When it comes to paving driveways, parking lots, or private roads in Harrisburg, PA, property owners are often faced with a key decision: should they invest in new asphalt, or choose asphalt millings instead? Asphalt millings are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional hot-mix asphalt, promising cost savings, durability, and environmental benefits. But is it truly cheaper to use asphalt millings in Harrisburg? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Asphalt Millings?
Asphalt millings, sometimes called recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), are created from old asphalt that has been removed during road resurfacing or construction projects. The removed asphalt is crushed and screened to produce millings that can be reused as a paving material. Because the material has already been processed once, it requires less raw material and energy to reuse, which contributes to its lower cost.
In addition to being cost-effective, asphalt millings are eco-friendly. They reduce waste by recycling old asphalt and can often be installed with minimal environmental impact. Once compacted, millings form a solid surface suitable for driveways, parking areas, and even some low-traffic roads.
Cost Comparison: Asphalt Millings vs. New Asphalt
One of the main reasons property owners consider asphalt millings is cost. Here’s how the numbers typically break down in Harrisburg, PA:
Asphalt Millings:
- Material cost: Around $12–$18 per ton.
- Installed cost: Typically $2–$5 per square foot, including site prep, spreading, and compaction.
- For a standard 800-square-foot driveway, total costs often range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on site conditions and labor rates.
New Asphalt (Hot-Mix Asphalt):
- Material cost: Around $100–$150 per ton for hot-mix asphalt.
- Installed cost: $3–$7 per square foot is typical in the Harrisburg area, depending on driveway size, prep work, and labor.
- For the same 800-square-foot driveway, total costs may range from $3,000 to $5,500 or more.
From these numbers, it’s clear that asphalt millings can provide significant upfront savings. In many cases, homeowners in Harrisburg save 40–50% compared to new asphalt installation.
Why Asphalt Millings Are Cheaper
Several factors contribute to the lower cost of asphalt millings:
- Recycled Material – Millings are made from previously paved asphalt, so suppliers save on raw materials and energy.
- Simpler Manufacturing – There’s no need to heat and mix fresh asphalt, which reduces processing costs.
- Lower Material Transport Costs – Millings are often sourced locally from road construction projects, which reduces delivery expenses.
- Minimal Permitting or Fees – Because millings are recycled and used in small-scale projects, local fees or permits may be lower than for full asphalt paving.
Installation Considerations
While asphalt millings are cheaper, installation quality is crucial for longevity. Proper installation requires:
- Grading and Site Prep: The area should be cleared of debris, leveled, and compacted to ensure even distribution.
- Layer Thickness: A typical driveway requires 3–4 inches of compacted millings to form a solid surface.
- Compaction: Using a heavy roller ensures the millings bind together to create a durable surface.
- Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent pooling, erosion, or washout, especially during Pennsylvania’s rainy seasons.
If installation is done poorly, the surface may be loose, uneven, or prone to erosion, which can reduce long-term savings. Hiring a local Harrisburg contractor experienced with asphalt millings can make a significant difference in performance.
Durability and Maintenance
Although millings cost less upfront, it’s important to consider maintenance:
- Longevity: A properly installed asphalt millings driveway can last 10–20 years. New asphalt, on the other hand, typically lasts 20–25 years. While new asphalt is slightly more durable, millings still offer excellent value for the money.
- Maintenance: Millings may require occasional re-compaction or addition of fresh material over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Weather Resistance: In Harrisburg, millings perform well in varying temperatures, but proper drainage and compaction are critical to prevent settling or potholes.
Even with these considerations, asphalt millings remain cheaper overall due to their lower initial cost and reduced material expenses.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing asphalt millings is not just cost-effective—it’s also environmentally responsible:
- Recycling: Using millings reduces the need for new asphalt production, which saves energy and raw materials.
- Reduced Waste: Old asphalt that would otherwise go to landfills is reused effectively.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: The manufacturing process for new asphalt generates more greenhouse gas emissions compared to recycling old asphalt into millings.
These benefits make asphalt millings an attractive choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses in Harrisburg.
When New Asphalt Might Be Worth It
Despite the cost savings, there are situations where new asphalt is preferable:
- High-Traffic Commercial Areas: New asphalt offers higher load-bearing capacity and may be better for heavy trucks.
- Smooth Surface Needs: Hot-mix asphalt provides a smoother, more uniform surface, ideal for driveways or parking lots where aesthetics are a priority.
- Long-Term Investment: If the property owner wants a low-maintenance surface for decades, new asphalt may justify the higher cost.
For many residential and light-traffic applications in Harrisburg, though, asphalt millings offer the most budget-friendly solution without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
For homeowners and property managers in Harrisburg, PA, asphalt millings are almost always cheaper than new asphalt, offering substantial savings on both material and installation costs. While new asphalt provides slightly greater durability and a smoother finish, asphalt millings can deliver a long-lasting, environmentally friendly surface at a fraction of the cost.
By understanding installation requirements, maintenance needs, and site preparation, Harrisburg property owners can make a smart, cost-effective choice that balances price, durability, and sustainability. Whether you’re resurfacing a driveway, building a new parking area, or creating a private road, asphalt millings are a practical and affordable option that works well in Pennsylvania’s climate.