If you’re a homeowner in Long Island facing cracked, uneven, or deteriorating pavement, you’ve probably heard about asphalt milling. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
Whether your driveway in Massapequa is showing signs of age or your parking area in Smithtown has started crumbling, it is often the first step toward a smoother, safer, and longer-lasting surface. It is a cost-effective way to repair and prep your asphalt surface by removing only the damaged top layer before resurfacing.
Below, we break down the process into 7 clear, easy-to-understand steps.
Key Takeaways
- A full inspection helps decide how deep to mill based on damage, drainage, and local Long Island conditions.
- Local permits and traffic prep are handled early to avoid delays and keep the job safe and smooth.
- Milling removes surface asphalt, recycles old material, and prepares the area for a clean and solid resurfacing.
- Royal Pavement Solutions manages every step so Long Island homeowners get lasting results without hassle or guesswork.
Step 1. Site Inspection and Evaluation
Every asphalt milling in Long Island starts with a thorough site inspection.
Our team looks at the condition of your existing asphalt, checks for drainage issues (which are common in low-lying coastal areas like Long Beach), and determines the depth of damage.
Older driveways in places like Levittown often suffer from surface cracking due to years of freeze-thaw cycles, while newer developments in areas like Ronkonkoma may have sub-base issues from improper installation.
This evaluation helps us decide how deep we need to mill and whether any asphalt repairs are needed before resurfacing.
Step 2. Planning and Permitting
Long Island has a patchwork of local regulations depending on your town or village—from Hempstead to Brookhaven—and some paving projects require permits or approvals, especially if they involve curbs or drainage changes.
We’ll guide you through what’s needed in your area, whether it’s submitting plans to the Town of Oyster Bay or following right-of-way rules in Southampton.
Proper planning ensures the work won’t get delayed or fined, and we always aim to respect local codes and your neighborhood’s character.
Step 3. Traffic and Site Preparation
Before we bring in the milling machine, we prep the site by securing the work area.
In tighter residential blocks like those in Rockville Centre or patchy cul-de-sacs in East Islip, managing traffic flow is key. We’ll coordinate with you to minimize disruption to your daily routine, move any vehicles out of the way, and mark off areas for safety.
For larger driveways or private roads, we may also alert nearby neighbors—especially in close-knit communities like Bellmore—so everyone stays in the loop.
Step 4. Milling the Asphalt Surface
This is where the heavy machinery gets to work. Our milling machines grind off the top layer of asphalt—usually between 1 to 2 inches—while keeping the sub-base intact. This step removes surface damage like rutting, oxidation, and minor potholes.
In older neighborhoods like Northport, we often find driveways that have been resurfaced multiple times. It helps reset the surface without adding height or messing with existing drainage, which is especially important when water runoff laws are strict.
Step 5. Hauling and Recycling the Milled Asphalt
Once the milling is complete, the removed material (called RAP—Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) is hauled off-site. At Royal Pavement Solutions, we’re committed to sustainability, so we typically recycle this material at local Long Island plants.
In fact, many towns—from North Babylon to Riverhead—are pushing for greener infrastructure, and using recycled materials is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Plus, removing the debris right away keeps your property clean and safe until we return to pave.
Step 6. Surface Cleaning and Preparation
After milling, we thoroughly clean the surface to remove dust, chunks, and loose particles. This is critical to make sure the new asphalt layer bonds properly.
In tree-lined neighborhoods like Syosset or Stony Brook, leaves and organic debris can quickly settle in the milled surface, especially if there’s a delay due to weather.
That’s why we keep a close eye on the forecast and schedule asphalt paving shortly after milling to avoid contamination and ensure a smooth finish.
Step 7. Final Asphalt Resurfacing
The final step is applying a new layer of asphalt to the freshly milled surface. This overlay creates a brand-new top layer while keeping the structural base intact.
For homeowners in areas like Commack or Westbury, where the soil may shift or settle over time, this process is ideal. It restores a like-new appearance without the cost of digging everything out.
Once paved, we compact the surface and mark out any necessary lines, making sure everything is sealed tight and ready for regular use, typically within 24 to 48 hours, depending on weather and size.
Need a Reliable Asphalt Milling Contractor in Long Island?
At Royal Pavement Solutions, we specialize in asphalt milling and resurfacing for homeowners across Long Island—from older properties in Port Jefferson to new builds in Patchogue. We handle every part of the process, from inspections and permits to final paving, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
If you want a clean, long-lasting asphalt surface without the cost of full replacement, we’re here to help. Let us assess your pavement and walk you through the options that fit your home, your budget, and your town’s regulations.
Call today to schedule a free estimate. Your smoother driveway is just one call away.
