have been ground up. Sometimes, people use these Asphalt Millings as a finished surface for driveways or other areas. This can be a lower-cost option, especially for places like long private driveways or temporary access roads. Midway Asphalt Solutions can help you decide if Asphalt Millings are the right choice for your North Hollywood property. However, using Asphalt Millings as a surface is different from a process called Milling, which is done before a new Asphalt Overlay. When Midway Asphalt Solutions performs Milling, we use special equipment to grind down the top layer of your existing asphalt. This removes the damaged parts of the surface, like cracks or uneven spots, but it leaves the base layer of the pavement in place. This step is important because it creates a smooth and even foundation for the new Asphalt Overlay. Milling also helps with drainage and makes sure the new surface does not get too high, which could cause problems with curbs or sidewalks in North Hollywood. After Midway Asphalt Solutions completes the Milling, we then apply a new layer of hot mix asphalt over the prepared surface. This is called an Asphalt Overlay. An Asphalt Overlay can extend the life of your pavement and make it look much better. It is a good option when your asphalt surface is worn, but the structure underneath is still solid. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides these important Asphalt services to the North Hollywood community.

← Back to Blog Completed asphalt milling work at a residential property in North Hollywood, CA

Milled Driveway vs. New Asphalt Overlay: What North Hollywood Homeowners Need to Know

Let us talk about driveways. We are talking about what happens when your asphalt is looking rough, cracked, or just tired. Here in North Hollywood, our asphalt takes a beating with the hot summers and also with the heavy rains. You have probably heard the term "milling" before. What does milling actually mean for your home? Midway Asphalt Solutions will break down the two main ways homeowners typically encounter Asphalt Milling: using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) for a new surface, or milling your old surface to prepare for a brand-new Asphalt Overlay. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides these services in North Hollywood, CA.

Option 1: The Asphalt Millings Driveway

This option is about using Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as your actual driveway surface. When old roads or parking lots are milled, the asphalt is ground up. This ground-up material is what we call millings. Instead of sending all that material to a landfill, it gets reused. This is a very green option for North Hollywood homeowners, and that is a big plus.

Cost

The cost is usually the biggest draw for an Asphalt Millings Driveway in North Hollywood. Asphalt Millings are much cheaper than new asphalt. You are looking at material costs from $10 to $40 per ton. Sometimes the millings are even free if you can haul them yourself from a project site. When installed, an Asphalt Millings Driveway might cost you $2 to $8 per square foot in North Hollywood, CA. New asphalt is typically $4 to $7 per square foot when installed. You can see the savings with millings. Do not just look at the per-ton price. You must factor in delivery, grading, and compaction because those costs can add up quickly. Midway Asphalt Solutions can provide a detailed estimate for Asphalt Millings Driveways in North Hollywood.

Durability & Maintenance

Asphalt Millings can be very tough. Once the millings are spread and properly compacted, the existing asphalt binder in the material starts to re-bond. This happens especially with the North Hollywood sun heating it up. The millings can form a hard, stable surface. This surface resists cracking and rutting. Some people say Asphalt Millings can last 10 to 30 years with good installation and also with good upkeep. Maintenance is generally low for Asphalt Millings Driveways in North Hollywood. You need to keep it clean. You need to fix any ruts with more millings and re-compaction. You should also consider a Sealcoat every 3 to 5 years to keep it looking fresh and to extend its life. Midway Asphalt Solutions offers Sealcoating services in North Hollywood, CA.

Appearance

Expectations are important here. An Asphalt Millings Driveway in North Hollywood will not look like a freshly paved, jet-black surface. It has a more rustic, worn look. The color is somewhere between black and gray. This look is not for everyone. However, it can blend very well with certain home styles, especially if you want a more natural or understated look. An Asphalt Millings Driveway is definitely a step up from plain gravel. It will not have the smooth, uniform finish of new asphalt. Midway Asphalt Solutions can show you examples of Asphalt Millings Driveways in North Hollywood.

Option 2: Milling for a New Asphalt Overlay

This approach uses Milling as a preparation step. If your existing asphalt driveway has cracks, ruts, or uneven spots, but the base underneath is still solid, then milling off the top layer is often the smart move. Midway Asphalt Solutions recommends this before laying down new asphalt in North Hollywood.

Cost

Milling itself costs money. It usually costs $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot to remove 1 to 3 inches of asphalt. Then you are still paying for new hot-mix asphalt on top. As we said, new hot-mix asphalt costs $4 to $7 per square foot when installed. So, upfront, this option is more expensive than just using millings as your surface. However, it is typically cheaper than a full tear-out and replacement of your entire driveway. A full tear-out involves digging up the base too. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Overlay services to North Hollywood homeowners.

Durability & Maintenance

This option gives you the gold standard for your driveway in North Hollywood. By milling off the damaged top layer, Midway Asphalt Solutions creates a clean, textured surface for the new asphalt to bond to. This strong connection means a more durable finished product. It is also less prone to shifting and early cracking. Milling also allows us to fix drainage issues and regrade the surface properly. This is very important for longevity, especially with how water can pool in low spots around North Hollywood. With proper maintenance, like Sealcoating every few years, a new Asphalt Overlay on a milled base can last 15 to 30 years. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Overlay services in North Hollywood, CA.

Appearance

You will get that classic, smooth, jet-black finish. This is what most people associate with a new driveway. It is clean and uniform. It boosts curb appeal significantly in North Hollywood. If you want a pristine look, this is the way to go. It also allows for clear striping if you need parking lines or other markings. Midway Asphalt Solutions can help you achieve this look for your North Hollywood property.

My Recommendation for North Hollywood Homeowners

So, which option is right for you?

  • Choose an Asphalt Millings Driveway if: Your budget is tight. You are okay with a more rustic look. Your driveway does not see extremely heavy traffic. An Asphalt Millings Driveway is a fantastic, cost-effective option for secondary driveways, access roads, or even a long, winding driveway where aesthetics are not the absolute top priority. It is also a great choice if you are looking for an eco-friendly solution for your property in North Hollywood. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Millings Driveways in North Hollywood, CA.

  • Choose Milling for a New Asphalt Overlay if: You want the best long-term performance. You want a smooth, clean appearance. You are dealing with a primary driveway that gets regular use. This approach gives you a fresh start without the higher cost of a full reconstruction. Midway Asphalt Solutions generally recommends this for most residential driveways in areas like the Valley where curb appeal and durability are key. It is a solid investment that will perform well for many years. It handles everything from daily commutes to the occasional delivery truck in North Hollywood. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Overlay services in North Hollywood, CA.

The key is to assess the condition of your existing pavement. You also need to know what you really need from your driveway. Here at Midway Asphalt Solutions, we have seen it all. We have seen the old, cracked asphalt in the historic parts of North Hollywood. We have also seen the newer, but still worn, driveways in the Valley Village area. Midway Asphalt Solutions can help you figure out the best approach for your specific situation and budget. Do not hesitate to give us a call to talk through your options. Midway Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt services to all of North Hollywood, CA.

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