Mill and Overlay
Mill and Overlay Paving in Charlotte and the Carolinas
What Is Mill and Overlay?
Milling is the process of mechanically grinding off the top layer of existing asphalt using a large drum machine. Once the damaged material is removed, we pave a fresh layer of asphalt directly onto the prepared surface below, and the base stays in place. The finished product is a structurally sound, smooth lot that performs like new pavement.
The depth of the mill depends on the condition of the existing surface and what the finished grade needs to look like. On most commercial lots, we’re milling one to two inches. On jobs with significant surface damage or grade corrections needed, it may be more. We assess the lot before we scope the work.
Mill and Overlay Process Overview
01. Evaluate the Existing Pavement
We inspect the existing asphalt and determine the right milling depth.
2. Mill the Damaged Surface
3. Prepare the Surface
4. Pave New Asphalt
Why Not Just Pave Over It?
Overlaying a failing surface without milling first is a short-term fix that creates longer-term problems. The existing damage works its way back up through the new layer faster than it should. You also gain height with every overlay, which causes problems around curbs, drains, garage doors, and ADA ramps — areas where tolerances are tight and even an inch makes a difference. Milling first solves both issues. It’s the approach we recommend in most cases, and we’ll tell you straight if your lot is a candidate for it or if the situation calls for something else.
When Does Mill and Overlay Make Sense?
Precision Grading on Every Job
Projects You Already Know
Click a project to see the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is milling and why does it matter?
How is mill and overlay different from just paving over the existing surface?
How deep does the milling go?
Can mill and overlay fix drainage problems in my parking lot?
In many cases, yes. Poor drainage on an existing lot is often a grade issue, which means that the surface doesn’t pitch correctly toward the drains, so water sits and pools. When we mill the lot, we have the opportunity to correct those grades before the new asphalt goes down. HGI uses TOPCON machine control on every paving job, which lets us hold precise grades across the entire surface and direct water where it needs to go.
How long does a mill and overlay project take?
Most commercial mill and overlay projects can be completed in a few days for a standard-sized parking lot. Larger properties, phased projects that need to keep portions of the lot open during construction, or jobs with significant grade corrections may take longer.
Why Choose HGI?
We've Already Built Places You Know.
We’ve been doing this since 2009 and have built recognizable landmarks across the Charlotte area. We don’t have to tell you we’re good. We can just show you.
Forged in the Field, Not in an Office.
Our owner is on every single job, not managing from a desk. With HGI, you work with the guy who built half of Charlotte with his own hands, not layers of project managers and superintendents.
One Call. One Company. Done.
From grading and utilities to paving and resurfacing, HGI handles the whole job. No managing five subs, no playing referee between contractors, and no surprises. We own the whole thing, start to finish.
Quality Minded, Production Oriented. GSD.
No excuses, no change orders, no hidden fees, no surprises. We say what we’re going to do and we do it because we’ve been doing it long enough to know how.
Straight Talk, Straight Proposals.
Before a single PO is signed, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. No vague scopes. No bait and switch. No slick sales guys who vanish once the contract is signed. What we write is what you get.