Asphalt milling uses a machine with a rotating drum of carbide teeth to grind off the top layer of worn pavement, usually 1.5 to 3 inches. It removes cracked, oxidized asphalt, restores the original grade and curb height, and leaves a rough surface that bonds well with a new overlay. Milling followed by a new layer is called “mill and overlay,” the most common way to renew commercial pavement with a sound base.
Asphalt Paving San Antonio mills and overlays parking lots, HOA and subdivision streets, private roads and commercial properties throughout the San Antonio area.
Why Mill Instead of Just Overlaying?
Putting new asphalt straight on top raises the surface every time. On commercial properties that causes problems:
- Curbs disappear: water flows over a curb instead of along it, toward buildings and landscaping.
- Drainage breaks: inlets and gutters end up higher than the pavement around them, or the reverse.
- Height limits: doorways, garage entrances, ADA ramps and loading docks can’t take extra height.
- Bad material stays: cracked, brittle asphalt under the overlay reflects cracks up through the new layer.
Milling solves all four by removing the old surface first.
Our Mill and Overlay Process
- Assess. We check the base, drainage and curb reveal, and mark any failed areas for full-depth repair.
- Plan phasing. We split the job into sections so entrances, fire lanes and tenants stay open.
- Mill. The milling machine grinds the surface to the planned depth and grade. Millings are loaded straight into trucks and hauled off for recycling.
- Repair. Any soft spots exposed by milling are dug out and rebuilt with new base and hot mix.
- Sweep and tack. The milled surface is swept clean and sprayed with a tack coat so the new asphalt bonds.
- Overlay and compact. We pave new hot mix asphalt to finished grade and compact it.
- Stripe. We restripe the lot, including ADA spaces.
We'll check your pavement and give you a phased plan with clear dates. Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Milling Services We Offer
- Full-surface mill and overlay for parking lots and streets
- Edge milling (butt joints) along curbs, gutters, slabs and the street
- Spot milling for bumps, ruts and high areas
- Milling around drains and utility covers
- Milling for full-depth patch repairs
Recycled Millings
The asphalt we grind off isn’t wasted. Millings are recycled into new hot mix or reused as a compacted base. Many rural property owners use them to build budget-friendly asphalt millings driveways.
Mill and Overlay Cost in San Antonio
| Project | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Mill and overlay (commercial) | $2.50 – $4.50 per sq ft |
| Retail lot mill and overlay (40,000 sq ft) | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Edge or spot milling only | Priced per job |
Estimated 2026 ranges for the San Antonio area, not a quote. See the asphalt paving cost guide.
Asphalt Milling FAQs
What is mill and overlay?
Mill and overlay means grinding off the worn top layer of asphalt and paving a new layer in its place. It keeps the pavement at the same height, restores drainage and curb reveal, and costs much less than full reconstruction when the base is still sound.
How deep do you mill asphalt?
Most parking lots and streets are milled 1.5 to 3 inches deep, matching the thickness of the new overlay. Deeper milling may be used in areas with heavy damage.
How long does a mill and overlay last?
A mill and overlay on a solid base typically lasts 12 to 20 years with regular crack sealing and sealcoating.
Can my business stay open during milling?
Yes. We phase the work in sections, keep entrances and fire lanes open, and can schedule nights or weekends for busy properties.
Do you mill driveways?
Usually only at the edges where a driveway meets the garage, sidewalk or street, so a new overlay ties in smoothly. Full milling is mostly for parking lots and roads. For driveways, see asphalt resurfacing.
