Mill & Overlay
Resurface and reset the lot without the cost of full reconstruction — when the base is still good.
02 / Service
← View all servicesCommercial Mill & Overlay — Restore Pavement Without Full Reconstruction
Mill and overlay is the right call when the structural base is sound but the surface has reached the end of its service life. We grind off the failed top inches, address transitions and drainage, then place a fresh asphalt overlay tied cleanly into curbs, drains, and adjacent pavement.
Our Process
Step-by-step,
self-performed.
- 01
Core & Evaluate
Core samples and a walk-through confirm the base is sound enough for overlay rather than full reconstruction.
- 02
Controlled-Depth Milling
Mill the existing surface to engineered depth — typically 1.5"–2" — and sweep clean for a strong tack bond.
- 03
Crack Repair & Patch
Address active cracks and failed sections before the overlay so they don't telegraph back through the new surface.
- 04
Tack Coat
Apply tack to bond the new lift to the milled surface — a step value contractors skip.
- 05
Overlay & Compaction
Place hot mix at spec thickness, hit density with a planned rolling pattern, and feather transitions at edges, ramps, and gutters.
- 06
Restriping
Restore ADA layout, fire lanes, and directional markings as a coordinated final step.
Materials & Equipment
What we run
- Cold-planer mills (self-performed, not subbed)
- State-spec hot mix asphalt overlay
- Emulsion tack coat
- Hot-pour crack sealant for pre-overlay repairs
- Tandem rollers and pneumatic finish rollers
When It's Needed
Signs to look for
- Surface is cracked, raveled, or oxidized but base is still structurally sound
- Lot has been sealed and crack-filled multiple times and is past maintenance
- Property is being sold, refinanced, or repositioned and curb appeal matters
- Sustained truck traffic has worn the wear course but base is intact
Problems It Solves
What it fixes
- Tired, oxidized surface dragging down property appearance
- Surface cracks reflecting through previous overlays
- Trip hazards from raveling and surface displacement
- Loss of crown and drainage from previous untreated overlays
FAQ
Straight answers.
Is mill and overlay cheaper than full reconstruction?
Yes — typically 40–60% the cost of full reconstruction because the existing base, sub-base, and aggregate stay in place. The catch is it only works when the base is actually sound.
How long will a mill and overlay last?
10–15 years when paired with sealcoat and crack-fill maintenance every 2–3 years. Without maintenance, expect closer to 7–10.
Will the overlay raise the lot height?
No — controlled-depth milling removes the same thickness we place back, so transitions to curbs, doorways, and drains stay flush.
Get a Quote
Ready to scope
your mill & overlay project?
Property managers, GCs, and commercial owners — get a real, walked, written estimate from the crew that will actually do the work.